I have a '68 VW Bug and its a stick, but I was wondering if its possible to change the transmission or something to make it an automatic. Is it possible?
2006-11-14 15:22:35 · 10 answers · asked by lilbrudderjp 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
Here is the place for advice for autosticks: http://www.volks.org/vwar/
Anyways, what you want to do is honestly not that huge of project, but problem is that part supply for autosticks are just no longer around and they're only going to get worse as time goes on. That doesn't mean you can't get your hands on them, but you're going to have to know where to look. If I where to do it, I'd probably find an autostick parts (car could be junk, you'll just need the autostick parts and that's all that matters) and just strip it for the parts. In the long run this will probably be the cheapest way for getting everything you need. Could probably think of a few more ways of going about it, but just going to depend on what you can find. Anyways, still the best thing you could do would be just to sale this one and buy an original autostick. Converting your manual to autostick will actually decrease its value and it's going to be a pricey headache. People love to tell you that autosticks are very rare, their not, they are less common than manual beetles, but they are still easy to find. Also since they have a negative image, you can find them in good shape for less than basically the same car with a manual.
Probably should have covered this first but you do know that an autostick is not the same as full automatic. It became an option for the Beetle/Ghia in 68, basically it's a manual in that you have to shift, but there isn't a clutch. It has a negative image for being unreliable, but most of these issues were caused by not being used correctly rather than a design error. As well this transaxle can not take any sort of performance engines, they just will not last, and 1776cc will pretty much be your max. The type 2, 3, 4 did have a full automatic, I've never heard of one being used in a Beetle, but I'm sure with money and skill you could make it happen.
2006-11-15 17:15:01 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As mentioned by most, not worth doing. Is possible, not worth it. Another problem is that the special shifter has a electrical switch in it that activates the vacuum clutch thingy that allows you to shift and these are no longer manufactured and expensive as heck to find should your's go out. It is a ring contact assembly that when you pull slightly on the shifter towards the gear you are wanting it sends an electrical signal to the clutch mechanism to disengage it so that you can simply shift without having to worry about the clutch. Reengages it when you remove your hand from teh shifter. Very hard to find these anymore when you need them and it won't shift or drive if this goes out as you no longer have a "foot clutch" to shift manually.
If you can find a suitable donor car with all the special equipment then you can also find a good automatic car already done. They were a very unique system that really did work, but I cannot imagine that the adaptation would ever be worth it, besides it would make your car no longer original as well.
2006-11-15 11:48:48 · answer #2 · answered by mohavedesert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its possible, but not feasable. All V W start out as a basic shell, ready to be built into whatever it needs to be. But at the factory. Once its a four speed, it would be a night mare and expensive to turn into a three speed automatic like its sister vehicle.
2006-11-15 00:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by dewhatulike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VW had automatics in the bugs. Very easy conversion if you can find one.
I think 1973 was the first year.
2006-11-15 19:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by R1volta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Given enough time and money, it's possible. But that isn't what it was designed to be, and would take lots of changes. If you want to trade for an automatic, TRADE for one. Sell what you have and buy what you want rather than try to reinvent the wheel.
2006-11-14 23:27:45 · answer #5 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably possible, but why would you want to? All of the people I know that can drive a stick actually prefer it over a manual, including me.
2006-11-14 23:31:19 · answer #6 · answered by willow oak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do that, that's like neutering a guy. Geeesh, leave the poor thing alone!
2006-11-16 09:22:57 · answer #7 · answered by PegBundyWannabe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol ya but its very expensive probably the same amount as a new car would cost you
2006-11-14 23:31:33 · answer #8 · answered by marilu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes but expensive
2006-11-14 23:27:05 · answer #9 · answered by barry r 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and its not an easy job
2006-11-16 16:14:53 · answer #10 · answered by chrome 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋