VW Trends - Stick It
Converting a late model Auto-Stick VW to a standard trans








STICK IT
by Jere Alhadeff

Converting a late model Auto-Stick VW to a standard trans

Nowadays it seems the only bargains you are apt to find when shopping for a late model Volkswagen Bug or Karmann Ghia is one equipped with the veritable "Auto-Stick" transaxle. And once told that the sale vehicle is an Auto-Stick, most buyers will respond, "Thanks, but no thanks." Yet many shoppers have no idea what an Auto-Stick is and wrongfully figure it would require a simple trans swap to return this VW to "normal". They have no conception of how involved the conversion can be.

But often the price of the Auto Stick is too good to pass up so we'll take a look at what is necessary to complete this conversion - but keep in mind that this is a fairly involved procedure.

Auto-Stick-equipped VW Bugs and Ghias are missing one very important component of a similar VW stick-shift model. This missing vital part is the clutch cable tube in the floorpan tunnel. While we have heard of a couple of exceptions to this fact, we have never seen one. It is possible to drive a VW without this tube in place, but it is certainly not advisable. Take it from one who knows.

Besides requiring some critical welding, as well as a good deal of work time, you will no doubt need to make a cable tube (new ones are no longer available from your authorized dealer). Working with a used tube is also an involved procedure. You will need to remove one from an old floorpan, and since this tube is braced in the center, removing it is a chore. Even if you find a wrecking yard who will remove one for you, finding a floorpan and tube not too badly rusted might be impossible.

The cable tube and its mount shown here are from BK Transmissions in Huntington Beach, CA (7652 Slater, 92647), and retails for $29.95 plus shipping and applicable sales tax. Full instructions are included.

Other necessary items include a standard pedal assembly and bowden tube and trans mount for your year VW. You will also need a stick shift shift gate, a matching flywheel, gland nut and clutch, a standard VW oil pump and, if you wish, a different shifter.