Hello! I'm Ross from Derbyshire

Hello all,

My name is Ross and I'm about to start my first bay window adventure! I've never had any experience with old VW's but have had other classics/hot rods ect, so it's all quite new to me.

This is my bus, Deposit paid and I collect it this week




I've done a fair bit of research before I made the purchase and think that this is a pretty good start! all solid panels (few flakey bits of paint), welding recently done, new engine 3000 miles ago and interior is usable! this bus will be used for camping, roadtrips, fishing trips and festivals with my wife and our little Pug, But I do intend on keeping it up to show condition and will be adding my own touches as I go.

I do have a few questions which i'm hoping can be answered on here if possible!

My first one being about the gear selection, I'm aware they aren't the greatest for smooth, easy gear changes, but my first job will be to do what I can to make it a little easier, as I couldn't seem to find second when I test drove it. I've seen a quick shift kit on ebay for around £45 and and EMPI shifter for around £80, has anyone used either/both of these and do they improve gear selection?

Thanks!

 

Nice bus - it appears to have a moustache?!

If you have sloppy gear selection then fitting any sort of aftermarket shifter won't help - you need to get underneath and work out why there is play. Could be worn / missing bushes or poss even just adjustment needed. There is a bush at the front of the selector rod that is sometimes missing (mine was) plus the "block" thing at the rear / infront of the gearbox is often also v worn. Replace these if they're worn / sloppy and you should see an improvement. Once you know that you've removed all the slack, then yes an aftermarket shifter will add some more precision - i have a gene berg on mine.

 

Welcome Ross, nice bus and the best colour scheme <<< Looks like one of your first jobs will be to fix the suspension – if you want to use it for camping and roadtrips.
I have an EMPI shifter on mine and it works okay, it’s certainly not the best but I couldn’t find any others with a proper ‘knob’, they all seem to have ‘T’ handles or aluminium things.

 

Hi and welcome. Is your suspension broken?

 

Thanks buddy, The tash was to keep in touch with the 70's, are you not a fan? lol

Right ok, so I'll see what condition my current set up is in and replace some of those bits before I splash out on a new shifter ect, thanks!

 

I'm in Heanor, Right on the Derbyshire/Nottingham Border, Originally from Kent, but moved to the midlands in September!

 

Thank you! I always pictured myself with a sky blue/white colour scheme, but i'm getting used to the orange if i'm honest, yes, suspension will need looking at, I like the low look, and it's 'practical' as my garage door hangs quite low, so in that sense it's great, but I won't be tackling any fields yet. so will need to find a happy medium. Not too fussed about the gear knob as such so a t-handle wouldnt faze me too much

 

Thanks! Nope, not broken

 

I've got the standard set up on mine and it works fine. I couldn't get 2nd when I first drove it but that turned out to be driver error. Once mastered it's easy.

 

Ah nice and local! Wouldn't mind some advice of some local garages/specialists you'd reccomend if you wouldn't mind? like I said we moved up in September so still new to the area! Thanks

 

I figured some of it would be down to me throwing the stick around all willy nilly but I guess I just need to get used to it and then maybe looking at upgrading parts, as said here previously i will check for any worn parts and then just have to get used to it Thanks!

 

@MorkC68 Thanks for that buddy, I've been trying to get hold of deadubs for a few days now but not getting anywhere, just spoke to a fella at Absolute VW and he seems friendly enough. Just looking to start with a basic service and a general look around the bus for piece of mind. I'm no mechanic but I do like having a go where I can! So are there any local meets/cruises around this area that may be worth tagging along to? Sorry for all the questions!

 

Hi from West Lancashire.
PO put an Empi on mine - so I know no different - it works OK but 2nd is still difficult.
Mine is slightly lowered ( 2 splines at the back) - but yours seems a lot lower than that.

 

Welcome along from Cheshire.

 

Hello. I found second a struggle, but replacing the rear gear rod coupling and adjusting the floor plate at the stick end has it sorted now. You still have to ask it nicely, particularly changing down into second, but it's easy now I'm used to it.

 

Welcome along from the North East