Skip to content
Aussieveedubbers

I need a good swing arm beetle gearbox

0 likes
Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit
Log in to reply

GpMadison Learner Dubber

4 posts · joined Sep 2009 ·

#781078
I have a madison kit car running a worked 1600 type 1 engine and need a gearbox. I have been told I should look for one out of a 70's model Volkswagon L but am not sure if this is correct. It is a swing axle type but I don't know if there is any difference between the Vw L & S models.. Can someone help me out???

GpMadison Learner Dubber

4 posts · joined Sep 2009 ·

#781081
Also what difference is there between the 1300 1500 and 1600 model gearboxes??

STIDUB Over it.

1,497 posts · joined Jun 2008 ·

#781084
if its a swinger (single joint on the gearbox side of the axle) you want 50s 60s box
IRS is the 70's (joint in the axle on the gearbox side & wheel side)
S bugs have dual side plate IRS gearboxes
SOME L bugs have single side plate boxes, as do some type 3's i believe
IF it is a swinger, and you have access to welding gear & are somewhat competent/know someone who is, you can convert to IRS rear fairly easily

if your near brissy i have a mystery dual side plate IRS box, mystery as ive never driven it, car came without engine
and another that is your average box from a car thats done 10000000000000000km's
Volkswagen Drivers Club of Queensland - member 🙂

STIDUB - yep its still a work in progress

Vwdcq club car racing/ and crashing while my bug isn't finished.

The above are personal views, no more, no less

GpMadison Learner Dubber

4 posts · joined Sep 2009 ·

#781089
ok I need a gearbox out of a late 60's model, I now have been told that there is a 6v and 12v model, can the 6v model be modified to suit the 12v and how hard is this to do?

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#781091
GpMadison wrote:Also what difference is there between the 1300 1500 and 1600 model gearboxes??
the differential ratio is different...

4.375 to 1 or 3.88 to 1 ?? 4.125 to 1 ??

180 or 200mm clutch etc..

[6 volt or 12 volt ]?

from memory....

but if You have a swing rear axles and won't be able to use a gearbox from a Super beetle without major modifications...
You would be able to use a 1500 gearbox ..
which is what You may have...

cheers

LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#781092
GpMadison wrote:ok I need a gearbox out of a late 60's model, I now have been told that there is a 6v and 12v model, can the 6v model be modified to suit the 12v and how hard is this to do?
I was a bit slow with My last post...

early beetles are up to 1967** in Australia are 6 volt

late beetles started in 1968** in Australia are 12 volt..

I'll let someone else tell what You need to do as I haven't actually done one..

LEE

PS: nothing is impossible.... just a darn site harder....
**VWs model year not actual years

-
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

trickysimon 100km/h is only 9 seconds away

1,473 posts · joined Dec 2007 ·

#781095
Get a 70s model but just make sure that it is swing axle and not IRS gearbox 👍

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#781098
You can tell the swing arm gearboxes...
they usually have the axles connected....

the IRS gearboxes have the axles unbolted near the gearbox..

OK on a 1970s [1968-69-70+] gearbox [swing arm]

and I presume Your vehicle is a 12 volt...

the L or 1303 beetle gearboxes have the 3.88 rear end ratio
which is good for lowering the engine revs at speed..
But they are ONLY IRS...
so, major modifications are needed... IMHO.. lol

Your Diff ratio may be 4.375 or 4.125 to One...

You may be able to find a swing arm gearbox from a 1974 non super 1300 beetle.. that was about the latest..

after installing the gearbox I recommend a bottle of PRO-MAR Moly additive... it works great... stops wear...
similar product would be MOLYBOND...

I would also renew the rear gearbox/engine mounts..
and gearbox and engine seals... for good luck

cheers

LEE


-
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#781112
you need to find out what mounts your current gearbox has

if you have a 1600 engine i wouldn't recomment fitting a pre 67 gearbox unless you like shifting gears like a mack truck.

someone sent you on a bump steer with the Lbug box.
All Lbugs were IRS and single sideplate so you cant even put a swinger diff and axles in them
you can get swing axles from the standard model bug which dont have the strut front end from 68 to 75 but the 71-75 1300 boxes are geared pretty badly for a worked engine
and the 73-75 have a different front mount but this can be swapped.

best box to look for would be a 68-70 1500

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#781118
GpMadison

where are u at as it may be cheaper in the long run to get yours overhauled

only purchase a box that you can test drive so u know its good otehr wise u will be doing the job twice
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409