i have a 69 beetle with semiauto transmission. is the gearbox the same as standard manual type. i am looking to the future if the hydraulic clutch set up ever dies, can i fit a manual clutch system?

only by changing the box because the the stickshift is a 3 speed box with a torque convertor

did this conversion years ago... box will have to be changed as barls said... you will need new pedal assembly (to add clutch pedal) and new clutch and new gearbox.
hth

Drive it easy, no drag race's or any of that silly stuff and get it serviced (clutch adjustment) at the factory intervals, and it should be OK. there are three main problems with these cars. The diaphram in the sevo unit tears and won't hold enough vacuum to release the clutch. The points on the gear leaver get dirty and don't activate the servo unit. And the neutral saftey switch can give problem's, these are extremly hard to find, basicly non existant, you can only get secondhand one's.
They are wonderful to drive, and a good car that has recieved a bad reputation because most PPL dont understand them, and a lot of mechanics hate them because it is a bit time consuming to find faults.
Rob...

thanks guys, i havent had any trouble as yet except looking for clutch pedal to change gears. only had the car a short time and am going to see a mechanic to get a service and some other issues sorted out