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short shift
baybuscamperkid - January 31st, 2003 at 04:42 PM

heard u all talking alot about these short shift kits lately. what are they? how do they work? are they easy to fit to a kombi? what are they worth?

Cheers:D


bus914 - January 31st, 2003 at 07:08 PM

around $15


Bizarre - February 1st, 2003 at 07:12 AM

put one on and change the rear coupler where it joins the transmission and also the shifter bushing that supports the rod just behing where the gear stick joins the floor.
The last two just firms every thing up and the short shift incteases the fulcrum angle so yo dont have to move the gear stick as far.

Add a nice leather gear handle (ihave a red back spider in epoxy) and you have a wonderful set up.
Maybe not as nice as a Hirst or GB but 1/2 the national debt cheaper

:bounce:cussing:bounce:cussing:bounce:cussing


11CAB - February 1st, 2003 at 01:59 PM

Personally I don't agree with the short shifters for Kombi's. The kombi gearstick is already a giant lever to swing on the shift forks in the gearbox and the short shifter gives you less feel for the gear selection increasing the chance of moving the shift fork and destroying the transmission. Sure its only $15 but how much to rebuild the transmission when its broken??
I've seen the damage that can be done.
Graham


Bizarre - February 1st, 2003 at 05:37 PM

Oooops didnt really notice the kombi bit!

Prolly agree with 2cab!


70AutoStik - February 2nd, 2003 at 07:22 PM

Probably have to agree, too. Berg makes a real nice shifter for the Kombi, but I haven't seen a 2nd-hand one for sale in more than 15 years (and they're bloody expensive new.) Replacing the shift coupler and shift rod bushing can make a huge improvement, though. A urethane shift coupler will tighten things up even more, but increase wear on the shift forks (if you're the kind of driver who rests his hand on the shifter, don't even consider it.)


bus914 - February 2nd, 2003 at 07:46 PM

I have one, installed in my bus, and I like the feel of it. Is it not possible to do the same damage with a berg shifter then? I thought that "never rest your hand on the stick" was rule number 1 of kombi driving, regardless of shifter type.

[Edited on 2-2-2003 by bus914]