69 bug auto shifter

[tomearley]

Hi I'm new to the VW scene. I recently purchased a 1969 Bug auto shift.
I have trouble shifting it from a stop. It doesn't go into first without grinding, once it is up and running, it shifts to 1st and 2nd with ease, reverse seems okay as well. Thanks so much for this forum, very cool.
Tom

[Bruce.m]

Tricky. I’d check all the vacuum hoses for leak / perishing. I vaguely recall the vacuum opens the clutch when the gearstick microswitch is triggered (check that switch too). If there are vac leaks, id expect the clutch to drag at idle engine speed, if my theory is correct