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Disabled with a 71 super
Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 8:55 am
by Codyd31691
Hello everyone I'm cody. New here and new to the vw community. My dad recently passed and I have acquired his 71 super beetle. I am disabled so my leg use is limited so I was thinking about a autostick so I could drive the vehicle. My questions are 1 will a auto stick fit the stock motor of a 71 with Opposed 4 (1585 cc | 96.7 cu in. | 1.6 L.) Motor and 2 what other modifications could I do to the vw for disabilities. I'm open to almost anything even a simple motor swap if need be just for a automatic transmission as I'm not worried about going original. Let me know what yall think and look forward to being a part of this amazing community.
Re: Disabled with a 71 super
Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2024 12:18 am
by Bruce.m
In theory, the auto stick gearbox could be fitted to a ‘71 super. However they are not very common & have some complications with a special oil pump on the engine and wiring to the gear shifter (which activates the clutch). So not a simple swap but doable.
Re: Disabled with a 71 super
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 3:30 am
by Piledriver
A full automatic is also doable, but more involved. They are very commonly used on trikes for riders with limited leg use.
The frame horns that hold the engine up essentially have to go, and a different engine support setup is needed, the T3s/T4s and Vanagons all used latter setup is some variation. Have seen the stock frame horns "clearanced" and braced but there isn't much left. (the full automatics have wide sumps)
The rear section of a T1 doesn't have a sufficient structure for a rear hanger, but a Kafer brace setup similar to commercial units is doable, but you will want to make it stronger.
Throttle cable needs rerouted to use the much stronger Vanagon automatic.(090) fits in same place as 003 auto used in the T3s and 411/412s.