Van instead of SUV?

[Isaac Zackary]

Well I'm headed in the other direction currently in regards to vehicle size. The millions of miles the ol' Golf has are now catching up. Today something went out and it seems to be the transaxle, so I now have to get my Beetle running. The Beetle just needs a few more wires, hoses and some front end work to be running, so it's a lot closer to running condition than the Golf.

If the Beetle proves to be reliable, which it should with the new engine, I may just keep it unless someone is willing to fork over the big bucks for it. It's funny, I get people coming by all the time wanting to buy either the Bug or the diesel Golf. It's kind of nice having vehicles that instead of depreciating are raising in value (at least until their transmissions explode.)

[freebeard]

Time for a five-[six-?]speed.

I get people coming by all the time wanting to buy either the Bug or the diesel Golf.

That's like having a Superbeetle and a Dasher Diesel.

I need to un-cocoon the Superbeetle. I want to show it at Springfield German on Father's Day and if it doesn't sell, take it to Bend, OR.

Currently at Enter your ZIP code - NADAguides in my ZIP area the 1971 Superbeetle is:
MSRP $1,985
Low $3,775
Average $8,600
High $19,800

The Arcimoto FUV has inflated — $11,800 is now $11,900.

[Isaac Zackary]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Time for a five-[six-?]speed.

As far as I've read, the 2014 MAZDA5 is a 6 speed.

I've been tempted to convert to a 5 speed in the Bug, but that's just daydreaming since the parts alone cost over $2,000, not to mention all the machine work.

The good news about the Bug is that I bought mine for $3,000, but there are several here that have sold for over $6,000. I've seen a few for as much as $10,000 and weren't in the greatest of shape either. If someone offered me that much I'd take it, but with all I've done to the Bug I won't take anything less.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zackary

I've been tempted to convert to a 5 speed in the Bug, but that's just daydreaming since the parts alone cost over $2,000, not to mention all the machine work.

It's quite easier to do that swap here in Brazil due to the greater availability of longitudinally-engined Volkswagens with a 5-speed (at least until 2013), but AFAIK there was at least one company selling an adaptor to revert the rotation of a Subaru 5-speed transmission for swaps into Volkswagens.

[freebeard]

To be ready for the Arcimoto FUV when it ships, I need to let go of some items, possibly including the 5-speed that was in my notchbak Type III.

I called Gene Berg [RIP] about his five-speeds, but he grumbled about getting out of that line, so I went with the Mikey 5-Speed out of Beaverton Oregon. I still have the build sheet with the ratios somewhere. It would need to be converted from swing axles, and the sheet metal would have to be bumped and the shifter modified.

The problem with second gear syncho that prompted the rebuild came back, and I had it sent it to a shop in Bend for a 2nd rebuild and it came back no better. But I drove on it a lot double-clutching to shift down into second.

I could give you an Ecomodder discount, minus the axles and brakes (you already have).

[Isaac Zackary]

Originally Posted by freebeard

To be ready for the Arcimoto FUV when it ships, I need to let go of some items, possibly including the 5-speed that was in my notchbak Type III.

I called Gene Berg [RIP] about his five-speeds, but he grumbled about getting out of that line, so I went with the Mikey 5-Speed out of Beaverton Oregon. I still have the build sheet with the ratios somewhere. It would need to be converted from swing axles, and the sheet metal would have to be bumped and the shifter modified.

The problem with second gear syncho that prompted the rebuild came back, and I had it sent it to a shop in Bend for a 2nd rebuild and it came back no better. But I drove on it a lot double-clutching to shift down into second.

I could give you an Ecomodder discount, minus the axles and brakes (you already have).

Thanks! But I'm a bit strapped at the moment. It's still tempting though to say the least.

Personally I haven't been able to get out of the habit of double clutching my downshifts ever since I drove commercially. And the heavier flywheels in my Bug and my Golf haven't helped me loose the feel for it either. I loved double clutching down to first in a parking lot in the diesel and watch everyone turn their heads wondering what in the world am I doing blipping the engine like that just to slowly put around the parking lot.

But then the other day I drove my mom's 2014 Chevy Sonic and when I tried to downshift next thing you know the RPMS flew up faster than I expected and then right back down where they were as soon as I let off the accelerator. What do they make these new flywheels out of nowadays? Beryllium?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I called Gene Berg [RIP] about his five-speeds, but he grumbled about getting out of that line, so I went with the Mikey 5-Speed out of Beaverton Oregon. I still have the build sheet with the ratios somewhere. It would need to be converted from swing axles, and the sheet metal would have to be bumped and the shifter modified.

Why would it have to be converted to swing-axle? Wouldn't it make more sense to use the semi-trailing arms with CV joints?

[freebeard]

converted from swing axles

converted to swing-axle

One of these things is not like the other.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

My fault

[freebeard]

No worries. Imagine the shipping cost to Porto Alegre, Rio.