Get a shift on

Old Volkswagens often get a bad rap when it comes to finding the gears. Usually the people perpetuating the myth are not a fan of the superior German engineering, choosing to favour something much more mundane or poorly built instead.

It’s true, however, that there can be problems with the gears, but It’s just the same old story of lack of maintenance and 40-plus years of wear and tear. You see, our wonderful People’s Car gained such a strong reputation for reliability in its heyday, that many owners rarely, if ever maintained them to VW standards.

So, whether you are having problems finding the right gear, having a stiff lever (Ooer!) or even involuntarily selecting reverse all the time, this guide will show you how to rectify it and make shifting blissful again.

01 Jack up car

 With the car on level ground, loosen the wheel bolts on the nearside of the car. With standard wheels they will have a 19mm head. With the wheel bolts loosened, jack up the rear of the car. The aim