Flame suit on! I learned how to shift on one of those arcade machines that
has the shifter, clutch and gas pedal. Sounds crazy, but I went out when I
turned sixteen and bought a 63 B for $350. My dad didn't believe me when I
told him I knew how to shif. So he proudly drove the car towards home when I
bought it. But being the kind dad he was, he stopped about two miles from
home and let me try. I caught rubber in all four gears! Haven't burned up a
clutch yet.
Scott
76B
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From: <Ajhsys@aol.com>, on 8/1/2000 11:36 AM:
To:
SMTP@AST_SE4-1@Servers[<cfrench@cybertours.com>],SMTP@AST_SE4-1@Servers[<mgs@au
tox.team.net>]
In a message dated 7/31/00 6:17:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
cfrench@cybertours.com writes:
<< OT a little but I have procured an old Rabbit for my son with a four
speed and I am having difficulty in explaining how to do something I can do
in my sleep. Can anyone put shifting into words or know of a URL I could
get to for help on this. We now have a brand new clutch and I do not want
to kill that one before it's time. >>
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Try explaining what wears out the clutch and throw out bearing. If the pedal
is held in, such as at traffic lights, the throw out bearing is being worn.
If the clutch is allowed to slip, such as in creeping traffic, or by letting
the pedal out too slowly, the clutch plate will wear out. He should drive
with the pedal out all the way, not riding it, even if he is going slowly in
1st gear.
Then, it is up to him to experiment with letting the pedal out too fast or
too slow, and how much gas to give it at the same time. (CAUTION - It is
best if Dad is NOT around during this period. High blood pressure may
result.)
The Rabbit has a very nice clutch. If you let him figure it out, he will get
it right in no time. (BTDT with all of my kids.) Let him know that all cars
are different. I have a heck of a time getting a smooth shift out of my
son's Mazda RX-7, but my Midget is smooth as silk. I drove another VW last
year (a Fox, I think) and the clutch was terrible. It was a self adjusting
clutch that engaged all the way at the top.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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