The Recipient: 85 Cabby, aka “Buffy”, with 3-speed auto, 100mm axle set and power steering.
The Donor: 83 GTI, aka Moljinar, 5-speed manual FK transmission with 90mm axle set and manual steering.
The list of stuff:
1. Manual transmission, 020 type; 100mm axles or 90mm axle set (both work; we’ll discuss this later).
2. All clutch stuff: Clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, flywheel bolts, crankshaft bolts.
3. Shift linkages: All links and rods, the shifter lever, the ball socket it goes in, the rod it attaches to that runs the length
of the exhaust tunnel, the bracket that holds the nylon bushing the rod runs through, and shift knob. It is best to remove
all pieces from a donor vehicle so you can get it all and not miss anything. Then you can replace the few parts that may
be too worn.
4. Clutch cable.
5. Speedo cable.
6. Starter for manual transmission car (the automatic starter is completely different, it even spins in the wrong direction!).
7. Clutch pedal.
8. Pedal bracket for a manual car. There are issues here with ones from older donor cars. You can buy the exact bracket
you need from the dealer and I suggest you do.
9. You will need a new/different steering rack. The rack in an auto-equipped VW doesn’t have the bracket to bolt the shift
linkages to. Get a rack from a manual-equipped donor vehicle, preferably an identical model car. Early Rabbit models use
a different U-joint where they attach to the steering column. You can also change from power steering to manual steering
at this point if so desired.
10. Back-up switch plug with wire pigtail for rewiring back-up lights.
Free Download Volkswagen Cabriolet DIY Guide Swapping an Auto Transmission with a Manuall Transmission
Get the file Download here | PDF-HOME