Washburn's Metal Adjustable Shift Rod Coupler End — Early Pre-1965 or Late 1965 & Up, Weld-In | VW Beetle 1949–1979 & Ghia 1956–1974 (CH38 / CH37)
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Adjustable Shift Rod Coupler End — Early & Late Style VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia
Short answer: If your Beetle or Ghia is 1964 or earlier, choose Through 1964 (Early, CH38); for 1965 and later, choose 1965 & Later (Late, CH37). Both weld into your existing shift rod and let you set the exact shifter-to-transmission length.
This fully-adjustable shift rod coupler end lets you dial in the exact length you need between the shifter and transmission — ideal for shortened buggy-type applications. The threaded bung welds into your existing shift rod and a locking nut keeps it from moving.
Which year do I need?
| Year option | Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Through 1964 (Early, CH38) | CH38 | Early-style shift rod end, pre-1965 |
| 1965 & Later (Late, CH37) | CH37 | Late-style shift rod end, 1965 and up |
Key Features & Benefits
- Fully adjustable: Dial in the exact shifter-to-transmission length you need.
- Weld-in design: Threaded bung welds into your existing shift rod; locking nut prevents movement.
- Buggy-friendly: Great for shortened buggy-type shift rod applications.
Fitment
- VW Beetle 1949–1964 & Karmann Ghia 1956–1964: CH38 (early style)
- VW Beetle 1965–1979 & Karmann Ghia 1965–1974: CH37 (late style)
- Shortened-pan dune buggies and Manx-type builds using the matching Beetle shift rod style
Does not fit: Type 2 Bus or Type 3 shift linkage. Requires welding — not a bolt-on part.
What else you need
Pair it with a fresh Snap-Lock Delrin Shift Bushing (CH01) — see the Tech Bench install guide — and a King Performance Billet Shift Coupler for a slop-free linkage. Building a short chassis? See our Manx-type Dune Buggy parts, plus Drivetrain & Transmission and VW Beetle.
Technical Specifications
- Style: Early (pre-1965, CH38) or Late (1965 & later, CH37)
- Installation: Weld-in threaded bung with locking nut
- Shipping size: 4 x 2 x 1 in
- Manufacturer: Washburn's Metal
Frequently asked questions
- Which one fits my 1964 Beetle? Through 1964 (Early, CH38). A 1965 or later Beetle or Ghia takes 1965 & Later (Late, CH37).
- Does it bolt in or does it need welding? It needs welding — a threaded bung welds into your shift rod, with a locking nut.
- Is it good for a shortened buggy? Yes — that's what it's designed for: set the exact rod length after shortening.
- Who makes this? Washburn's Metal designs and builds it in-house in Orange, CA.
- How does it ship? Boxed at 4 x 2 x 1 in.
- What is the part number? Washburn's Metal CH38 for the early style (through 1964) and CH37 for the late style (1965 and later).
Made In-House by Washburn's Metal
This part is designed and fabricated in-house at our Orange, California shop rather than sourced from an overseas catalog supplier — we control the material, the tolerances, and the finish start to finish. If you run into a fitment question specific to your build (shortened chassis, buggy conversion, non-stock transaxle, etc.), contact us before installing and we can walk through it with you.
The Washburn's Metal Difference
Washburn's Metal is a family-run air-cooled VW & Porsche specialist shop — every part we sell is inspected before it ships, and our team is on hand by phone or email if you have a fitment question before or after you order. We stand behind what we sell: if a part doesn't fit as described, reach out and we'll make it right.
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
