CMI Billet Racing Shift Rod Coupler | Early Style Air-Cooled VW (Type 1 to '64, Type 2 to '67, Type 3 '62-'63, Ghia to '64) | 7075-T651 Black Hard Anodized, Made in USA (6111)
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CMI Billet Racing Shift Rod Coupler — Early Style | 7075-T651 Black Hard Anodized (CB 6111)
The factory shift rod coupler is a stamped part with cushioned bushings, and after decades of heat and shifting those bushings go soft. The result is a shifter that flops around in your hand and hunts for the gate. CMI Precision Machining of Corona, California machines this replacement coupler from a solid billet of 7075-T651 aluminum and finishes it in black hard anodize. It is made in the USA.
CMI recommends this coupler for racing applications, because it contains no dampening material. With nothing soft in the linkage, shifts are short and direct — and more gearbox noise and vibration comes up the shift rod than a cushioned coupler passes along. That is the trade.
Washburn's Metal is an authorized CMI Precision Machining dealer — genuine CMI parts, made in the USA, with full factory support.
Vehicle Fitment
- VW Type 1 (Beetle): through 1964.
- VW Type 2 (Bus): through 1967.
- VW Type 3: 1962–1963.
- Karmann Ghia: through 1964.
Later cars use the late-style coupler instead — see the CMI late-style billet racing shift rod coupler. If you are not sure which style your car has, pull the tunnel access cover and compare before ordering, or contact us.
Key Features and Benefits
- 7075-T651 aluminum billet: one of the strongest aluminum alloys used in aerospace work.
- Black hard anodized finish for wear and corrosion resistance.
- No dampening material: direct, immediate shifter feel — CMI's reason for calling it a racing part.
- Hardware included: zinc-plated cone point set screws and 8mm jam nuts (10mm hex).
- Made in the USA by CMI Precision Machining.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | CMI Precision Machining (Corona, CA) |
| Material | 7075-T651 aluminum billet |
| Finish | Black hard anodized |
| Hardware included | Zinc-plated cone point set screws, 8mm jam nuts (10mm hex) |
| Style | Early |
| Recommended use | Racing (no dampening material) |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Part number | CB Performance 6111 |
Installation Notes
- Set the coupler on the shift rod, tighten the cone point set screws, then lock each one with its 8mm jam nut (10mm hex).
- Check shifter travel and gate position before you button the tunnel cover back up.
- Because there is nothing soft in this coupler, expect more noise and vibration at the shift lever than a stock cushioned coupler gives you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it made from?
7075-T651 aluminum billet with a black hard anodized finish.
What hardware is included?
Zinc-plated cone point set screws and 8mm jam nuts, which take a 10mm wrench.
Which cars does it fit?
Type 1 through 1964, Type 2 through 1967, Type 3 1962–1963 and Karmann Ghia through 1964.
Is it a good choice for a street car?
CMI recommends it for racing applications because it has no dampening material. On the street it works, but you will feel and hear more of the transaxle through the shifter.
Who makes it?
CMI Precision Machining, in the USA.
Are you an authorized CMI dealer?
Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized dealer for CMI Precision Machining, so you get genuine CMI parts and factory support.
Related CMI Parts
All CMI Precision Machining parts
California Proposition 65 WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are 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.
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