CMI Billet Racing Shift Rod Coupler | Late Style Air-Cooled VW (Type 1 & Type 3 '65 & Up, Type 2 '68-'79, Ghia '68-'74, Thing) | 7075-T651 Black Hard Anodized, Made in USA (6112)

CMI Billet Racing Shift Rod Coupler — Late Style | 7075-T651 Black Hard Anodized (CB 6112)

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): 1965 and later.
• VW Type 3: 1965 and later.
• VW Type 2 (Bus): 1968–1979.
• Karmann Ghia: 1968–1974.
• VW Thing (Type 181).

Earlier cars use the early-style coupler instead — see the CMI early-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.
• Complete hardware included: stainless shoulder bolt (3/16" Allen), Grade 8 AN washer, flex-top lock nut, zinc-plated cone point set screw and 8mm jam nut (10mm hex).
• Made in the USA by CMI Precision Machining.

Technical Specifications

Installation Notes

• The shoulder bolt takes a 3/16" Allen key; the flex-top lock nut goes on with the Grade 8 AN washer under it.
• Set the coupler on the shift rod, tighten the cone point set screw, then lock it with the 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?
A stainless shoulder bolt (3/16" Allen), a Grade 8 AN washer, a flex-top lock nut, a zinc-plated cone point set screw and an 8mm jam nut (10mm hex).

Which cars does it fit?
Type 1 and Type 3 from 1965 on, Type 2 1968–1979, Karmann Ghia 1968–1974 and the Thing.

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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