King Performance Billet Shift Coupler — Early or Late, 7075-T651 Anodized | Air-Cooled VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 & Thing 1950–1979 (CH16 / CH15)
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King Performance Billet Shift Coupler — Early & Late Style Air-Cooled VW (7075-T651 Aluminum)
Short answer: Beetles through 1964 (chassis 5 911 560), Ghias through 1965, Buses 1955–1967 and Type 3 through 1964 (chassis 221 974) take the Early (CH16) coupler. Beetles 1965–1979, Ghias 1965–1974, Buses 1968–1979, Type 3 1965–1973 and the 1973–1974 Thing take the Late (CH15) coupler.
A worn rubber or plastic factory coupler is the number-one cause of a sloppy, vague shifter. King Performance machines these couplers from aircraft-grade 7075-T651 billet aluminum and black hard anodizes them for a crisp, direct shift feel with nothing to wear out. Made in the USA.
Which year do I need?
| Year option | Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1950–1967 (Early, CH16) | CH16 | Beetle 1950–1964, Ghia 1956–1965, Bus 1955–1967, Type 3 1961–1964. Cone set screw + 8mm locking jet nuts. |
| 1965–1979 (Late, CH15) | CH15 | Beetle 1965–1979, Ghia 1965–1974, Bus 1968–1979, Type 3 1965–1973, Thing 1973–1974. Shoulder bolt hardware; lifetime breakage guarantee. |
Key Features & Benefits
- 7075-T651 aluminum: High-strength billet construction, lighter and stronger than OEM.
- Black hard anodized: Durable, corrosion-resistant finish.
- Precision shifting: Eliminates the slop of worn stock couplers.
- Hardware included for each style.
- Made in the USA by King Performance; the late coupler is guaranteed for life against breakage.
Fitment
- VW Beetle: 1950–1964 through chassis 5 911 560 (Early CH16); 1965–1979 (Late CH15)
- VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1965 (Early CH16); 1965–1974 (Late CH15)
- VW Type 2 Bus: 1955–1967 (Early CH16); 1968–1979 (Late CH15)
- VW Type 3 Notchback/Squareback/Fastback: 1961–1964 through chassis 221 974 (Early CH16); 1965–1973 (Late CH15)
- VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974 (Late CH15)
Does not fit: Auto-Stick (semi-automatic) transaxles or Vanagon. 1965 Ghias straddle the change — match the coupler to your shift rod end.
What else you need
For the best shift feel, replace the shift rod bushing while the linkage is apart: our Washburn's Snap-Lock Delrin Shift Bushing (CH01) — see the Tech Bench install guide. Browse Transaxle Components and Drivetrain & Transmission.
Technical Specifications
- Material: 7075-T651 aluminum, black hard anodized
- Early (CH16) hardware: Zinc-plated cone set screw and 8mm locking jet nuts, 10mm hex
- Late (CH15) hardware: Type 2 stainless shoulder bolt, Grade 8 AN washer and flex-top lock nut, cone point set screw with thin jam nut
- Part Numbers: CH16 (early), CH15 (late)
Frequently asked questions
- Which one fits my 1966 Beetle? The 1965–1979 (Late, CH15) coupler. A 1962 Beetle takes the 1950–1967 (Early, CH16).
- Which one fits my 1967 Bus? The Early (CH16) — Buses changed to the late style for 1968.
- What material is it made from? Aircraft-grade 7075-T651 billet aluminum, black hard anodized.
- Is there a warranty? The late coupler (CH15) is guaranteed for life against breakage.
- What hardware is included? Early: cone set screw and 8mm locking jet nuts. Late: stainless shoulder bolt, Grade 8 AN washer, flex-top lock nut and cone point set screw with jam nut.
- Where is it made? In the USA by King Performance.
- What is the part number? Early style is CH16; late style is CH15 (King Performance late coupler KP-798211).
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.
