Steve Sandlin wrote:

> My '84 automatic just went through a transplant with a rebuilt transmission.
>   The old one was gone to the point where it was beyond rebuild.  I didn't
> have time to do the work myself, so I sent it out.  Total was $1132.  That
> included a known good used transmission, a new torque converter, total
> rebuild of the transmission, seals as needed, and all labor.  I'm not
> disappointed.  It was expensive, but the van has a rebuilt engine, new paint
> and is in pretty good overall shape.  It is a Wolfsburg Westfalia, so I
> considered it worthwhile to do the work.
> Steve Sandlin
> http://www.steveslockshop.com
> '84 Wolfsburg Westy
> '79 Transporter
> '00 New Beetle
>
> >From: Durby Suniga <Durbys@PLAID.COM>
> >Reply-To: Durby Suniga <Durbys@PLAID.COM>
> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >Subject: It's not moving...UGH!!!
> >Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 11:07:48 -0700
> >
> >My worst nightmare has occurred.  My 87 'automatic' Wolfburg Vanagon has
> >died.  Now my Vanagon has had some recent transmission problems where when
> >you step on the accelerator, it just revs and then accelerates very slowly
> >and then finally shifts into the next gear and moves.  Well, my friend was
> >borrowing the Vanagon to move some of her furniture and she stepped on the
> >accelerator and the van didn't move!!!  Now the Vanagon sits on the side of
> >the road in a residential area.
> >Other than getting it towed, is there anything I can try to do to get it
> >back home?  Or is the easiest thing to do is get it towed.  At this point,
> >my wife thinks I should just get it towed to a local VW mechanic and ask if
> >he wants to buy it!!!  In need of some advice.
> >
> >Vanagon full of woes
>
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If there is a reasonable amount of fluid in it and it won't move, it looks like
towing is needed.
  $1100 for a rebuild sounds reasonable.  Around Chicago wrecking yards
routinely ask $1000 for a used AT with unknown miles. (If you can find one.)

Larry A.