The quoted price for labor seems reasonable, if not low. Of course they
paln on making profit on the parts. The labor is not enough to keep most
shops in business. As a transmission shop they already have connections
to get all the low ball parts available to transmission shops. Just make
sure they do not charge dealer list for any parts not supplied by a VW
dealer. For example, the dealer will charge ~ $140 for the second gear
brake band. The after market imitation will cost the shop ~$20. I've
found that the seals for the final drive and between the auto and final
drive should come from the dealer so they fit and work. In particular,
the seals between the sections need space between them so any oil that
gets past a seal can run out the drain hole. The OEM seal have stops on
them to make sure this happens. The Vanagon torque converter is a rare
piece. Yours will probably have to be rebuilt. This is done by cutting
it open. Cleaning and replacing internal parts as needed, welding back
together, leak testing and balancing. If you insist on supplying parts,
don't be surprised if the shop says no warranty.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Edward Maglott
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 5:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Getting AT rebuilt

I am in need of rebuilding the AT in our '86 Westy.  I talked today to a
reputable and recommended rebuilder here in town.  I had thought about
pulling the tranny and carrying it to them, but it is only $100 labor
additional fro them to do the R&R.  I figure that would also take out of
the picture any (real or suspected) possibility that I mess something up
on
the reinstall.  They quote $325 for the labor including R&R.  They give
no
indication how much the parts will cost.  They say this labor quote will
include replacing seals in the final drive.  This sounds pretty
reasonable
to me.  I am wondering if they make a chink of profit on marking up the
parts.  What parts am I pretty sure they will need, that I can buy ahead
of
time to cut that down?  I would want a new/rebuilt Torque converter.
And I
guess there is a gasket set they will need?  I think Frank Condelli once
pointed me to a cheap source for a "kit" for the trans.  Any help
appreciated.
Edward