John,

Why not just trade your van with someone that has an automatic.  Most
owners with automatics would rather have a manual so you could probably
get a van that's a little nicer than yours and call it a fair trade.
Probably save you and someone else that wants an auto tranny a lot of
work.  Also realize that top speed in an auto tranny vanagon is around 60
mph, unless you have big tires or feel comfortable running it over 4000
RPM.  Top speeds on hilly freeways are about half that.  Not very
practical if you ask me, especially considering that gas mileage is less
than with a manual tranny (16-18 mpg).

Andrew Fox
86 Westy with auto tranny (for sale)
Ft. Collins, CO

On Wed, 19 Feb 2003, John Rodgers wrote:

> Seems like I have a knee that is going to eventually fail me. All the
> clutching I do driving in the big city is aggravating the joint and I'm
> looking at going to an automatic to get relief. I really like my 88 GL,
> it really serves me well, performs well and except for the knee, have no
> reason to dispose of it. But, the knee thing is giving me pause.....
>
> I had the tranny rebuilt some time ago, and it runs very well on Redline
> MT90, rebuilt the engine and put 40,000 uneventful ones on it, plus some
> miscellaneous stuff, and I'm happy... but for the knee.
>
> Question: Is it reasonable/feasible to convert the van over to an
> automatic? What is involved. What parts are required that I DON'T have.
> Will it look dorkey when done, or will it be a clean installation, as if
> it were made that way? What cost should be anticipated. Auto tranny cost
> as well as the other automatic parts, shift lever, etc.
>
> Just questions. Is it a reasonable project?
>
> Thanks guys and gals.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>