I couldn't agree more. That is the only way to go. I did a somewhat similar
conversion recently. Remember you will need things like the brake/clutch
pedal assembly from a manual van. In order to put this in you will have to
remove the dash. That is a perfect opportunity to replace the master
cylinder while you are in there. Running the hydraulic clutch line is a
pain. Make sure that you get almost all of the fuel out of the van before
starting the project. I found it necessary to partially drop the gas tank
(didn't disconnect any hoses) in order to get the clutch line in. There are
some other issues involved also, but I'b buy a cheap, dead parts van and
transfer the needed parts from it.

Been there, done that.

Good Luck!

Bruce

>From: David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
>Reply-To: David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Automatic to 4 speed conversion
>Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 09:32:20 -0400
>
>On Mon, 21 Jul 2003, Terrence Clark wrote:
>
> > My automatic transmission died in my 1991 Vanagon Carat and I am about
> > to embark on a 4 speed conversion.  All my VWs are manuals and I've
> > grudgingly lived with the automatic because I love the Vanagon.  Now
> > that it's dead it's time to change.  Any words of wisdom before I start?
>
>Strongly consider buying a manual tranny van with a blown engine and
>transferring your good engine to it.  It will probably be less work.
>
>
>David Brodbeck, N8SRE
>'82 Diesel Westfalia
>'94 Honda Civic Si

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