Well, two VW's on the same day decided they didnt want to go anymore and
now im looking at a dead 94 passat and an 81 vanagon with no 3rd gear.

Anyone know where I can track down a new or rebuilt tranny for my
aircooled 81 here in CA?

also, any suggestions on if I should have my local shop just rebuild the
one I have, or use mine as a core to get one already rebuilt and just
have the local shop do the uninstall/reinstall for me?

Im not sure which if these options is more cost effective than the
other, and Ive never had  any of my cars over the years need any type of
transmission work before so I just dont know what to expect in terms of
cost....

I know I could get a rebuilt tranny from the BD for around $600, but
shipping it to here in Northern California and then sending my core back
is probably going to be a little too pricey....

any thoughts, tips, suggestions or misc tomfoolery is welcome...

thanks,
chris.