I think I looked at getting a rebuilt TC when I was doing mine, and had
little luck finding one.  Or, it was quite expensive, especially with
shipping and then sending my core back.  I can't remember which of those
scenarios it was.  I ended up taking mine to a reputable local
rebuilder.  It was about $110 or so iirc.  Another disappointment on my
project was that I had a small leak at the TC seal.  I was very careful and
got the special VW seal and everything.  The guy who finally swapped in the
good used trans for me said the TC rebuild was not right, based on the way
it was leaking.

Edward

At 10:03 AM 12/20/2005, you wrote:
>Can we get new Torque Converters?
>How about rebuilt ones?
>John.
>
> >>> Edward Maglott <emaglott@BUNCOMBE.MAIN.NC.US> 12/20/2005 7:23:41 am >>>
>This is good advice too.  I had my TC rebuilt so it was empty.  I filled up
>tranny with oil, and then after I started the first time, it pumped all the
>oil into the TC.  I had to add a couple quarts more to make up for
>that.  If your TC was wired in, it shouldn't have totally drained, but may
>still have lost significant oil.
>
>Also, I find on checking the trans oil level dipstick, it is very sensitive
>to the angle of the van.  just a little slope will throw it off
>considerably.  I use a carpenter's level on the back deck and boards under
>the wheels until I get it pretty level.  Then check the oil level on the
>dipstick.
>
>Edward
>
>At 12:36 AM 12/20/2005, you wrote:
> >Hi, don't give up! you need to fill that torque converter... or, overfill
> >the trany a bit....  raise that engine RPM, the pump may be lazy... if the
> >torque is empty... you won't go far!
> >
> >I did replace 3 torque converter lately, the van won't move if the torque is
> >empty, even if the torque is full and the trany to low... it will slip a
> >lot...
> >
> >Regards, Ben
> >http://www.benplace.com/transmission.htm