Shipping may not be as bad as you expect. When I was in NYC I shipped a
manual tranny to and from Southern California fro a rebuild. It was about 6 years
ago, so I can't remember the shipping cost, but I do remember it wasn't near as
bad as I thought it would be.

I was lucky enough to have the space to remove and install my transmission on
my own in NJ. Without that, I suppose it would get cost prohibitive having a
NY mechanic remove the transmission and install it, while a separate rebuilder
in the Northwest rebuilds it.

So as un-information packed as this e-mail has become, I guess the message is
the shipping costs may not be as painful as you think.

My problem at that time was I couldn't find ANYONE willing to work on my
manual Vanagon transmission except a VW dealer for about $4000+ at that time. So
the shipping and rebuild cost in CA seemed and was a lot cheaper even with
shipping. Someone will chime in on the preferred rebuilders around the country I'm
sure. Or, if luck is running someone competent in the NYC area.

Don't be discouraged though. It is an issue that has been solved before. I
think my total cost was about $1200 with the shipping & rebuild at that time.
And while that took a bite, it's been weel worth it.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

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