I don't own an auto tranny vehicle, but there has been a lot of material
generaed on the list about how much easier it is to repair an auto
tranny vs a manual tranny. From what I have read, anyone with  a
reasonable home toolbox  and some mechanical skills should be able to
rebuild an auto tranny in their garage at home. Not so for the manual
tranny. The manual tranny, as I understand it, requires the use of jigs
for assembly - jigs not easily come by.

Good Luck.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

David Yates wrote:
> Dear Robert
>
> Sad news . . . BUT
>
> FWIW, my experience is that the cost of parts to rebuilt the auto
> transmission is not that great and the actual work is NOT that difficulty
> for someone interested in getting their vehicle going again - but requires a
> bit of attention to detail.  The satisfaction is almost as great as having
> put a Subaru engine in several years back.
>
> Believe me, I know what it is to have a wife whose opinion of an aging van
> are dissimilar from my own.
>
> Dave
> Downunder
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> John Rodgers
> Sent: Friday, 18 May 2007 12:36 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Anyone interested in my Vanangon?
>
> Robert,
>
> Sorry to hear of your misfortune.
>
> Rather than letting your beloved Carat go, it may be the time to upgrade
> the engine to a Subaru for better power, greater reliability AND
> increased gas mileage..
>
> Those latter two are especially something to think about.
>
> Wish you the best.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver.
>
> Robert Campbell wrote:
>
>> Alas, a sad day for me has arrived.  Very sad, I was so bummed out it
>> has taken me two weeks to get to the point where I can write this
>> email....
>>
>> So, after 187,400 miles, the ATF cooler failed on my beloved 1991
>> Carat.  Still running and I **could** drive it, but the damage is done.
>>
>> Anyone want to make me an offer?  At a minimum, I have the GoWesty 15"
>> wheels and tires (about 40K miles on them and the tread is STILL very,
>> very good!).  This was/is the best money I spent on my dear Vanagon.
>>
>> My Vanagon is located in Palm Beach County, Florida, ZIP 33437.
>> Anyone want to make me an offer?
>>
>> Finally, as GoWesty.com states, if you haven't changed that ATF
>> cooler, DO IT NOW!
>>
>> With the looming $4.00/gallon gas price, my move to NC and need to do
>> some commuting, I cannot justify (read that as: the wife says "Get rid
>> of it") repairing my dear Vanagon.
>>
>> I'll try to get some pics posted so you can see the Carat -- it's the
>> VW White color FYI.
>>
>> Best of luck to one and all!
>>
>>       -Robert
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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