" You can't push-start an automatic"

That's the deal killer right there.  Fifteen miles up a logging road in BC
with a dead battery you most definitely do not want an automatic.

I guess if you did all your driving in town the decision would be based on
different considerations, but in my part of the world I want a standard.
Really, I want a 5 speed, too.

On 5/18/07, Jim Akiba <syncrolist@bostig.com> wrote:
>
> Also... and I know this sounds dumb but it's true, you can't push start an
> automatic.. that ONE time you need it you won't be wishing. Although I
> also
> hear very good things about these vanagon auto trannies. Does anyone know
> if
> you can add clutch disc to beef up the clutch packs in them? Someone asked
> me this today and I don't know the answer.
>
> Jim Akiba
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sudhir Desai [mailto:sudhir.desai@GMAIL.COM]
> Sent: Friday, May 18, 2007 2:16 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Auto conversion to Manual?
>
> I think Ron summed the "why" up nicely.
> /*
> > I am asking because manual Multi Vans are in short supply. I will
> > probably simply go with an Auto, though prefer Manual. I understand
> > there are pros/cons for Auto/Manual - mostly I enjoy the interaction
> > with the vehicle - shifting can be fun!
> */
>
> Sudhir :D
>
> On 5/18/07, Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Why in the world would you convert an automatic to manual?  Going to do
> a
> > lot of off-roading?  If not, in my own personal experience (over 10
> years
> > w/Vanagons), I have found the automatic to be a far more reliable unit
> than
> > the manual trans.  Both my GL and Westy are automatics and I LUV 'em.
> >
> > YMMV
> > --
> > Jim Thompson
> > 84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
> > 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> > 73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
> > 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> > oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> > http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> > ***********************************
> > On 5/18/07, Ron LK Johnson <adhocMedia@comcast.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks to all who responded on the question of reducing a Full Westy
> > > to a Weekender (Multi Van). Out in left field question number two:
> > > is it possible to install a Manual transmission in a van originally
> > > set up for an Auto? Is there anything specific to the chassis that
> > > would make this especially difficult? I know a lot of changes would
> > > be needed - probably not worth the $$$.
> > > I am asking because manual Multi Vans are in short supply. I will
> > > probably simply go with an Auto, though prefer Manual. I understand
> > > there are pros/cons for Auto/Manual - mostly I enjoy the interaction
> > > with the vehicle - shifting can be fun!
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Ron Johnson
> > > Portland, OR
> >
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com