But ya see I don't do all my Westy driving in town, in fact most is "on the
road".  I just completed a 6000 mile trip from So Cal to Tennessee and back
via the "scenic route" with my Westy Automatic.  Yep, lost a starter just
west of Nashville, reached under the seat/bed box for another, 45 minutes
later I'm on my way.  Who needs a push-start?

In the 10 years I've owned and driven my Westy Automatic, the "no push
start" element hasn't figured as a disadvantage.
--
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, Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> " 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