Dennis,

I was curious what a shop would charge to do it so when I get some bids I could get a feeling whether they are jerking me around or not.  Honestly, in my younger days I would do it myself without thinking twice.  But at 54, I have little desire in climbing under the car and pulling the trans, etc.  On the other hand, if we're looking at $7-800 or more difference (which we may be) and I can find a good rebuild AT in the L.A. area (which is likely - I just don't want to deal with shipping a trans) I might consider it.  I'm fine mechanically - I completely rebuilt the engine on my spit this last spring (and it runs awesomely now) so swapping out a transmission is daunting only in a physical way. 

This place has a rebuilt AT with the converter and final drive for $1600 or $1800 (depending on the warranty).  $700 core charge, shipping... 
http://www.germantransaxle.com/catalog/volkswagen/vanagon/automatic-converter-final-drive-complete-/

Dan
Los Angeles, CA
"Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender

On Oct 13, 2011, at 3:47 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> Are you looking to buy one and swap it yourself or have as hop do it? This
> is a simple transaxle set up and most any competent transmission shop should
> be able to take care of it for you. The book says 12.6 hours for overhaul
> including remove and replace. I would recommend replacing the torque
> converter (they get rebuilt) and cleaning, pressure testing the oil cooler.
> Parts prices will vary depending on needs starting with the "Master"
> overhaul kit. Any hard parts like the pump or gears-shafts will add to the
> cost. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Daniel Rotblatt
> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:35 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Cost of AT rebuild?
> 
> Though I'm going to try an additive to my slipping transmission (Lucas),
> looks like it will need a rebuild sooner rather then later.  I was wondering
> how much a reasonable bid would be for a rebuild?  It's an '85 automatic
> transmission, 3 speed.  The basic standard.  The AT is slipping when
> speeding up after going around a turn.  I've recently had the fluid changed,
> it was overfull before and it's slipping a little more now though the fluid
> is at the right level now.
> 
> Dan
> Los Angeles, CA
> "Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender
>