As others have said, Ed's and German Transaxle are excellent.  Ed's is a VW
factory authorized shop and runs around $2000 including removal/install.
You can also get a rebuilt unit from GoWesty for $1800.  Anyone can rebuild
these units, but you'll want them to get the best available parts, and you
may need a used differential which GT or Ed's will have.   GoWesty will take
your entire $750 core charge if the diff is bad.

Good luck!

Stuart
'85 Westy auto

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
arlen sondergaard
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 8:50 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Transmission mechanic

I have a 1987 Wolfsburg vanagon that needs some Transmission TLC.
I earlier (month ago)  had a repeated "Clunking" while driving   My
mechanic said it could not be the transmission and  was probably the vent
hoses for my gas tank.  Since he dropped my gas tank and changed them, I
have not heard the clunking  sound.  BUT, today after stopping at a stop
sign and starting off again,   the van completely died except for a
loud clacking that slowly stopped.  I restarted van and got home(withing a
mile).

Transmission fluid level ok.  But, this time Im going with my gut feeling
to get the transmission checked or rebuilt.
I called AA Transaxel who says he doesn't do automatic transmissions.
He directed me to Eds Transmission in Northgate near Seattle/Tacoma.

The question:  Is there a trustworthy  VW savvy Transmission expert in the
Portland area?
I do not want to drive to Seattle with this  problem.
Default is to start driving N. and somewhere around Longview call AAA ( I
have premium coverage) and have the van towed to Northgate.

Thanks,
Arlene Sondergaard
(same person, new e-mail)
Washougal, Wa