Thanks for your comments, they do make good sense. 

I'm looking at FAS in Maine to do all the work. 

Matt

On Apr 28, 2013, at 7:49 AM, "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> My opinion on this is that you should definitely seek a specialist that has
> done many of these.  I have seen the work that local "Auto Trans"
> specialists do and it ain't pretty unless they have a history of doing VW
> transmissions.  Usually they will be up front with you and tell you either
> that they won't work on VW transmissions or that they never have before.
> That is your cue to run for the door.  Yes this trans isn't anything that
> special, and yes it isn't as complicated as other transmission out there in
> newer cars.  However, an experienced specialist has learned many things the
> hard way (failures) that a person new to the transmission hasn't.  Do you
> want to pay them to learn on your van?  I  wouldn't.  I usually just use
> German Transaxle.  They have the parts supply chain and the experience to
> get the job done right.  The the completely rebuilt unit, put it in and
> move on with your life.  Removing and replacing the auto trans is something
> that isn't difficult and pretty much any competent shop or skilled lay
> person can do.  Leave the rebuilding to the specialists.
> 
> That is my opinion.  I have no financial interest in giving this advice,
> just trying to help folks out.
> 
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
> 
> 
> On Sun, Apr 28, 2013 at 6:15 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:
> 
>>        Your looking at this from all the wrong angles.  That auto tranny
>> in your Vanagon is a very common auto tranny used in many platforms of the
>> VW Audi group and maybe elsewhere.  You do not need a Vanagon Specific
>> transmission shop.  Almost any transmission shop that services and rebuilds
>> automatic transmission should be able to work on your Vanagon auto tranny.
>> 
>> 
>> On 2013-04-28, at 12:00 AM, Automatic digest processor <
>> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
>> 
>>> There are not too many Vanagons
>>> with automatics in Michigan, at least around Detroit.  So, good shops are
>>> hard to find.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> Frank Condelli
>> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
>> '87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel
>> Trains (Collection for sale)
>> Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the
>> Ottawa Valley
>> Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
>> BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2013
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com