At 04:55 PM 12/09/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>The question remains: why replace the 5 tc drive plate bolts? Has anyone NOT
>replaced them after removing them and had any ill-effects?

That's a great question. I know many have reused the bolts. Have any or
will any admit that subsequently the converter came loose with much hell to
pay??????????

>I know...not DM if VW says to do it. It's just that doing things "right" ie
>the long way has turned into a six month downtime for an exhaust replacement
>that involved engine removal... I need to get on the road as my trusty 77
>goes in the garage for the winter this week lest it be exposed to sodium
>chloride. Yikes!

As someone earlier suggested, these are special bolts designed for one time
use. If they came loose just enough to allow the flex plate to shift back
and forth at all, in no time the crank would rip the center out.
>I hope this tc bolt part is an acceptable corner to cut. Is it?

You must judge the risk in this case. Is it good practice? No, not
according to those who know the most about the design, the BigBrowedApes
that made it. Can you get away with it????? Definately maybe. Your the one
laying your money on the table. Your the one throwing the dice. Know the
game before you play. Don't cry if the odds don't pay off.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA