Date:         Mon, 2 Sep 2002 13:42:18 -0700
Reply-To:     THE SCHMIDTS <SCHMIDT7@CORE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         THE SCHMIDTS <SCHMIDT7@CORE.COM>
Subject:      cost vs value
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Enroute to BNNTA yesterday, my '84 started leaking ATF badly.  The majority drips down and off the bottom of the housing that contains the torque converter.   I assume this is some sort of main trans seal or the torque converter seal. I replace a quart every 25 miles or so, and made it home fine.(smoking like H).  I do not want to pull the engine again myself (no time or patience).  What would a shop typically charge for this repair...assuming I can find one that'll do it. 
Even though this is a deluxe full camper that seats 6-7 and runs/drives/handles great, I am not sure that the value of the bus warrants repairing this. The body is ugly(Seam cancer L rocker and L rear corner damaged from tire tread separating).  
Until yest, it was ugly but a super driver which gave it some value.  Now it needs major repair to both body AND mechanicals).  Time to part it out??? Sell as is?  What would you guys do(that does not involve pulling the eng)?  
Knowing that the value is "whatever someone will pay"...what would someone pay for this as-is?
"We need more info."
OK-interior is good. camper equip works. slide-in 2 passenger middle seat which is westfalias best option EVER, it is a wolfsburg edition and is real comfy. all screens/tables present. aging mechanicals with exc maintenance for last 4 yrs/17K miles. All tune-up items/ belts/filters, etc new, but coolant hoses and the like replaced on as-needed basis. 17k on new exhaust, one head and gasket, engine seals. yaddayaddayadda.  Orange coolant replaced annually X4. 2 new michelins.
Looking for APPROX value and marketability as-is. Thanks.
J