Date:         Wed, 19 Feb 2003 17:30:43 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Of Crotchety Knees and Autotranny Conversions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Seems like I have a knee that is going to eventually fail me. All the
clutching I do driving in the big city is aggravating the joint and I'm
looking at going to an automatic to get relief. I really like my 88 GL,
it really serves me well, performs well and except for the knee, have no
reason to dispose of it. But, the knee thing is giving me pause.....

I had the tranny rebuilt some time ago, and it runs very well on Redline
MT90, rebuilt the engine and put 40,000 uneventful ones on it, plus some
miscellaneous stuff, and I'm happy... but for the knee.

Question: Is it reasonable/feasible to convert the van over to an
automatic? What is involved. What parts are required that I DON'T have.
Will it look dorkey when done, or will it be a clean installation, as if
it were made that way? What cost should be anticipated. Auto tranny cost
as well as the other automatic parts, shift lever, etc.

Just questions. Is it a reasonable project?

Thanks guys and gals.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver