Date:         Fri, 18 May 2007 18:04:34 -0400
Reply-To:     Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Subject:      Re: Auto conversion to Manual?
Comments: To: Sudhir Desai <sudhir.desai@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <5c80974c0705181115v7050c60apc559c57916fb8a96@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Also... and I know this sounds dumb but it's true, you can't push start an
automatic.. that ONE time you need it you won't be wishing. Although I also
hear very good things about these vanagon auto trannies. Does anyone know if
you can add clutch disc to beef up the clutch packs in them? Someone asked
me this today and I don't know the answer.

Jim Akiba

-----Original Message-----
From: Sudhir Desai [mailto:sudhir.desai@GMAIL.COM]
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2007 2:16 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Auto conversion to Manual?

I think Ron summed the "why" up nicely.
/*
> I am asking because manual Multi Vans are in short supply. I will
> probably simply go with an Auto, though prefer Manual. I understand
> there are pros/cons for Auto/Manual - mostly I enjoy the interaction
> with the vehicle - shifting can be fun!
*/

Sudhir :D

On 5/18/07, Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@gmail.com> wrote:
> Why in the world would you convert an automatic to manual?  Going to do a
> lot of off-roading?  If not, in my own personal experience (over 10 years
> w/Vanagons), I have found the automatic to be a far more reliable unit
than
> the manual trans.  Both my GL and Westy are automatics and I LUV 'em.
>
> YMMV
> --
> Jim Thompson
> 84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
> 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> 73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
> 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> ***********************************
> On 5/18/07, Ron LK Johnson <adhocMedia@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks to all who responded on the question of reducing a Full Westy
> > to a Weekender (Multi Van). Out in left field question number two:
> > is it possible to install a Manual transmission in a van originally
> > set up for an Auto? Is there anything specific to the chassis that
> > would make this especially difficult? I know a lot of changes would
> > be needed - probably not worth the $$$.
> > I am asking because manual Multi Vans are in short supply. I will
> > probably simply go with an Auto, though prefer Manual. I understand
> > there are pros/cons for Auto/Manual - mostly I enjoy the interaction
> > with the vehicle - shifting can be fun!
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Ron Johnson
> > Portland, OR
>