Any advice? Must have an Auto gearbox

[De8oy]

Hi, Im new here and dont have a van

I've managed to convince the missus that we need one, and would like an early bay camper. The only problem is I have to have an auto gearbox and havnt seen any of the early bays for sale with an auto box. loads of the later shape!!

Does any one know if they made any with an auto box? If not can a later auto box be fitted straight in... or with a little help to the early model?

Sorry if this is a bit of a newbee question but this will be my first van and I want it to be the one for keeps :wink:

 

[Clarkson46]

First obvious point is why do need an auto? Early bays were never built as autos and to convert is a major task with a lot of expense, probably in 4 figures if you cannot do it yourself. Stick with manual transmissions.

 

[Araon]

If it absolutely must be an auto stick with a 74 or later fella....

you'll only devalue the early and at great expense...

It would probably be cheaper to make a late look early by blanking the high indicators and cutting in low lights fitting small rear lights but to be honest is it really worth it?

 

[robins]

welcome mate,here have a look at this http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=585389

 

[De8oy]

Thanks everyone for the advice, doesnt sound like good news though.

Unfortunatly it has to be an auto as I hade a bike accident in my younger days and those peeps down at the DVLA wont let me loose on a manual!!

Its a bit of a shame as I prefer the earlier look. If the general consensus is to go for a later model, who am I to argue. Dose that mean you early boys and girls wont flash when our vans pass on the black stuff!

What is the deal with the models and the manufacturing dates? As Ive seen the later shape for sale on Volks word, ebay and various other places on 71, 72 and 73 plates. Is this right? was there a large cross over period?

 

[De8oy]

Thanks robins,

welcome mate,here have a look at this http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=585389

I have seen quite a few of these auto vans about and they seem to vary in price (this one is maybe a little further than I would ieally like to travel to collect :wink: ) I dont mind a van that needs some work but it would need to be cheap. (this way I might be able to persuade the other half that I could have it before I sell my current car!!)

I have to sell my car first really to get a more solid van. which is a shame as there is a cheap doner on an early bay at: http://www.magazineclassifieds.co.uk/search/volksworld/details/126568/Bay_Camper.php

 

[Guest]

there were more crossovers made than earlies in any single year, but we had 4-5 years of early manufacture in all.

I had a friend had a really nice californian 75 auto westy conversion forsale a few months ago but its gone now.

If your set on an early then should be 'relatively' easier to change the bumpers lower the indicators to get the early look, rather than change to an auto box.

 

[Loxy]

Why is the conversion so complicated? doesnt the auto gearbox fit in a similar fashion to the manual one?
I might know someone with an autobox/shifter etc for sale if it can be made to fit.

 

[Clarkson46]

I had a Volvo converted years ago from manual to auto. It required the auto box, torque convertor, gear selector linkage, kick down linkage, considerable wiring changes and probably a lot more I've forgotten. Then body and trim mods were required. In the final analysis, it was really not worth the amount of work involved. From then on we had vehicles that were built as automatics.

 

[De8oy]

Thanks every body for your help and advice, its thrown up a few things to think about (mostly time and cost!!) Its much appreciated.

Thanks Araon for your mail on this, got a little bit of resarch and investigation to do!

Ill let you know if I decide to do this and then if it actually is worth it.

But one way or the other I will have myself a van, hopefuly sooner rather than later. Even if it has to be a later bay model.

 

[Loxy]

Seem to remember the Bentley manual having a pretty detailed section on the auto gearbox arrangement, will have a look tonight to see if provides any clarification on the differences in layout/chassis mods etc.