Changing from a manual to automatic gearbox.... What's involved and how costly

Hi guys,

Our manual gearbox is the standard for a camper (in as much as first and second are a law unto themselves) and with my rheumatoid the gear changes are pretty tricky.

The short of it is I'm wondering if anyone can give me some names of anyone down south that may be able to help out and also an idea of how many pennies I'm going to have to think about forking out?

Cheers all!
Xx

 

loads...

what size engine have you?

 

auto box only on type 4 so have you got that before you start? 2 types of auto, early vacumn type and later type which is easier to find parts for as they were used in audis t25 etc, i reckon it's a big job, i run an auto myself you'd be welcome to nose around if you're ever around.

 

You can get parts fairly easy now from the states for early autos (like Wilma). We've found a great place in Arkansas, ordered a new vacuum and it was with 81a in 5 days

 

. bum

 

I think we've got a 2 litre type 4 engine so that's lucky!

I haven't done anything to the bushes but the PO said she had. Do you think that's a good place go start?

Thanks rickyrooo1. Where abouts are you?

 

Are you in Bognor ? , I can take a look, may be easier to buy an auto van and swap both ways, Craig has an auto and lives in emsworth

 

I'd certainly look at your current gear selection issue - maybe look at an aftermarket gear selector which could well be easier to use for you.

 

Thanks davidoft! Yes we are and that would be great! I'll PM you and we can sort something out

bernjb56 sorry to sound silly but what do you mean by after market gear selector? It sounds intriguing!!

We had an EMPI shifter fitted which has made the gear changes tighter but 1st pops out sometimes. Is that another sign that the bushes and linkages need looking at?

 

The EMPI is an aftermarket one ...,,

So that hasn't worked for you then

 

I fitted an EMPI trigger shifter to mine and it transformed the gear changers. I know these can be a hit or miss fix (I know personally of this as the same shifter didnt work on my dads prototype bay). But for around £80 i'm guessing its alot cheaper then an auto conversion.

 

It's definitely made things better than they were but still not quite right

 

I think I'd be getting the linkages looked at anyway. There are other choices than EMPI but best check the basics out first.

 

Thanks guys!! It's given me something to think about. If I can get the current set up in some better order then I won't necessarily go down the auto route