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Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:49 pm

Do you know if panel van exist in Automatic Transmission???

Regards

Sun Nov 01, 2009 3:49 pm

To answer the original question. A panel with automatic may exist but they would be very rare.

They could have put the auto trans in if anyone wanted one but hardly anyone did.

The big market for auto trans vehicles was the US, they were much less popular in other countries. But the US didn't get many panel vans after 1962 because of the chicken tax.

In countries where panel vans were sold the demand for one with auto trans would be practically nil.

A further complication is that it was impractical for VW to build vehicles to customer order as is done by American car makers. Except possibly for vehicles sold in Germany.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:59 am

thanks a lot 8)

I need panel van automatic for handicap people

if some body now one i'm interested to buy for making a bus for this guy

regards

Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:13 am

So you're ashamed to haul the handicapped, or you just don't want them to know where they're going? I say let them have windows!!! Shame on you for wanting to shield the handi-capable from the rest of the free world.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
in case you couldn't tell I'm F'n with ya.

you're going to have to do an auto conversion to a panel, or weld up the windows on a regular bus. Someone just finished welding one up so search for that.

A factory auto panel would be rediculously rare. It's a little rough to find a regular auto bus for that matter.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:19 am

I suspect Autohaus has a handicapped buddy or customer that wants to roll a panel but can't manage a clutch.

Anythings possible but AFAIK VW never installed an auto transmission in a commmercial bus. Seeing as you are in France your busses are likely all type 1 power so an auto may be a bit more of a challenge, you may be better off adapting an autostick or type 3 auto into an early bay.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:49 am

Why not buy a late model minivan? There are many with auto trans today.

If you insist on a bay window automatic panel you will probably have to build one. Starting with a panel van and the powertrain from an automatic Westfalia or a VW 411 or 412.

The best choice would be from a 1976 or newer bus. They have a different transmission, very similar to that used in Audis up to 1992.

Unfortunately the Audi transaxle will not work in a bus. The engine is in front of the transmission and it needs to go behind the transmission.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:20 am

I want HELP my customer

he like PANEL VAN but he need automatic transmission because is legs no working

SORRY FOR MY POOR ENGLISH

If anybody no people capable to do this in CALIFORNIA (Orange County is better)

i want panel van 72 to 79 in Automatic transmission fully revised

In FRANCE Automatic Transmission is NOT POPULAR and i don't now automatic transmission specialist here

Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:36 am

I think I'd get an auto bus and weld up the windows, unless your customer wants a really authentic, factory panel.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:35 pm

I'd just buy a panel and swap it over to Auto. That would be sweet! 8)

Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:39 pm

do you know shop for making the swap???

in CALIFORNIA (OC the best)

Regards

Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:52 pm

Shoot - not just six months ago there was a white 1976 French Panel for sale here in Santa Fe -- by the same guy I bought my double cab from. It would have been with a 1600 engine, but with the body shape to accept a 2.0-L Type 4 engine.

But I don't know who bought it... anyone on The Samba know? Would they want to sell it now?

It seems to me like that would be a good starting point - a late 70's panel. Then fit it with a 2-L GD or later engine and an automatic transmission.

And, I would not be so myopic as to concentrate solely on California shops.

Bonne chance, mon ami!

Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:36 pm

Are you in Orange County or France? It does make a difference.

Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:15 pm

Back in the mid nineties, in Canada (Toronto), there was a panel at a shop in Scarborough that I know for a fact was a '74 Automatic Panel because I bugged the guy for months to buy it.....he would not sell......I am sure they are out there.....Im going to do some research for giggles to see if they were actually made.....

Hmmmm....

Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:53 pm

I live in FRANCE ( i have shop here) but i have agent in CALIFORNIA (OC) and the best for me it's to buy a bus in OC and make all transformation in USA because in FRANCE it's hard to find specialist about automatic transmission!!!

Thanks to all people for help me

Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:42 pm

Yes, we know you live in FRANCE...you have made that quite clear, and we know you have an agent in CALIFORNIA.....you made that clear too, we are just trying to find YOU some solutions to a problem THAT you have......

Be PATIENT grasshopper.....

Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:10 am

Rusty O'Toole wrote: Are you in Orange County or France? It does make a difference.

I have just POST for that question :D :D :D

Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:18 am

busdaddy wrote:

Anythings possible but AFAIK VW never installed an auto transmission in a commmercial bus..

they most certainly did, the auto was an option for any bus or van from 1973 right up to the end of german bay production in 79.

i'd suggest that the french guy would be better off looking in germany and the rest of europe for an auto panel. i haven't seen any lately for sale but they are about. maybe he thinks it'll be cheaper in OC, or is his "customer" actually in the USA?