Instructions on converting manual to automatic

[burningman]

Hi All,

Is there a thread at the top of your mind that discusses converting from a stick to auto? Yes I tried a search but can't find exactly what I need. I'm guessing there is a step by step somewhere but simply can't find it. Any help would be appreciated.

[MarkWard]

There are a lot of bits where you'd probably want a complete donor vehicle. It's pretty much a straight forward fire drill removing and transferring parts. Not aware of a step by step process.
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[Zeitgeist 13]

With a donor vehicle, it's more than likely a plug n' play operation if you've got the stock WBX arrangement. I'm strongly considering this for my van, but with all the mods I did with my engine swap, it's gonna be far from an easy proposition.

A partial list of stuffs:
Pedal assembly
Shifter assembly and rod back to the trans
Lower vent cover needs to be modified or replaced with one cutout for shifter
Wiring harness adapter for the reverse and neutral safety switch
Throttle cable and throttle rod
Flex plate/torque converter
Case studs
Hose tees/stock hoses for factory ATF heat exchanger
Transmission
An axle (right side?) is shorter
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Tbob]

I agree with MarkWard that the best way to go is to have a complete donor vehicle. Not all that many people go your direction, more seem to want manuals. May be why you havent found any conversions threads to go the way you want. I converted my 86 to manual, and I had a donor. Having a donor means that you have all the access to all the parts that would be a hassle to track down, and a pattern to what goes where. You could fabricate for hours only to find that a little part that you spent hours making was already available and you just didn't know it. Or, that you didn't know there was a difference between the manual and automatic(such as the driveshafts) and you fought and fought with the part you had only to find out a difference.
All that being said, the main differences are the driveshafts, the flex plate vs flywheel, shift linkage and attendant assemblies( shifter, heater cover, carpeting), cooling system for the transmission. I think that it is easier to go from manual to auto rather than the other way around. the only thing that wil be more difficult is the starter lockout wiring.
Good Luck!
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1969 Deluxe, owned since 1973
1973 Westfalia, owned since 1983
1980 Westfalia, watercooled conversion
1985 Westfalia, stock!
1986 Westfakia, Audi I-4 conversion
A couple of trucks and a couple of Jeeps

[danfromsyr]

the starter lock out wiring is superfluous as the manual doesn't have such and I really don't care to start either of them in gear.

but is this for your van with a Bostig engine? you will need a Bostig supplied automatic flex plate and possibly adapter..


unless you have a yard and garage big enough to hold 2 vans in teardown states and spend a full season or 3 of your time and energy.

it very well may be best to sell the standard van and buy an automatic van
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[davideric9]

Add to the list an updated wire harness and relay if you have stock cruise control.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012)

[Zeitgeist 13]

Hmmm...this is the first I've heard of that issue. To the Bentley I go
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[burningman]

Cool, thanks all!

[davideric9]

Bentley 97.173 Note the "Auto Trans Rly"

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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012)