Looking at an auto '73 pop top for a mate.
What is the go with the auto boxes? Are the any good or do you just replace them with a manual set up.
He is only going to do short trips in da bus.
Any advice will be apreciated.
Cheers
Dave

I had a 73 1700 auto that had the donk rebuilt to 1800 not long before I owned it around 15 years ago. My brother borrowed it and busted something in the gearbox which my Dad fixed and it was all good again until I busted the crackshaft in the donk.

Whilst diagnosing this issue with the bus up on jack stands, I got the screw driver into all the rust holes that developed from living next to the beach. There was very little metal left in that bus and it then went to VW heaven.

The gearbox survived well but the old girl wasnt very economical. She used to haul a trailer around a lot with lots of loads to the tip.

Since then I have only owned manuals.

Hi dave i have a 003 auto in my 74 kombi and mate it is a good auto changes gears real nice.I will be hanging onto this one for a long time.No more changing gears.By the way i have a ej22 subaru in my kombi so with the auto it is a nice ride.Take it for a drive and see how it changes gear if all good then have a look underneath for obvious oil leaks

We have a 74 auto camper. Been our daily drive for the past year and a half. Love her to death. 1800 box with a 2 litre engine. Smooth gear changing.
Slow on hills but have no problems keeping up with the traffic around town or on open road. Cruises nicely on freeway. We dont push her over 95km but have had to 110km no probs and definately could have did more. Does drink a little more though.
Have noticed the more advanced the timing is, the better she drives and responds.
Autos getting harder to get, if you have one in good condtion - keep it.