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Manual to Auto Swap 85 Cabriolet

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Is a Manual to Auto swap feasible/doable for a reasonable amount. The car was originally an auto based on the face the reverse lights don't work, and the old wiring connector for the trans in the bay.


Just before Thanksgiving I was in an auto accident that messed up my knee, I had been recovering well and able to drive fine, but lately I just can't drive a 3 pedal car without killing my knee. I threw the car up for trade, but really I'd love to keep it and just turn it back into an auto. I have a couple buddies that can come over and we could knock the swap out in a day or two if it's as simple as it looks.

Parts list I came up with:
Looks like I need:
Trans
Trans mount
Auto shifter cable
Auto shifter mount
Auto shifter selector
Torque converter
Starter
Starter heat shield
Neutral safety switch(possibly not)
Pedal cluster


Accident pics:


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Sorry for your troubles mate.

Can't really help on the change of the box though as I've never done it. But from what I understand it is possible.

Hope 2017 is better for you  :thumbs:

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1980 VW Derby
Clive the Cabby
Ujum the Invisible
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You would need the pedal assembly off a auto, as well as the flex plate that bolts to the engine and then mates with the Torque convertor.

Your Steering Rack has a bracket on it that may interfere, as the bracket holds the Shifter relay rod.  

If you look in the archive section I have a how to remove and replace a torque converter seal that has the steps for removal.

There is the rear tranny mount, and the vacuum step down that usually has to be installed,  The step down or venturi is there for the kick down during shifting.

You don't need the shifter interlock as I have done away with it on one of my rides, but be warned that you can start it in any gear.

I would also suggest that you install the heat soak relay as that is about the best thing you can do for your Auto.

There are 2 styles of flex plates, Solid, and Spoked.  So be warned that you also need the correct starter for each.  A Solid flex starter will chew up a spokes flex plate.  

It can be done, but you say that your reverse light switch being different well there were 3 or 4 styles of those over the years, www.brokevw.com has a how to and what is what on them.

As the reverse lights on a Auto is in the Shifter Mechanism, and never was in the engine bay.

Basically there is the Shifter PRNDL cable.
The Accelerator cable to the Trans, and then from the trans to the throttle body. Some call it the Bowden Cable.

I understand, that is why I drive 2 Auto Cabbies.  I had a Stroke and I got worried about slippage on a hill.  Now I don't get the mileage that my manual had, or the zippity doo dah off the line, but I drive it like I stole it.

The TNA transmission while more common, doesn't have the mileage or lower rev that the TJ has, and if you can get a TJ, you will like it a tad wee bit more.

Also most TNA's had 100mm axles, so if yours are 90mm, you could use the Cups off of your current tranny.  Just do new seals.


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Thanks for the info Brian, will help me with formulating costs etc. The car is too solid and well dialed in to just sell to start another project simply for the auto. Everyone is calling my crazy, but comfort and long term recovery of the knee is the goal not some youthful save the manuals warcry haha.
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