We have an automatic too, and it's my understanding that it is the same automatic transmission that VW/Audi used in nearly every one of their vehicles, front or rear wheel drive, in the 1980s.  If you can find a local shop that has a good reputation with older VW automatics, they should be good with the Vanagon automatic.  The Audi 5000 automatic of the late '80s is supposedly identical to the Vanagon automatic.
 
James
Ottawa, ON

 
> Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:35:09 -0700
> From: finnrunyon@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Automatic Rebuilder
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> It seems like the automatic in Pooh, an 87 Westy, is on its last legs with just under 200k.  It is slipping pretty badly, and I can�t find the recommended auto tranny rebuilders in the archives.  Any advice?  I know AA only does manuals.  Go Westy�s price is pretty steep, and I no longer see Ron listing an option on his Bus Depot site.
> 
> Best,
> Finn in Taos
> 78 Westy Pooh
> 89 Westy Roo