[T3] Automatic Transmission Conversation

[Dennis Stiefel]

Crew,

I want to know more about the type 3 automatic transmission. I am working on
a deal that will net me (what I was told was) a 1970 Squareback. It is an
Arizona car. It looks great for its age, runs and drives, but needs some
work.

In talking about the current state of the car he made mention

"These auto stick
shifts gum up the servo when they sit and need the tranny to be serviced and
cleaned."

I am 100% new to the type 3 auto. Is this statement indeed true as far as
only needing servicing, or should I expect bigger problems? Is a general
transmission service going to alleviate the issues it has or should I plan
on rebuilding this tranny? He made mention of it getting stuck in 3rd gear.

Also, I heard that these transmissions are sensitive to vacuum pressure.....
basically I want the "what to look for when buying a type 3 auto." I want to
know the signs of a bad tranny. I want to be able to educate myself real
quick.


He also said:

"The engine is a GEX
that the previous owner had done 25-30k miles ago. It was sitting  for 3
years in his garage with minimal use. I have had it for 2 years. I start it
at least every 2-3 days with occasional spin around the cudlesac."

I have not heard good things about the GEX rebuilt motors, but this one is
still going after 30,000 miles. What else should I look out for with a car
that has spent most of its recent life sitting around?

My intention is a daily driver. I am not one to let my classics sit around
and collect dust. It is time to get this car in driveable condition and put
it on the road.

Class is in session.Educate me, please. A little background on me; I have
been working on cars all of my life. I have a history with type 1's to the
level of having owned 5 in my lifetime. You won't have to dumb it down for
me.


Adam




Forget all you know and have hear about the Stick-shift Automatic in the
Beetles and type 1 Ghias.  The type 3 automatic is a totally different
beast. It is a true fully 3 speed automatic where you take it out of park
put it in drive and it dose the rest just like a GM turbo 350 or Ford C-4
from that same era.  It does have vacuum modulator( just like the turbo 350
or C-4) that needs vacuum from the intake so it knows when to change gears.
I use to have a 69 Fastback with an automatic and wish I still had it.
Can't help you on the GEX engine never had any dealings with them but I
would say if its lasted 30k and has been maintained properly it will
probably be fine.
 
Dennis Stiefel
Rainsville, AL
72 Fastback MT, FI