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Gearbox headache - advice please!

Posted: 07 May 2008, 16:08
by DoKa90
Does anyone have any comments to make regarding the quality of recon gearboxes from Volks-Apart?

Okay, here's the long story, so bear with me...

My 3H box is broken. It was driving okay but I don't know how bad it is exactly. I've bought an AAZ engine and was going to get the 'box rebuilt to AAP spec (ie with 4.57 final drive). With a shortage of decent AAPs around to donate the crown wheel and pinion set, I sent out a request via one of those part-finder sites. I then got a call (nearly three weeks ago now) from Volks-Apart, saying they could get me a recon AAP in exchange for my 3H for £700 all in. Then, last week, they rang saying the box they had was too far gone to be rebuilt, and since then I've had the feeling of being palmed off by them.

Right now, they're telling me I should have another box built to AAP spec coming my way in the next few days. But I get the impression that they haven't actually got hold of a crown wheel & pinion set - and they won't be in any better position to do so than any of the gearbox specialists who are mentioned frequently on these pages.

What with all that and having read a few bad things about 'so-called gearbox specialists' doing dodgy work, I'm starting to think I should just get my money back and pay that bit extra for a brand new wheel & pinion from VW.

Sorry for long-windedness!

Any comments gratefully appreciated.

Posted: 07 May 2008, 16:15
by toomanytoys
Speak to Aidan he is the only man I trust to do a box.. he has done my Syncro box and diff and will be doing my 2wd 5 speed and the spare Syncro box I have too..
link below

Posted: 07 May 2008, 20:00
by Aidan
buy a new one, i can't find a good s/h one for love or money

Posted: 07 May 2008, 20:34
by nindy
Have you tried german ebay, there is vanfest coming up soon and vanwest. Good luck with your search.
Also try a place called solid air he is based in brum he was selling ass boxes for 175 squid.

There is also a guy called 'spannerboy' on the vw brickyard forums do a search for him and give him a call he cool.

best of luck.

Posted: 08 May 2008, 12:02
by DoKa90
Thanks for all your advice.

If anyone knows how to get in touch with Solid Air, I'd really like to know cos I can't seem to find them anywhere...