Bad people stole the engine & transmission for my '72 41

tgarson` · Post by **tgarson`** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 11:30 pm

I pulled the engine and transaxle (manual 4 speed) from my '72 411 (a rare 2 door version) and entrusted then to a fellow to rebuild. I paid up front for Porche cylinders, new crank, cam and a complete Delodo carburator conversion rig. Last year, after being completed and tested, it "disappeared" out of his garage. Now he's broke, evicted and gone and my car sits on jacks.

I was told that I could take an engine and transaxle from a similar series van and it should almost drop right in. I don't know enough about VWs to know if this is true or just noise.

I do still have the fuel injection system that was removed to make way for the carbs.

At this point, I don't even know if I want to go to the additional effort, and expense, to put it back together.

Comments, suggestions, offers? I'm open to doing something to resolve having this car that I once had gobs of fun with sitting dead by my shop.

Tom Garson
Ashland, Or.

Class 11 streeter · Post by **Class 11 streeter** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 2:27 am

tgarson`, welcome to the Shop Talk Forums, or as we call it, the STF. Sorry for comming to us with this story, did a friend or fellow enthusiast recommend us to you? One of our regulars perhaps?

That is a sad story indeed. Would you be willing to share the name of the ruffian that stole from you? We the online VW communitiy are a close-knit lot, and we are always grateful for someone who shares with us who to steer clear of. You said "bad people".........I assume there is more than one?

On another note, do you have pictures of your 411 as she sits? It's sad to hear, but perhaps by seeing what is (and isn't) there we could be more helpful.

Again........welcome!

ubercrap · Post by **ubercrap** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 9:05 am

The engine should be relatively easy to replace, anything from any 411/412, a late Baywindow Bus, Porsche 914, '76 Porsche 912E, or maybe even early Vanagon could be made to work.
As for the transaxle, that is a major bummer- they aren't very common and not directly interchangeable with anything else. From casual observation, the PNW is probably one of the best locations you could be in, though, for finding a replacement. There is an N.O.S. one for sale in California on the thesamba.com (see my post about it).
I have spare transaxles, or maybe we could work a trade for a complete car for it or something, but I'm 1000's of miles away from you- kind of impractical.
If the body is in good shape, I would beg you not to scrap it as you were quite correct, the 411 2 door sedan is extremely rare (I've never seen one in person and I would love to own one someday).

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 9:39 am

Theres a junk 411 or 412 at a place in Salem, but I don't know what transmission it has. There are also two in Tigard at a you pull, don't know what transmissions they have either. Will keep an ear open for you though.

Sorry to hear of your troubles. If you can't find a 4sp then you could swap in an auto with minimum effort if you have a complete doner.

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 7:10 am

Yeah an automatic is an option. But DO NoT destroy any of the 4 speed parts. You will also need numerous parts from a donor to use the auto. Ray