You got SERIOUSLY lucky.

I used to rebuild VW/air-cooled Porsche motors and one of the most common
visitors to our garage was the GEX purchaser, 9-24 months after purchase.
From what I could tell, GEX does as little as is humanly possible to
rebuild a motor, and still be able to call it 'rebuilt'.

There are a few honest rebuilders on the list. Check them out when your
prime mover stops.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Mount Olive, NC USA
877.658.1278 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   mike barker [SMTP:mariner4@SNET.NET]
Sent:   Tuesday, May 09, 2000 12:56 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: Just back from the mechanic, HELP!!

re: item #2
I take it you're not too keen on a GEX rebuild.  Why?  They did the rebuild
on my '87 5 years ago and she's still runnin' like new money. (knock on
wood)
-Mike

>1. Brake fluid filthy dirty. -500
>2. GEX rebuild. -2000 T-I, -3000 T-IV
>3. Non original parts -cost to replace them all with OEM
>4. Spotty or no documented history -1000+++
>5. CV probs -500
>6. Clutch probs -400
>7. Haphazard wiring cutting and splicing -100 or much much more.
>8. Ball joints -400
>9. Shocks -350
>10. One window regulator prob -150
>
>Well over $5000 out of pocket AFTER purchase cost, so far, if most of
these
>items are needed. Then add everything not on the above short list, things
>like, Wasserboxer leak, FI system probs, ignition system,
>body/paint/glass/interior, steering, wheel bearings, suspension bushings,
>tranny, heater, wipers, exhaust, tires, instruments, lights, bailing wire
>fixits, yadayadayadayada.........
>
>
>T.P. Stephens
>San Juan Island, WA
>