> I have checked out Aplusparts web sight and it looks good, prices
> are not bad. I have a few items to order from them like rear
> brake drums for my 90 vanagon.

They're using the same wholesaler's database as the other "new vendor"
mentioned last week, the Parts Bin.  Different web interface but same parts
database.  Not surprisingly, just like the other vendor their pricing is all
over the board, from very good to horrible.  Brake drums a little cheaper
than mine, tailpipe twice my price, clutch kit about the same (but only one
version offered whereas I sell 3), and so on.

Remember that we offer the listmember discount, and often ship higher
quality for about the same price (i.e. OEM German brake pads and shoes
rather than generic, stainless-bodied 2.1L muffler rather than mild steel,
etc.). So make sure you're comparing apples to apples. I think that averaged
out, while another vendor may be cheaper on an isolated part or two, you'll
still end up paying less overall at the Depot, and for better quality parts.

Not to mention that by supporting dedicated specialists such as me, Ken, and
the others on this list, who are committed to Vanagons, you are supporting
vendors who in return support the Vanagon community - by contributing
regularly to this list, and by going to great lengths to keep finding new
parts supplies that keep our Vanagons on the road.  A jack of all trades
might have a better price on a part or two.  But he won't have the
commitment.  He won't care if a certain part that Vanagon owners need
becomes unavailable, because that part represents a miniscule portion of his
sales compared to all the parts he sells for Nissans, BMW's, and everything
else.  A Vanagon specialist will go out of their way to find new or better
quality sourcing, come up with alternatives, etc., because we have a real
desire to keep Vanagons on the road affordably - not only are they a major
part of our business, but we drive them everyday ourselves!

Long after the jack-of-all-trades parts places have let their selection of
Vanagon parts dwindle in favor of parts for newer, more lucrative vehicles
(and they always do; they already have with Bus parts!), it will be the
dedicated specialists/enthusiasts on this list whom you will need to be able
to turn to in order to keep your van on the road.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com

_____________________________________________
Toll-Free for Orders by Part #    1-866-BUS-DEPOT