Whenever I need parts that are available only through the dealer, I mail
order from:

Camelback Volkswagen
1499 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

1.800.876.5199
1.602.265.6600
1.602.205.8768 fax

Mention that you were referred by the vanagon.com website and the price is
20% over dealer cost.  My dealings with them have always been very
satisfactory and they ship promptly.

At 11:05 PM 9/4/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 9/4/02 2:44:47 PM, gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM writes:
>
><< for VW
>specific parts, the dealer is one of several options in my book. >>
>
>The man speaks the truth.  Also, the authentic VW parts are a good value when
>you consider that they meet all the OE specifications without compromise.  Do
>you really think that VW would allow their suppliers to offer up parts to the
>aftermarket arena which are made to VW's original specifications?  That bit
>of intellectual property is surely as coveted by the grey-suited army of
>attorneys retained by VW as its trademark.  In my experience, the bargain
>basement parts are merely cheap, but no bargain.
>
>Perhaps the most compelling reason to go to the dealer for parts is that they
>have ALL the parts; they can't pick and choose what to carry like a list
>vendor.  The guy behind the parts cannot say," I'll sell you the wheel
>bearings, but you have to go to the dealer for the seals."  That really
>sucks, doesn't it?
>
>If you frequent the parts counter at the dealership, and you are able to
>demonstrate that you are some sort of human being, you will be surprised how
>easy it is to get the kind of discount thought to only exist within the realm
>of the aftermarket.  The dealership parts manager is not living in a vacuum;
>he knows what prices the i-net vendors are charging.
>
>Try it, you'll like it.
>
>George

Ray Reinhard
'86 TiiCo Westy Camper GL