Good question.   I've seen this from many vendors,
so I don't think that they are the people doing it.
I think the OEM, is grinding off the part number, maybe,
because this item was under contract to be sold only to
the vehicle manufacture.  Grind the number off, and no one
can guarantee it is the same part.
                                    Just a guess
                                       Eric

Jeffrey Earl wrote:

> I recently received a small parts order from a popular
> vendor and was surprised by one of the hydraulic
> cylinders. On one side of the casting appeared the
> logo of "FTE", evidently makers of "FAG" parts, a
> respected OEM supplier for Volkswagen.
> On the other side of the casting however, had once
> resided the familiar VW and Audi logos, but both of
> which have obviously been removed from the cylinder by
> use of a grinding machine.
>
> My question, quite simply, is why?
>
> Is this a New-Old-Stock part from VW?
> Is it a part which for some reason met FAG's quality
> standards but not VW's?
>
> Would appreciate if any listmembers or vendors could
> provide enlightenment.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff Earl
> 1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
>
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