When my alternator went out there was no real choice.
I was stupid, ignored the warning signs of a bad
bearing and thought I could drive a good distance
without an alternator.   Never will make that mistake
again.     I think that buying from thepartsbin or the
busdepot or any vendor we can bash on this list if the
product fails or give credit if the product holds up
is a good choice.   If you must buy local go with a
quality rebuild.   If you pay less than 100 dollars I
would rebuild your own with parts from the list
vendors and take the time to know what you have.
This is too important of a part to not put some money
or time into it.   What is your time worth when you
break down because of a cheap part.   Batteries are
easy to replace on the road.   Alternators are easy to
replace but hard to find when you are on the road.
gary
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
My local NAPA guy told me that he was informed that
the 104.00
"Standard" NAPA alternators are only cleaned and
repaired, not rebuilt.
"Premium" NAPA alternators for our Vanagons are
completely rebuilt but
are priced at over 200 bucks.
=A0
what he said,
Dan Hall
'86 Westy Weekender
"Das Boot"
=A0
=A0
----- Original Message -----
From: Fredrich Hesterberg
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 10:57 PM
Subject: Alternator Deal.
I find the alternator dead on my 88 Westy last night.
I call 4 places this morning.
VW first.
$489.00
Foreign Car Parts Place
$189.00 ( rebuilt Beck Arnley)
A Local parts house
$136.00 ( I do not know who rebuilt it )
Finally NAPA
$104.00 and a 3 year guarantee.
I think this is good price, and like the warrantee,
and had it this
morning and put in Van.
No mail order.
No wait.
No ship charges.
It is a 90 amp alternator--I checked with meter.
I figure why rebuild myself--no warrantee--and It took
me half hour to
pick up part and install.
Good Evening,
Fred

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