Nice research Fred, thank you. I will start checking NAPA for parts pricing.
I too prefer the self insured route whenever possible.

Owen Brand

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fredrich Hesterberg" <FredsVW@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.

I see this and call NAPA too.
This is what is replaced in this alternator.
bushings, diodes, brushes .
The windings are inspected and tested.
 Is not just cleaned and replated.
Three year warrantee is good for me.
A Bosch rebuilt is done same way.
For almost twice the price.
So what is differrent?
Nothing.
The $206.00 rebuilt at NAPA I asked what is the different?
He says the lifetime warrantee.
Thats what you pay for.
Nothing inside the alternator.

Good Morning,

Fred

E-mail message

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.

what he said,
Dan Hall
'86 Westy Weekender
"Das Boot"

----- 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