I went through 3 NAPA alternators in 2 years. Finally said the hell with
their warranty, the breakdowns and labor of replacing it weren't worth the
trouble. Bought a lifetime warranty one from a local VW parts specialist.
Actually got 2 years out of that one. Waiting to see what I get from the
replacement.

Considering the original alternator lasted 15 years, I'm not overly
impressed with either of them.

YMMV

John Flaherty
Portland, Maine
'84 GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "Owen" <olists@THEBRANDS.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.

> 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