Believe it or not, Barber VW (locally here in Ventura, CA) gets $92.76 for
this seal, their cost is around $45 from the VW Parts Depot in Ontario, CA.
My parts dept buddy says that if he bought the same exact seal from the
local importer for around $8.16 to sell at a reasonable markup, Volkswagen
would severely penalize the Dealership (whatever that means) and he'd be
looking for a new job.  He's very much aware of many price differences
between OE Boxed/Bagged parts and what the local market offers, which is
often the same item.

If Ina is in the Phoenix, AZ area (where Cambelback is located), have her
mechanic get the seal from Dan Lawson at Competition Engineering in Tempe,
(480-966-8802) for a lot better price for essentially the same seal.
Another alternative is BAP Imports or Karl's Custom, all in the Phoenix
area.

VW PN 029-105-245 B.  It's even available in Viton for a buck or two more.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: flywheel seal dealer price

> I replaced mine with the seal that's included with the engine gasket set.
I
> had used the head gaskets from the set some time ago and had the "extra"
> gaskets and seals on hand.  Right after installing the front seal, new
> clutch and tranny seal (among other things) I went on a 3,000 mile trip
and
> have made numerous shorter trips since without even a hint of a leak.
>
> $91.00 really sounds out of line.
>
> Mike
>
>
> > Just got off the phone with my mechanic, who's working on Ina's van.  He
> > says that he was quoted $91 for a front (flywheel) seal by Camelback VW,
> > which he verified by calling a couple other dealers.
> >
> > Could this be right?  For a part that BD sells for ten bux?
> >
> > Karl Wolz