Stephen Steele Wrote:

>> Like many of you I can remember back in the days of Vanagon ownership
when there was no internet and no solid parts sources out here in the
hinterlands for these crazy Vans that we love.  <<

This is so true. I've been on this list practically since its inception when
I bought an '84 Vanagon back in '93. The ONLY place to get parts was
junkyard, the dealer or someone on this list.  Parts from the dealer were
absolutely outrageous and junkyards, knowing the going price of the new
part, charged pretty close to dealer prices for used parts.  I drove 100
miles to get a used radiator one day because I could not afford a new one.
Slowly but surely there began a supply of used parts.  Ron started out
selling used parts from vans in his front yard to list members. Fortunately
I live close enough to him to pick things up. He slowly built his company
from used parts to quality aftermarket parts. The same goes for allot of
other vendors on this list.  These vendors have made our vans much more
affordable to maintain. Just take a look at Ron's prices for an exhaust
system and compare it to the dealer's price.  My mechanic knows to call me
when he needs a part for my van as he knows what the dealer wants and that I
can get the stuff half off.  Geez, before Ron and others a front brake job
with rotors was $500.  I'm really happy to have this new supply of
aftermarket and used parts from everybody, even if I have to deal with a few
quirks now and then. The cost savings are enormous.

Bryan