"The Bus Depot" <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM> said:

> The discount auto parts chains (not speaking of AutoZone but in general) buy
> their rebuilt electrics strictly on price. Whoever can deliver a truckload
> of electrics for a wide range of models, quickly and for the lowest bid, is
> who stocks their shelves.

I think this is the case on more than electrics, it is for any rebuilds
that they sell.  I once bought a water pump from a discount chain (can't
remember which one it was, now) because mine had worn out and was
leaking.  When I got home and opened the box, there was obvious
cavitation wear on the impellers.  I was pressed for time to get the car
back on the road (usual Sunday evening scenario, out of town, had to be
at work Monday morning) so I installed it anyway, and actually never had
any trouble with it, but it clearly was a bottom-of-the-barrel item.

I always open the box and check the part before I pay for it now, if I
have to buy from a discount parts store.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL