wow..........what horrible stories.
I think it's more a matter of sloppiness and incompetence, than outright rip
off attempt, most of the time.
but all 3 of those stories are nightmares for sure.

secret markings, I can dig that.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 5:14 PM
Subject: Re: heads- bus depot or van cafe??

  I once turned a valuable counter-weighted Corvette crankshaft into a
machine shop for re-grinding, and they tried to give me a
non-counterweighted Chevy crank when it came to pick it up.  When I
insisted, they located my crank.
  I also had a friend turn in some rare early VW parts to a plating shop for
re-chroming, and many of them were 'lost', never to be returned.
  Another friend of mine had a restoration shop charge very big bucks to
completely re-do his early Karmann Ghia convertible, and they 'lost' the
riveted VIN tag, affecting the resale value greatly.
  I recommend getting a signed receipt, an itemized list and mark your
parts, maybe even using hidden stampings, engraving, digital pictures or
such, to protect you from loss or theft by unscrupulous shops.  This is the
only way to have your case stand up in court, if that becomes necessary,
later.

Mike B.