When VW labels an item obsolete they may still be able to provide it as their system monitors dealers inventories and will show if anyone has it in stock.  VW may no longer have the part but as long as a dealer does, is willing to sell it, and the part qualifies for a dealer to dealer transfer they can get it for you.  The dealer is not obligated to sell the part but most probably will as no one wants obsolete inventory on their shelves.  VW dealers do not have to do anything special to find these parts their system will show dealers having the part at the bottom of the screen.  The parts person need only look and understand what they are seeing.  A part that is obsolete in the VW system means no more will be produced, not that it is unavailable as long as a dealer has one.   Although VW corporate may no longer have the item their ability to check dealer inventories enables them to provide the item until all dealers are out.  From a dealer standpoint this is great as it it ca
n help rid the shelves of obsolesence and take care of a customer at the same time.

Mark in AK

----- Original Message -----
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2009 2:29 am
Subject: Re: Old Vanagon parts and other makes source
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> In a message dated 02/09/2009 10:07:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
>        So.........DID they have it  IN their stock room or did
> they order
> it in from the VW warehouse ?  AND if  they have them in their
> stock room,
> how may do they have ?  VW is calling  that part OB-SO-LETE !!!!!
>
>
>