I highly approve of that improved alternator bracket from GW.
Price is quite affordable too.

if you keep on top of it ...the stock set up is 'ok'.
Everyone should check their alternator for looseness now and then,
I find noisy or loose bearings in them commonly, especially on 2.1's.
and if any part of the mounting bracket or bolts get loose ...
that can lead to serious issues as outlined in the GW literature.
Like no joke, you want to make sure everything is tight and copasetic about
the alternator mounting. Sometimes even the hole in the alternator that the
pivot bolt goes through gets worn out, from being loose probably, allowing
vibration and wear.

re the other picture -
Looks like the bracket for the power steering pump to me, which not all
vanagons have of course.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Katy Hahn" <ahwahneevw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:12 PM
Subject: Alternate Alternator Bracket

> Any experience/thoughts on the wisdom of this product?
>
> http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4454&category_id=1201&category_parent_id=
>
> From a look at the archives, failure of those original studs is not
> unknown.
>
> It seems a simple enough swap, but I don't need the practice and the
> bloody knuckles if it is not a serious concern.
>
> Also, from one the photos on that page... can someone tell me what
> this part is (circled):
>
> http://members.cybertrails.com/~ahwahnee/GoWesty%20Alt%20Bracket.jpg
>
> I don't seem to have one.  Thanks!
>
> Geo