---- Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> I was surprised to find out that my local Subaru conversion shop, Utah
> Imports
> could get the same radiator that I got from Bus Depot for the same $150.

I have generally found that the price I pay a mechanic for a part is about the same as I would pay if I bought it myself online.  Sometimes I can get it considerably cheaper.  My van mechanic (Daryl of Daryl's Hobby Shop in Norman, Oklahoma) allows me to source my own parts and he installs them for what seems like a reasonable price, but of course, if he can get them for the same price, I buy from him.  That way his work is covered if the part fails.  Most mechanics refuse to install customer supplied parts, or they charge extra for labor if they do.  Really can't blame them, since parts markup is a part of their business, too.

David McNeely