Some Meyle is made in China, some in Europe, some in India and some in
Turkey(!). The trick for a parts buyer like me on a daily basis is to
figure out what the good, bad and ugly is on Meyle.

I paid $35 a shot on CV Boot Kits from from the VW dealer several years ago
(just like Scott checked on) and they lasted all of 6 months.  I installed
EMPI Boot kits on both my 84s afterwards and they have lasted 7 to 8 years
now with no cracks or rips (despite what others may say about 'em).

Meyle Ignition Switches are GARBAGE.  Kostal OEM switches are the best.
 How to tell? - Original and Kostal Switches are both Black and White
plastic, all other JUNK is All White.  Went throught his last year on my
914.  Owner previous to the guy I bought car from installed a Meyle boxed
switch from Pelican Parts and it failed, contacts inside moving all around.
 Replaced it with a Kostal Switch and everything's fine since.  NOTE:
 Kostal Switches were being produced in Europe up until a couple of years
ago, but have now switched to manufacturing in Brazil with NO change or
detriment in quality.

--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
Full Timing From March 1999 To January 2012
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
Find me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Thompson/100000710343835
***********************************

On Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 12:14 PM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> This past weekend, among many other things, I replaced the CV boots I put
> on the car last July. I bought them locally, but opted this time to try one
> of the list vendors. We'll see how that goes.
>
> But what does not bode well is the fact that the week before that, I
> installed an ignition switch purchased from a list vendor. Before I could
> begin work on the CVs and suspension this past saturday, I needed to move
> the car and sweep under it. It wouldn't start. I had to replace the
> week-old switch with an old one I had removed from another Vanagon!
>
> Between the heater valves and ignition switches, I'm ready to set my
> ordering app to NO MEYLE.
>
> Jim
>