I tried fabricating some out of brass on my first set. They were gorgeous, but overkill. 

I have done at least a dozen tanks since with the available replacement parts. They're the right way to go and will last you another 20 years. 

-craig

> On Apr 30, 2014, at 9:07 PM, Mike South <msouth@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Have you guys seen this thing on the samba where a guy came up with a way
> to put metal fittings with crush washers in place of the stock grommet
> system?
> 
> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481975&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20
> 
> Anyone on list tried these?
> 
> mike