-----Original Message-----
From: Backus, Brian G <Brian.Backus@PSS.BOEING.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, March 12, 1998 5:57 AM
Subject: Re: pop-top seals

>Well said and well put.  Ron is a savior sometimes.  How much are your
>seals?  Forgive my laziness, I could check your webpage.
>
>But it is true about doing business with someone who is "in the know".
>even thought it might cost you more, sometimes you are far better off in
>the end.
>
>Thank you Ron for responding...
>
>Brian Backus.
>
>> ----------
>> From:         The Bus Depot[SMTP:ron@NETCARRIER.COM]
>> Reply To:     The Bus Depot
>> Sent:         Thursday, March 12, 1998 3:46 AM
>> To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
>> Subject:      Re: pop-top seals
>>
>> > How much do the pop top seals cost from JC Whitney?
>> >
>> > Hey competition will in the end help us all.  I know Ron understands
>> > that when he goes to buy anything other than VW parts.  Besides, JC
>> > whitney has for years suported the VW aftermarket and has helped
>> > tremendously to keep costs down.  It is the "peoples car"  aways
>> > remember that.
>>
>>
>> I certainly do understand. Competition keeps all of us vendors sharp,
>> and
>> is both expected and welcomed (especially since I usually look pretty
>> good
>> when you compare my prices :-).   Actually, I believe that JCW's price
>> (including their somewhat-inflated "shipping" charge) is higher than
>> mine.
>> Furthermore, their quality is slightly lower.  Both JCW and I buy our
>> poptop seals from the same manufacturer, in the U.S.  But mine are
>> slightly
>> taller than theirs, more closely matching the original seal's height,
>> and
>> have a finish that is slightly smoother (again, closer to the
>> original).
>> Also, the insulation bulb on my seal is positioned slightly lower, to
>> provide a better seal to the body.  The reason is that I have the
>> seals
>> custom-made to my specs, while most other suppliers selling these
>> seals are
>> simply selling the generic off-the-shelf version that that
>> manufacturer
>> makes (which saves them a little money).  To be honest the difference
>> is
>> not huge, but the bottom line is that my poptop seals are not only
>> cheaper,
>> they're also better.  This is an advantage of dealing with a
>> specialist who
>> knows Westfalias well, rather than dealing with someone who is a "jack
>> of
>> all trades."
>>
>> -Ron Salmon
>>  The Bus Depot
>>  http://www.busdepot.com
>>
>