-----Original Message-----
From: The Bus Depot <ron@NETCARRIER.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, March 12, 1998 12:10 AM
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
>