Hi All,

Are we all not interested in this??  Or is it a dead issue.  I think that this
is the solution to the poor lighting standard on the '86+ Vanagons,  and would
be well worth the effort to retrofit to the round headlights.  I have a
similar setup on my GTI  and it is great.  It cost closer to $500, but you had
to replace the radiator support.  I ythink that paying the $155 for the parts
then $55 each to ship them is a good deal.  $210 plus the cost of a pair of 7"
H4's (generic ones are like $20 ea.) and buckets, and you've got great
lighting and a unique looking Vanagon.

How about you list vendors out there??  You could sell these like hotcakes
once there in the country.  50% markup...I'd buy one for $300.

So we've got Vince here, who has done some research, and is willing to do the
remaining legwork all for a $30 deposit.   The lights and grills would be
insured in case of loss.  This is a good deal and we're passing it by:-(

Alrighty then, enough of my enthusiasm run amok.  Anyone have any comments???

Cory
'86 Syncro Westfalia

In a message dated 98-05-22 18:16:23 EDT, vince_pappalardo@OM.CV.HP.COM
writes:

<<
      Hi All,

        A few weeks back I sent out the below message on my offer to help
      orchestrate the group purchase of SA grills.  To date, only three
      people have responded.  That is not enough to offset the customs and
      shipping charges.  So, unless alot more people of the original eighty
      or so that showed initial interest let me know otherwise, I am not
      going to put any further effort into this offer.

      Regards,

      Vince

      P.S. One of things I talked about with the broker was insurance to
      cover the financial cost of the parts in case some how they disappear
      before we get them.  That is part of the $1500 to cover customs and
      shipping.

      _____________________Original Message_________________________

      I talked to a customs broker today who deals with SA routinely.  We
      did a quick calculation on a very complex process to get an estimate
      of how much it would cost to get 50 grill assys. from the SA dealer to
      the US.  We came up with $1500; if split 50 ways that is $30 per
      person.  There would also have to be related charges to distribute the
      items to the various list members around the US.  I estimate that to
      be $25 per person.  So, for $55 dollars each on top of the cost of the
      grill, we could do this with out any help from any SA list member.

      I will offer my time to work out further details if others are still
      interested in this (assume the price of the grill is the reported
      higher price of $155 w/emblem).  The way I would structure it would be
      to get a nonrefundable deposit from each individual to cover the
      estimated $30 of customs charges (all of this money would go towards
      the shipping. Any excess balance would be disturbed equally to lower
      the overall price of the grills.  Any debit would need to be made up
      in the final payment to me).  I would use this as the basis to confirm
      the exact number of grills to be shipped.  From there I can come up
      with an exact price of the grills.  I would also seek a local bulk
      mailing company to distribute them to each of the participants. The
      final check to me would include the price of the grills, the shipping
      to the mailing company, and their fee to distribute them.

      It sounds complicated but it is the best way I thought of to minimize
      the risk to me.  I also would be open to alternatives to this if
      anyone has them.  I was a participant in one of the group purchase of
      the heaters
      and it went smooth enough not to discourage me from organizing this
      one. So, what do all think?  How many are still interested under these
      or similar terms?  Does any one else want to pursue the Germany or
      Canada routes (If you give me part number I will)?  Are there any
      other members actively pursuing this in any another way for profit or
      pleasure that would be in conflict with this?

      Let me know what you think.

      Vince Pappalardo. >>