> Do you stop by the supermarket and pick up hamburger patties, then drop by
> McDonalds and ask them to cook them for you?

        I think all of us on the list would rather just have the convenience of
paying our mechanic to supply the part.  We know they have to make a living.
It's just that some parts for our Vanagons are simply outrageous.  If my
mechanic says I need a new AFM box for +- $800 I think it's fair I should be
able to supply a rebuild for $125.  Or maybe an $89 muffler from Ron as
opposed to $350 from the dealer.  If the mechanic wants, he can add a few
dollars onto the repair bill to cover the lost revenue and I'm still saving
money.  As a matter of fact, I'm sure most mechanics add a few dollars to
the labor if you supply the part.
        No, I don't think you should arrive at the garage with spark plugs and a
case of oil but I believe there are some exceptions with the Vanagon.

Bryan

(BTW, my old mechanic, retired now, let me supply everything from
distributor caps to used radiators...)