In a message dated 11/10/99 11:55:05 PM, lkchris@USWEST.NET wrote:

<<Another way to say this is, "can you say franchise?"  On the other
hand Mercedes used to and may still publish entire books of parts
illustrations for consumer use.  They don't have part numbers, rather
reference numbers the dealer can match with the part number.  This
way, I can bring the book in and say "I want this... ," and it all
works more efficiently.>>

Volkswagen does publish part books for the consumer, or at least they do in
Europe.  I have a copy of the T4 (EuroVan) book that has the illustrations
and diagram numbers that matches exactly what the dealer has in the computer.
 I just tell the dealer over the phone what panel I'm looking at and the item
number in the illustration.  The consumer part book does not have the part
numbers, but the dealer can find it from the item number.  There are order
forms and instructions in the book for ordering by phone or by mail.

Included in the front of the part book is the part numbers for all the other
illustrated catalogs VW offers.  Publication number 000.7340.57.89 is listed
as Typ 2 Syncro.

Now I hope someone didn't pay a fortune for a parts book that is still
available from VW for $20.

Steve Lashley
'66 Westy
'74 Campmobile
'93 EV MV
<A HREF="http://eurocampers.com/">http://EuroCampers.com</A>
314-614-0750
Importing German Side Tents, Carver Propane Heaters and other Accessories for
Bus, Vanagon and EuroVan