re:  So you have the idea of Brazilian rubber lasting maybe 5 years
and German rubber lasting another 10 or 15. (Ken W)

Well, Brazilian rubber must be really bad, since those of us in the
Southwest don't think that much of German rubber either.  I've
forgotten how many times I've changed my gas tank grommets.  Cost of
doing business, I suppose.  At least we don't have rust (except on
Land Rovers--they'll rust anywhere).  And I haven't owned anything
except German vehicles for so long I probably have no frame of
reference left anyway.

Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'81 steel roof Vanagon
'84 BMW motorcycle (2)
'88 300E
'89 Range Rover