Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 09:35:38 EST
Reply-To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Subject: STEBRO/Vanagon SS pipes update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I finally had the meeting, yesterday, with STEBRO regarding the
manufacturing of the stainless steel header pipes and collector pipe for the
Vanagon.
The current plan is to build the header pipes and collector pipes to OEM
dimensions. Therefore, there will be header pipes for both the 2 WD and 4 WD
water-cooled, boxer, gasoline engined Vanagons.
With my help the first set of pipes will be ready for testing on my '87
Westy by June. STEBRO is moving operations to a new facility during the
month of April. Construction of these pipes will not be able to proceed
until at least the beginning of May. Hopefully, with a few weeks of hard
work the first set will be ready for testing by late May or early June.
After we're sure they will stand up to the lifetime guarantee, then they will
be offered for sale.
There are many complications in building these header pipes due to the
small diameter of the tubing necessary and the extreme tight radius of the
bends near where the connecting flanges are welded on. They will be done
right so that they live up to STEBRO's quality and guarantee. This company
is basically a two/three man operation, not your big industry. They do have
regular production of other system components going on so this is one of the
reasons for the delays on the Vanagon pipes. Another reason for the delay is
that they are not sure of how big the market is to warrant all the
investment. Therefore they're watching the muffler sales closely. More
muffler sales will boost their interest in getting the pipes done. As long
as I stay on top of this and have the support of the Vanagon community this
will get done and done right. I will be working with STEBRO on the
construction phase of the pipes so this will be of assistance to them to be
able to work around their move and regular scheduled production items.
I know this may not be the story some of you were hoping to hear but this
is the situation. I think it's still the best option we have in getting a
quality Stainless Steel Exhaust System for our Vanagons. Your comments are
always welcome !
Cheers
Frank Condelli
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
Almonte, On
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