Date:         Tue, 9 May 2000 09:45:25 -0700
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: BusDepot Fuel Tank, have you installed one?
In-Reply-To:  <200005091116.AA54592066@renaissance-design.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 11:16 AM 05/09/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>Looking for feedback on the Vanagon fuel tanks(1982 Vanagon) from
BusDepot.  Has anyone installed one and can you tell me how it went and
what other parts you needed, i.e. grommets, hoses, etc.
>
>Just for the record, I am not suggesting anything negative about BusDepot,
in fact I have already gotton feedback that was very positive WRT a
BusDepot tank.  I just want to make sure I thoroughly understand that it
fits and what is needed to complete the job before I start.
>
>Someone has caused me to be concerned about aftermarket tanks...

Consider, how do you produce something for 1/3rd or less the cost of a spec
part? Can you say, compromise?

Will the stock part function as intended if properly installed? Yes!!
Will the aftermarket item function as designed? Maybe yes, maybe no??
Will the stock part fit? Yes!!
Will the aftermarket item fit? Maybe yes, maybe no??
Will the stock part last as long as the original? Yes!!
Will the aftermarket item last as long as the genuine article? Rarely!!
Will you save time/money over the long haul with Genuine parts? Yes!!
Will you save time/money over the long haul with wannabe parts? Rarely!!

Today I am replacing an aftermarket water pump on a MB 500SEC. How much did
he pay to have this one installed less than 2 years ago? I don't know, the
owner has no receipts. How much will he pay me to put things right with the
genuine parts, hoses and spec coolant? $700!! How much was saved by the
prior compromise? Negative number in the hundreds meaning wasted time/money.

The answer to your question will be hard to come by, 'cause no one who went
the cheap route and had poor results will want to admit same. They will go
to great lenghts to justify the wisdom of their compromises. Any problems
that develop will surely be blamed on something/someone else.



T.P. Stephens
San Juan Island, WA