Date:         Tue, 13 Aug 2002 13:56:21 -0700
Reply-To:     Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: SURVEY - How much would you pay for a rear spare tire carrier?
Comments: To: pokey@VANAGON.ORG
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

I have seen all three installed on Syncros, and I have the following
comments:

1. The Ortec unit looks kinda cheap and flimsy, particularly compared to the
quality of a Paulchen rack, for example.  It is made from zinc-plated steel
tubing that appears to be fairly thin-walled.  The brackets don't look like
they fit quite right, and I would not personally want one installed on my
Syncro.  It reminded me of those aluminum folding chairs that you bring to
the beach - it they get bent, they never quite fold up right again
afterwards.  Like the beach chairs, they apparently do the job for some
people, though.

2. Gary Lee's unit appears to be of excellent quality and workmanship
(similar or even superior to the Paulchen racks).  The big drawback in my
mind is that you will not be able to open the rear hatch very easily with a
15" tire mounted back there.

3. The OEM $3,000 unit is truly a thing of beauty.  Stoutly built, very nice
workmanship.  The brackets all apear to fit the body and bumper of the
Vanagon perfectly, and it opens and closes without sagging or catching.  And
the wheel cover that says "Syncro" is so trick.   Unfortunately, there are
VERY few of us that can justify spending $3,000 for a spare tire carrier.
(that is more than an entire set of brand new 15" tires and fancy 15"
wheels!)

Summary:
If someone was to build a unit based on the OEM Syncro unit and sell it for
$500 or less, I would seriously consider buying one.  In the absence of
something like that, I may stick to 14" wheels and tires forever....


Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

>From: 80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
>Reply-To: 80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: SURVEY - How much would you pay for a rear spare tire carrier?
>Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 16:28:25 -0400
>
>There are a few options on the market:
>
>Ken Wilford sells the German Ortec Rear Spare Tire Carrier
>for $339:
>http://www.vanagain.com/Accessories.htm
>
>Gary Lee has a Ladder that you can mount a spare to that
>swings with the hatch Ladder $239 + Spare Carrier $39:
>http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm
>
>Or David Marshall sells the genuine Volkswagen Spare Tire
>Carrier offered as optional equipment on the Syncro T3 in
>Europe under $3000 (Yes THREE THOUSAND that is not a typo):
>http://www.fastforward.ca/vanagon/default.htm#spare
>
>There are advantages and disadvantages to each, you be the
>judge!
>
>Thanks,
>Chris
>


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