Date:         Fri, 27 Jun 2003 13:08:01 -0700
Reply-To:     "Bergin, Richard" <bergin@MARSHALL.USC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Bergin, Richard" <bergin@MARSHALL.USC.EDU>
Subject:      Coil Spring buyers beware
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> I purchased a set of Boge High Performance Coil Springs from XXXXXX and just recently got around to installing them into my 84 Westy only to discover the lowering effect was a 2 1/4" inch drop in the front and a 3/4" drop in the rear.  The ride is similar to that described by H&R spring owners.  I then replaced my brand new stock replacement front shocks with a set of KYB shocks purchased from XXXX  (hoping that the freeway bounce might be reduced) it did reduce the bounce by 30%. The ride however is SIGNIFICANTLY stiffer than that of a Wolfsburg 87.
> I now refer to the advertisement on the site
> The illusive words "ABOUT" and "SLIGHTLY"
> DIRECT QUOTE FROM XXXXXXX WEB SITE
> "Set Of 4 (front & rear), European made! About the same ride height as the factory-equipped Wolfsburg/Carat springs (slightly lower than stock Vanagon or Camper). Fits all Vanagon except Syncro."
> I contacted XXXXX and informed them about the problem. The staff member informed me that the drop could be between 1.5 and 2".  I asked if the front springs that I received could be out of spec and would he send me another pair for the front.  The response was NO and NO.
> I then asked if I could ship the springs back and receive a refund.  The answer was NO.
> My lessons learned,  Never go on normative information like "ABOUT" and "SLIGHTLY". Or the original comments of a sales person (1" drop, the owner installed a set in his Westy") get  it in writing along with a written statement of return policy.  Trust in a community is good, but good business sense is better.
> Take Care
> 
>