Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 23:36:34 -0500
Reply-To: Fredrich Hesterberg <FredsVW@WEBTV.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Fredrich Hesterberg <FredsVW@WEBTV.NET>
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
In-Reply-To: "John P. Flaherty" <jflahert@MAINE.RR.COM>'s message of Mon, 28
Jul 2003 23:57:39 -0400
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=ISO-8859-1
Mr. John,
The best wya to get the most from alternator is take to private
rebuilder yourself, and have it run up to 100 amp or 125 amp which can
be done.
I have had bad Bosch rebuild, AC Delco rebuild many time.
Anything is possible.
Problem is not too many plan ahead and have a extra part like this
rebuilt ready to go on shelf in garage.
Part goes away, and you need to have new quick.
So, In my view, for 100 dollars this is not a bad replacement.
And it is not big job to replace.
Not for me anyway.
15 minutes would be enough to do job so if it should go bad I get
another.
I had hard time giving VW almost 500 dollar for new.
Good Evening,
E-mail message
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
I went through 3 NAPA alternators in 2 years. Finally said the hell with
their warranty, the breakdowns and labor of replacing it weren't worth
the trouble. Bought a lifetime warranty one from a local VW parts
specialist. Actually got 2 years out of that one. Waiting to see what I
get from the replacement.
Considering the original alternator lasted 15 years, I'm not overly
impressed with either of them.
YMMV
John Flaherty
Portland, Maine
'84 GL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Owen" <olists@THEBRANDS.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
Nice research Fred, thank you. I will start checking NAPA for parts
pricing. I too prefer the self insured route whenever possible.
Owen Brand
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fredrich Hesterberg" <FredsVW@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
I see this and call NAPA too.
This is what is replaced in this alternator. bushings, diodes, brushes .
The windings are inspected and tested.
Is not just cleaned and replated.
Three year warrantee is good for me.
A Bosch rebuilt is done same way.
For almost twice the price.
So what is differrent?
Nothing.
The $206.00 rebuilt at NAPA I asked what is the different? He says the
lifetime warrantee.
Thats what you pay for.
Nothing inside the alternator.
Good Morning,
Fred
E-mail message
Subject: Re: Alternator Deal.
My local NAPA guy told me that he was informed that the 104.00
"Standard" NAPA alternators are only cleaned and repaired, not rebuilt.
"Premium" NAPA alternators for our Vanagons are completely rebuilt but
are priced at over 200 bucks.
what he said,
Dan Hall
'86 Westy Weekender
"Das Boot"
----- Original Message -----
From: Fredrich Hesterberg
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 10:57 PM
Subject: Alternator Deal.
I find the alternator dead on my 88 Westy last night. I call 4 places
this morning.
VW first.
$489.00
Foreign Car Parts Place
$189.00 ( rebuilt Beck Arnley)
A Local parts house
$136.00 ( I do not know who rebuilt it ) Finally NAPA
$104.00 and a 3 year guarantee.
I think this is good price, and like the warrantee, and had it this
morning and put in Van.
No mail order.
No wait.
No ship charges.
It is a 90 amp alternator--I checked with meter. I figure why rebuild
myself--no warrantee--and It took me half hour to pick up part and
install.
Good Evening,
Fred
Fred
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