Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 10:30:28 -0500
Reply-To: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: WTB: Dash Metal Panel for below windshield...1990 2.1
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Same thing I found out Chris.
The tools are expendable because the 14.4V, 18V etc battery packs die and a
new tool w/batteries w/charger is priced about the same as two replacement
battery packs.
My experience was with $129.00 Ryobi Drill / Screw Gun kit but even with new
strong battery packs it just didn't have the power (Torque) to accomplish
many jobs.
The replacement batteries were around $100.00 w tax.
I know I never got a 100 hours of use out of the tool in three years.
If I buy more portable tools I'm going to look for something that will run
from a Car 12v source or a rechargeable 12v battery pack.
I've had these sturdy dependable back in the 60s and 70s that I ran off
battery chargers that produced 15 amps and from standard car batteries. (No
failures, they all got stolen).
It's buyer beware on about any tool you buy these days.
I bought a Troy Built 7.5 HP lawn mower and returned it to Lowe's within two
weeks because of problems I couldn't overcome (wouldn't run after five
minutes, near impossible to start when hot). Went back to the 10 year old
Sears 4.5 HP mower I was trying to replace.
I bought a Troy Built dual line weed whacker (line Trimmer), it was the
expensive type with the option to plug in additional tools.
The cost was about $180.00 in August 2004 from Lowe's.
The starter cord pulled out (not covered in the 2 year warranty). Repair
estimate $90.00 no new parts required. I paid $15.00 for an estimate and put
the cord back myself in about 15 minutes.
The clutch bound up and stayed locked (not covered in the 2 year warranty).
Repair estimate $85.00 Parts $20.00, replaced it myself fro the $20.00
parts.
The electronic ignition module failed (not covered in the two year
warranty). Repair estimate $85.00 Parts $45.00 (bought another trimmer).
I just bought a Ryobi 31 cc dual line trimmer with the accessory
capabilities for $99.00 and threw the Troy Built back in the shed for
spare -parts since they are virtual twins on engine, fuel tank, general
working parts.
I also bought and returned a Husqvarna 2 line trimmer from Sears. The
exhaust came out under my right elbow and the unit was just impossible to
use with such a poorly configured design. I returned it within 24 hours. If
I had waited more than 24 hours to return it there would have been a return
service fee. You might want to ask about Sears / KMART return policies if
you're spending money with them.
I swear these imported tools all look like they come from the same factory
and have time bomb failures built in.
Don't be fooled by quality American Names like Coleman, Black and Decker or
others they're mostly China made.
I've had excellent results for 30+ years with Makita tools.
I'd put them on a sliding scale against Milwaukee with Milwaukee being a 10
and Makita at somewhere around an 8.
I'm still looking for a durable big wheel lawn mower in about a 22" cut if
anyone has any consumer reports I'd be interested in hearing from you.
By the way; ElecrtroLux bought out Troy build and a few others so you could
be getting the same Troy Built mower / trimmer under several brand names.
Here are some of their brands: CONSUMER , Electrolux , Eureka ,
Frigidaire , Partner , Poulan , WeedEater, Troy Built
PROFESSIONAL Diamant Boart , Dimas , Electrolux Dito , Electrolux
Laundry Systems , Electrolux Professional , Husqvarna , Jonsered ,
Molteni , Partner Industrial , Target
Don't be fooled by the Sweedish Parent Electrolux, everything on the above
list is 90% made in China except the Frigidare line and Target Concrete
Saws.
Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: <JordanVw@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: WTB: Dash Metal Panel for below windshield...1990 2.1
> In a message dated 8/26/05 1:57:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
syncro@GMAIL.COM
> writes:
>
>
> > I'm guessing here that Kevin is looking for the OUTSIDE body panel that
is
> > just below the windshield.
> > BenT
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> sounds like Kevin needs to fire up the sawzall!!
> ps. anyone bought a good cordless sawzall? ive got a regular plug in
> craftsman sawzall, but was wondering what kinds of experiences ppl had w/
battery
> pak ones.. preferred brands? is Bosch brand better than Craftsman? ive
got a
> craftsman battery powere cordless drill and the battery packs are
pitiful..
> cant hold a charge or do any heavy work without running down quickly..
> sorry for the lack of vanagon content, i just thought id ask..
>
> chris
| 
