Date:         Tue, 5 Aug 2008 15:04:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Van Cafe - How'd they do that?
In-Reply-To:  <20080805213559.22BE2375806@mpls-mf-11.inet.qwest.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> Date:    Tue, 5 Aug 2008 12:34:50 -0700
> From:    Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Van Cafe - How'd they do that?
>
>  Since the subject is still on topic, I can also give Van Cafe a good rating
> on service at the store.  Twice I've stopped by there (a long way from home)
> to purchase a product that needed to be installed (Big Bumpers and Bilstein
> rear shocks).  In both cases I asked if they could get me on their schedule
> the next day, planning on hanging around for and extra day or so.  But in
> both cases they took me in right then and did the work so I could get back
> on the road.  I could have just been lucky and caught them on a light day
> but whatever the situation it was great service.  Recently I even got a
> personal phone call from Peter because of a note I'd left with an order I'd
> placed, great sevice and great concern for the customer.  And from what I've
> heard from others I wouldn't expect Your Milage To Vary
Have to agree there.  Year before last, on a trip up the coast, I called
Peter to see if they had the lift springs in stock, and if I came
through Santa Cruz two days later, could they install them for me.  They
were able to work me in, and install the springs, replace the upper ball
joints, and replace the screeching upper control arm bushings.  I had
new shocks on the front end at the time, and Peter called me when they
got into it to say that my shocks didn't have enough travel to make him
comfortable they'd be OK with the taller springs.  To resolve the
problem he gave me Bilsteins at his cost since it was an unanticipated
problem.  That was prompt, reasonably priced, great service.  I've
ordered from them a number of times, online, as well and always get the
stuff here in Phoenix within 3 or 4 days with standard ground delivery.
They are a little more expensive sometimes, but the service - and surety
of quick shipping - is certainly worth it to me.  I'm not disparaging
other vendors, but when I get some really good service, I tend to stick
with that provider - and they carry some Tiico parts as well!.

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)