Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:22:43 -0700
Reply-To: Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: [WetWesties] Re: 5400rpm rev limiting rotors for 10 bucks at
cip
In-Reply-To: <006901cc96c2$6e184d50$4a48e7f0$@net>
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Part of the hype is that in the production of Vanagons and previous
models of the era was that a small portion of parts were outsourced,
mostly in Europe (EEC), Brazil and Mexico. In many cases, production
tooling was unbolted from the floor in Germany and shipped to Spain,
Italy, Brazil, Mexico and probably South Africa and Australia. VW
didn't go to the Far East until later on and were made to VW's rigid
specifications. In the case of North American-bound Westfalias, a lot
of items were manufactured in USA by Delta Six (an example) because
they had to meet RVIA standards for the USDOT and it was much easier
and cost effective to do that then.
Enter the Aftermarket Importers and Suppliers who *think* they can do
as good (or better) a job in reproducing. Most don't adhere to as
rigid of specs, consequentially causing an enormous supply of stuff
that don't measure up. It's all about maximizing the profit at the
expense of the customer's frustration, so Far Eastern parts get the
bad rep.
You're right, you can get Far Eastern made stuff that is good, even
great quality. But what Airhead/VWG's owner Scott and myself have
known for years is that you have to spend the cabbage and the time
with the manufacturer to produce a quality part. That's why a
considerable amount of items (over 800) reproduced for Airhead/VWG can
be up to 2 years to bring it to market. A lot of inspection and
testing go into this process, a lot more than what others do.
A good example is the Moon Hubcap with the APPROVED by VW Logo in
regards to metal content (much heavier than a Brazil or other Chinese
knock-off) and the attention to the proper chroming thickness and the
correct rust-inhibitor (and color) paint on the inside. Took a year
to get the process right and they're not cheap to make, not by a long
shot. VW in Europe was so impressed that they BUY them from
Airhead/VWG!
-- Jim Thompson84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"72 411
Station Wagon "Pug"75 914 1.8 "Nancy"Full Timing Since March
1999oldvolkshome@gmail.comhttp://www.oldvolkshome.com***********************************On
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 at 10:11 PM, Tom Hargrave <thargrav@hiwaay.net>
wrote:
> I don't understand the "Made in Germany" hype especially when VW has
> historically out sourced more of their manufacturing than anyone else. They
> were the first to go global and at one time VW produced cars on every
> continent except Russia. At the same time they sourced parts from everywhere
> including China. Add Westfalia in the mix and you get even more global
> parts.
>
> We see China as a junk parts manufacturer because as consumers we are only
> willing to personally pay junk prices to China. And the result is we see
> ultra low cost toys and accessories from China at the local WallyWorld. This
> twists our opinion of China. China has been making a lot of quality parts
> for years. They are in your high priced TVs, cars, microwaves, stoves,
> etc....
>
> Thanks, Tom Hargrave
> www.stir-plate.com
> www.towercooler.com
> www.kegkits.com
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