Maybe you just had a bad caliper day.  I rebuilt mine a couple of weeks ago and it took me about 30 minutes max for each side.  I spent $10 on the repair kit versus $120 for two new calipers.  That's a saving of $110 right there.  I'll rebuilt them again any time.
 
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: BRENT CHRISTENSEN [mailto:bchristensen@INFOGENESIS.COM]
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2000 10:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Front Brakes & Ball joint Q's [Syncro]

I can't agree with you more, Ken.  After just doing two of these buggers, I could have easily justified the $60 for the first one, which I fought with for about 3 hours.  However, the second one was a lot easier, and only took me about 20 minutes (not including degreasing)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM [mailto:KENWILFY@AOL.COM]
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2000 9:01 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Front Brakes & Ball joint Q's [Syncro]


I don't see why folks go to the trouble of rebuilding these calipers.  I have
them new for $60 each (that is for the 86-92 Vanagons only though).  The
rebuild kits I sell for $10 but I mean for the amount of work and frustration
I think it is worth the extra money don't you?


Thanks,
Ken Wilford
http://www.vanagain.com
John 3:16
Phone: (856)-765-1583
Shop:   (856)-327-0027
Fax:     (856)-327-2242