Stuart:

It sounds like they have a niftier (is that a word?) = set up that Blackstone labs.  What is the database that they = use?  My bet is that it is MS Access, and if so, someone (me?) = could probably create a web-based data input form, as well as a = web-based reporting tool so that list members could purchase the = analysis kits, then enter the data onto the web page.  Then we = could all have access to the information via the web.

Wow, what a cool resource that would be for us = "anal retentive" types...

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.C= OM]On Behalf
> Of Stuart MacMillan
> Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 2:02 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Oil analysis group purchace
>
>
> I just ordered a couple more kits from Herguth = and asked about
> discounts.  at 50 you get 30% off, 100 or = more 40% off.  They
> also offer
> email results, including a color bar graph, in = PDF format.  Anyone who
> wants to order a kit can call Linda at 888 = 437-4884 x 3012
> and get yours
> for $20, which includes the shipping both = ways.
>
> Any interest in a group purchase?  If we = could order 100 they
> would cost
> members about $15 including postage and a small = handling fee
> to someone
> who mails them out. They also sell a slick = database program for
> monitoring fleets that tracks trends.  If = there is enough
> interest I, or
> someone, could set up this database and the = data would also
> be available
> to the whole group.  This could be really = valuable
> information since you
> log oil brand, change frequency, mileage, = etc.
>
> Someone like William Fryer who is concerned = about his engine
> at 165,000
> miles could have actually tracked his analysis = trends, or now look at
> the combined list historical data and see the = results for
> that mileage.
>
> Maybe this is too much trouble for most of us, = but I thought I'd throw
> it out for comment.
>
> Personally, I think every engine should have an = oil analysis every
> 50,000 miles, and those of you using synthetic = oils for
> megabuck$ could
> probably save money not changing oil so often = if you tested every 5000
> miles or so!
>
> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Manager, Case Program
> 800-909-8244 ext. 8208
> Fax: 206-269-6360
>
> Getting your share of the Net yet?
> http://cobaltgroup.com
> http://UsedEquipNet.com
>