Since there isn't a good place to get VW parts within 200 miles of here I've been ordering off the web. Just wondering if there are good and bad places to go. I've been using CIP1 because they take paypal, where all my money is and SoCal Auto Parts because I can't find lower priced parts. Where do you guys go, who don't live in a VW infested area?
Rebecca If you are happy with Cip1 Then you should continue buying from them.
I have a restoration/ repair shop and buy from Cip1 alot and Gary the rep. I talk to is great.
I also buy from Dave owner of Sundance Bug and Buggie out of Plant City Fl. hes not on the web, But theres no one out there that will give you better service.
It depends on what your after and what kind of rig you have. Careful about the big discount mail order places. They stock both good stuff and items of a lesser quality so you have to be careful. CIP1 is a good place to buy from for the most part. Serious engine parts are a different story. And any big ticket items, it's best to ask here first if your not sure.
The quality of the parts was very good EXCEPT for the front trailing arms and balljoints I got for my '73. The balljoints were too stiff, one boot was torn upon delievery, and one of the trailing arms was bent and the shop could not align the car properly becuase of it. Everything else was great: disc brakes, seals, shocks, steering parts, engine stuff, etc. I think the trailing arm thing was a fluke, as it WAS a fairly new item. Good luck
I bought a stainless steel coated stock muffler from Socal. When I called to phone in the order, the clerk was very rude and smartalec. They sent me the part though, eventually. And, they added more to the shipping costs than what was originally quoted without asking me first. Check search\this newsgroup for other comments on SoCal.
I have heard that it is best to buy original German genders from a salvage yard since the replacements are not made as well or of as thick of metal.
I have never purchaced fenders before but here is a quote from the now defunct Rocky Mountain Motorworks' catalog.
"New fenders are easy to install and a quick way to improve your Bug's performance. Our heavy duty fenders are primed and ready to install for a perfect fit. Note: We recommend purchasing fenders in pairs to ensure a match."
I suppose this means that if you do not purchase them in pairs, when you look at the front view of the vehicle, one fender may be longer than the other?
No it means if you are useing an early fender your horn grills willl be on a uneven plan and both early and late fenders the bumper holes are in different positions. and the rear bumpers hang about 2cm below the rear apron.
Hot VWs did an interesting story on aftermarket fenders a while back. On the earlier fenders there can be variations in the location of the horn holes in the front fenders and the turn signal holes.
I do not see how they could give better performance. this is a quote I got from an old Rocky mountain Motorworks catalog issue VW17 page 82.
Maybe if they were not purchased in pairs, one fender would be longer than the other in front and that would affect the airodynamics of the vehicle and give less gas mileage. Just Kidding!
Juper Wort wrote:How the F**k can new fenders give better performance ???
...simple. The new fenders are made from thin cheasy metal. They are, therefore, lighter than the originals. Easiest way to go faster is to "add lightness." =-) BTW the fit issue is not so much a length thing....rather it is in placement of the headlights and turn signal holes, as well as the horn grills on early fenders. Its is quite common for them to differ. Best bet for body parts is original german or CCC fiberglass...
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.