TheSamba.com :: View topic - Official whine about Late Model/Super and parts for sale

Sat May 15, 2010 7:00 pm

Bruce wrote: More thermostat JUNK!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=966473

The vertical rod doesn't work with the flaps he's selling.
The thermostat bracket he's got is for an early 40hp, and is not adjustable. This means it won't work on a 1600 based engine.
Also, that worthless piece of crap spring is far from the correct item. Then he's got the nerve to ask top dollar. :roll:
Since I know this seller, I sent him a link to this posting.

I am sure he is amenable to correcting the ad and/or parts included.

I have seen you post about this subject at least twice. If you want to create a thread detailing the "correct" parts with photos and information, I believe it would be informative to the members and I would add it to the FAQ.

Sat May 15, 2010 9:58 pm

EverettB wrote: If you want to create a thread detailing the "correct" parts with photos and information, I believe it would be informative to the members and I would add it to the FAQ.
That thought crossed my mind a few days ago. I will try to get some "Glenn" type pics.

Sat May 15, 2010 11:53 pm

Bruce wrote: More thermostat JUNK!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=966473

The vertical rod doesn't work with the flaps he's selling.
The thermostat bracket he's got is for an early 40hp, and is not adjustable. This means it won't work on a 1600 based engine.
Also, that worthless piece of crap spring is far from the correct item. Then he's got the nerve to ask top dollar. :roll:

Thanks for the feedback Bruce, judging by some of your previous posts it seems you've got kind of a pet peeve when it comes to thermostat sets. We all have our quirks, and it's cool that you geek out on the thermostat stuff. I think it would be awesome if you started a thread with a tutorial on which pieces are correct for various years.

I hardly would consider this set - as you say - "junk". My goal with this set, was to provide a complete usable set for someone to install with all of the hardware. That way they don't have to go hunting for anything. I know I have a hard time locating all of these pieces sometimes, but I recently came into a few surplus sets and thought I would pass them on.

I missed that the bracket was not adjustable, and will substitute that out tomorrow and will update the ad with new pictures. The non-adjustable bracket will certainly work with a 1600 based engine, and I could not even begin to count the number of times I have ovaled those holes out. I would prefer that the customer not have to do that, and I have plenty of both versions so it's not a big deal. You can also use the threads on the rod to dial in the adjustment a bit if needed.

Yes, that spring is incorrect but it is still totally functional. I always have a hard time coming up with the correct springs, and sometimes have to substitute.

I see nothing wrong with the vertical rod I've included, but will check it out again tomorrow against some NOS one's I have to verify. If you have additional insight/feedback on this piece I would love to hear it.

I hardly think $125 for a complete set is top dollar, but I was simply providing an alternative to someone who doesn't want to choke down $80 for a N.O.S. thermostat. I've seen local shops charging $150-$200 for this same kit, plus tax, plus labor to install it, and they don't have the rigt springs either.

Obviously you don't have a problem selling these for "top dollar":

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=957356
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=604043

Looks like you have the correct springs but are missing the mounting hardware.

Sun May 16, 2010 12:42 am

There's a big difference between the kits I sold and what you offered. Mine will actually work!

Mine are correct with all compatible pieces as VW intended. Yes, my kit is missing the slotted M6 shroud screws, but one has to assume every VW person on this board has a few extras. Of the 15-20 kits I have sold, nobody has ever complained about this. My own preference is to use only original VW hardware. Others like shiny new screws. I figure if I supply either, half the people will throw it away and use the other, so why include it in the first place?

I collect the parts and any time I get parts that don't work, I throw them away. Like the early 40 hp thermostat bracket you have in your ad.

The rod in your kit is too short at the top leg. It won't extend through the part riveted to the flap. Your rod is for early non-fresh air shrouds.

There's no need to include that worthless spring. Go down to your local auto parts store or hardware store and look at their selection of extension springs. I found one that's really close, and it has extra long straight legs on each end. You simply cut and bend to the right size. One long, the other short.

Haven't you read in the feedback forums about someone buying something that didn't fit what the seller claimed? It creates a big argument, and in the end, the buyer usually gets screwed. So yes, it's a pet peeve of mine, that is why I post warnings when I see misrepresented parts ads. Your ad warranted a such a warning since the parts won't work.
If you fix your kit, I will gladly remove my warning above.

Sun May 16, 2010 9:17 am

Bruce wrote: There's a big difference between the kits I sold and what you offered. Mine will actually work!

Mine are correct with all compatible pieces as VW intended. Yes, my kit is missing the slotted M6 shroud screws, but one has to assume every VW person on this board has a few extras. Of the 15-20 kits I have sold, nobody has ever complained about this. My own preference is to use only original VW hardware. Others like shiny new screws. I figure if I supply either, half the people will throw it away and use the other, so why include it in the first place?

I collect the parts and any time I get parts that don't work, I throw them away. Like the early 40 hp thermostat bracket you have in your ad.

The rod in your kit is too short at the top leg. It won't extend through the part riveted to the flap. Your rod is for early non-fresh air shrouds.

There's no need to include that worthless spring. Go down to your local auto parts store or hardware store and look at their selection of extension springs. I found one that's really close, and it has extra long straight legs on each end. You simply cut and bend to the right size. One long, the other short.

Haven't you read in the feedback forums about someone buying something that didn't fit what the seller claimed? It creates a big argument, and in the end, the buyer usually gets screwed. So yes, it's a pet peeve of mine, that is why I post warnings when I see misrepresented parts ads. Your ad warranted a such a warning since the parts won't work.
If you fix your kit, I will gladly remove my warning above.

Thanks for the follow up Bruce. You sound very passionate about thermostats, which I think is really cool. What I don't find cool is the fact you keep insiting that the parts I have are not compatible, even though they are. You also sound a bit irritated, and I'm not sure if it's because you don't appreciate the competition (sounds like you sell a bunch of these, and I may cut into your market), or if you truly think I'm out to rip someone off. I can assure you that I am not out to rip anyone off, and I'm sure if you had reviewed my feedback thread (the second largest positive feedback forum on this site) you would quickly realize I'm not out to sell anyone short.

The vertical rod I have is NOT a stale-air version, and it is compatible with those flaps and linkage. I test fitted it with the clip and it fit perfectly, and although the nub is a little bit shorter than some other ones, the difference is only cosmetic and not functional.

Here are pictures of three types of thermostat vertical rods (left, stale air, center, fresh-air (the one initially pictured with the ad), and right, fresh air (the one now pictured with the ad):

Close up:

And here is a close up showing the two versions of the fresh air (both styles fit the fresh air flaps perfectly):

Anyway, I have updated the ad to include the adjustable thermostat bracket, a different vertical rod (even though they both work fine), and will see about getting a more correct looking spring (even though this one will work perfectly and is totally hidden when installed).

If you have any more feedback, I would love to hear it.

As I have stated before, all of the parts in my initial ad were compatible, so I do feel your "warning" was unwarranted and incorrect.

If you do create a thermostat forum, and you are interested in what I have to offer, I would be happy to contribute some details regarding the early ones, since it sounds like you pitch away the early stuff.

Sun May 16, 2010 12:33 pm

campingbox wrote:

The middle one is the correct one. The bottom one's end is too short to extend all the way through the loop of the flaps.

Sun May 16, 2010 2:13 pm

Bruce wrote: campingbox wrote:

The middle one is the correct one. The bottom one's end is too short to extend all the way through the loop of the flaps.

Both the middle and bottom one extend all of the way through the loop and clip on just fine. The stale-air one at the top does not.

I will include the "correct" middle one with the set I am offering to satisfy your offer to remove your "warning".

Sun May 16, 2010 2:54 pm

uh, yeah, right. the fresh batch of crack must have finished cooking in the back room.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=967201
1971-1973 Super Beetle Strutt Assemblies Price: $125
1971, 1972, 1973 Super Beetle complete strutt assemblies. Price for one unit $125. Interested in more. Purchase 20 units at $75 each, or 100 units at $60 each.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=967207
1974-1979 Super Beetle Complete Strutts Price: $140
Complete strutt assemblies for 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 Super Beetles. Price for one unit $140 complete. Quantity pricing available at $90 each for 20 units, or $75 each for 100 units.

Sun May 16, 2010 11:49 pm

campingbox wrote:
I will include the "correct" middle one with the set I am offering to satisfy your offer to remove your "warning".
Removed as offered.
However it was quoted by yourself and Everett, so you'll have to remove it from your message.
What about the rest? want it gone too?

Mon May 17, 2010 9:50 am

mr69 wrote: are you kidding me $1500 on the samba, but $400 on Craigs

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=957580

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/fuo/1732100973.html

scammer

I bought one of these for my kid off of craigslist about a year ago. Only paid $75 for it, though.

Tue May 18, 2010 4:03 pm

is this where i post that the chrome keyed engine hood lock from cip1 is rusted after 4 months? well it is
my original (unkeyed) looks nearly new still after 40 years
:cry:

Tue May 18, 2010 4:35 pm

dirtkeeper wrote: is this where i post that the chrome keyed engine hood lock from cip1 is rusted after 4 months? well it is
my original (unkeyed) looks nearly new still after 40 years
:cry:

That sucks. Curious to know... was it one of these [quoted] "oe quality" locks? http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C24%2D113%2D827%2D503%2DF

Tue May 18, 2010 6:36 pm

a.wilson wrote: dirtkeeper wrote: is this where i post that the chrome keyed engine hood lock from cip1 is rusted after 4 months? well it is
my original (unkeyed) looks nearly new still after 40 years
:cry:

That sucks. Curious to know... was it one of these [quoted] "oe quality" locks? http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C24%2D113%2D827%2D503%2DF

No. it was the cheaper one. I didnt see that one when i bought mine.

Wed May 19, 2010 11:48 am

dirtkeeper wrote: a.wilson wrote: dirtkeeper wrote: is this where i post that the chrome keyed engine hood lock from cip1 is rusted after 4 months? well it is
my original (unkeyed) looks nearly new still after 40 years
:cry:

That sucks. Curious to know... was it one of these [quoted] "oe quality" locks? http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C24%2D113%2D827%2D503%2DF

No. it was the cheaper one. I didnt see that one when i bought mine.

Oh okay. Since some vendors started advertising the one in the link many months ago as "german made" , I was wondering about legitimacy of all their ads.
Yeah it hasn't been around for very long.

Wed May 19, 2010 12:13 pm

I'll be able to tell you how the "OE" keyed engine lid lock holds up. I just got mine from CIP1...installing today.

Heck, I'd contact CIP to get a replacement (ask for the OE) or refund. I'm sure they'd at least give you your $$ back. Any dealings I've had with them have been fine.

Wed May 19, 2010 12:15 pm

Geez. I have several original, used engine lid locks without keys that still look great. Of course, Gabriel Garcia could have one keyed in no time.

Sat May 22, 2010 12:22 pm

Beware of the MYTH this guy is spreading:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=490347

An 009 distributor only comes with one spring on the mechanical advance. That is the way it is designed. There is nothing "faulty" about it, and by running only one spring, you aren't going to harm your engine in any way.

Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:01 pm

"premium quality" aftermarket license plate housing, as removed from the package:

Would have much rather bought a used one than paid $45 for this piece of junk.

Wed Jun 09, 2010 8:07 am

Yea, I know you don't care.

But I have been waiting for a lowered sway bar from topline for over a month.

John explained that sway-away promised-promised they would be here at the end of May. Today is June 9th. John said he has made two calls to sway-away and not gotton a return call yet.

I want to cancell my order from topline and order from someone else, but it will piss John off and I may get stuck with some POS part from another vendor.

Whaaaaaaaaa, Whaaaaaaaa, Whaaaaaaaaa

Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:24 am

how is this a '63? :?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=978930