TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:54 pm

Retailer unknown for now. This was found when he complained of shifting issues. I will be going through the customers receipts to find where he purchased this. He just does not remember atm. But it came from one of the big retailers before he started buying from me. 35 year old part shown for comparison. Take it for what it's worth as a precaution on what is being sold as Genuine out there.

Also at the bottom is a picture of the kit I buy from my source in Germany for a contrast and compare. Exact same cage as the 35 year old unit. Seems odd to me. Once I find out who the retailer was I will update and also contact them before I go to VWoA if neccesary. This possibly fake part is even stamped VW/Audi. Look at the point on the Real Genuine screw in the bottom photo.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:01 pm

I used the original metal parts and put the new bushings in the frame. The new parts I bought - don't remember where - had the same sort of junk stamping.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:15 pm

bmoehring wrote: I used the original metal parts and put the new bushings in the frame. The new parts I bought - don't remember where - had the same sort of junk stamping.

Yes, I find it odd what VW still sells is exactly what was used 30+ years ago. This is what raised my suspicion as this garbage has the logos but is not even close to what I can buy from a VW dealer. The metal is so soft you can see where even imprinting the logo distorted it.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:26 am

Bobby

Great post. I need to replace my shifter linkage and was just about to order one....do you sell the original quality kit or do you know where I can source.

Many Thanks
Greg

Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:30 am

Don't ya just love the aftermarket.

BTW.. I bet the new one is made from much softer metal and will deform easily.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:09 am

He never said it was a German part..... it probably is actually "Genuine" just..... VW of Mexico Genuine......

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:15 am

Glenn wrote: Don't ya just love the aftermarket.

BTW.. I bet the new one is made from much softer metal and will deform easily.

Exactly. Look at where the logo was stamped. It deformed the metal it's so soft. I can deform the cage by hand, how could that ever be expected to work? He was taken by a flashy website/catalog and what seemed like a cheap price. Glenn your tagline never rang more true then here.

"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

People, demand to see what you are buying. Those tiny pics or obscured images on some sites should be a warning. If they are not proud enough of what they are selling to feature an image of reasonable size move on. It's your money and the vendors should be here to serve you. You have every right for them to EARN your business. Caveat Emptor as always and good luck.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:18 am

You are wrong, that is not a "genuine VW of Mexico" part. Take a look on the real VW of Mexico Genuine shift coupler.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:27 am

I think it is a genuine "vw of China" part :wink:

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:27 am

Quote: He never said it was a German part..... it probably is actually "Genuine" just..... VW of Mexico Genuine......
This is the real VWoM part:

Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:37 am

Antonio Trejo wrote: You are wrong, that is not a "genuine VW of Mexico" part. Take a look on the real VW of Mexico Genuine shift coupler.

Heyas Antonio. Thanks for the image. No one here with any experience would ever confuse that thing I posted with a Genuine VW part. VW Mexico Beetle parts are great and many of them are sold in German VW dealerships as you know. The Mexican Beetle was sold there for many years after all. There are subtle clues and then as you and I know certain parts no longer manufactured in one area usually still are in the other. :wink: :D

Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:39 pm

I've seen the VW stamp on some poor looking parts before as well. That one is pretty horrible though!

Since I found I did take an image of it before I installed it, I bought this coupler cage from WW last year, 311711211, which was advertised as German, and was pretty good quality. But I see it's out of stock now. I guess you two are the go-to guys for a good coupler now!

-Andy

Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:48 pm

glutamodo wrote: I've seen the VW stamp on some poor looking parts before as well. That one is pretty horrible though!

Since I found I did take an image of it before I installed it, I bought this coupler cage from WW last year, 311711211, which was advertised as German, and was pretty good quality. But I see it's out of stock now. I guess you two are the go-to guys for a good coupler now!

-Andy

Andy, that is indeed a German unit. Compare the logo orientation between the two. The German units are angled and the Mexican are straight. The Barrel of the Mexican unit is a bit different as are the two screws. But both work equally well and are not made with play-doh like the one I posted above.

Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:33 pm

Any feedback or experiences with this particular coupler?

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D311%2D711%2D245%2DGR