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Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:31 pm

I just received some front shocks from Rocky Mountain Motorworks for the front of my '64 bus. They are Boge's and were listed as usual as 'original German shocks'. I took them out of the box and they have 'Made In Mexico' on them with the Boge name imprinted on them. The boxes were unopened Boge boxes. Have they gone to Mexico for all of their manufacturing or assembly? If so, what kind of quality should I expect?

Thanks,

Micro

Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:51 pm

I had a similar problem once, only my "German" Boge's had Brazil stamped on them. You can still get German shocks from European suppliers or perhaps try BFY Obsolete Parts, Wolfsburg West or Vintage Parts Inc in North America. Neil.

Mon Nov 04, 2002 10:24 pm

Thanks. I know that we're not talking Bilsteins or anything, but am I asking for trouble by using these shocks? Should I send them back and try to get the German Boge's elsewhere?

Thanks,

Micro

Mon Nov 04, 2002 10:46 pm

When you buy something from a German company, it should be German. I know that doesn't always pertain to parts from American companies that have their products made elsewhere. What's the difference in Mexican Boge's and German Boge's. Hopefully it isn't a couple years of performance...

SurfinUSA

Tue Nov 05, 2002 9:05 am

I think there isn't any difference between a Boge shock that is stamped 'Mexico', 'Brazil' or 'Germany'. They are not that expensive and last only 'so' long anyway, that if you're not embarassed by the 'absolutely correct' bus freaks peeking under your rig and gasping when they see your nice looking (and riding) bus has "Mexican" boges, then get over it and get your sled on the road.

My 3 cents,

Doug

Tue Nov 05, 2002 9:24 pm

I agree...I've got one German and one Brazilian Boge on the rear of my '68 Beetle and still won trophies in Seattle and Vancouver in 2001 at Vintage VW shows. It really is a minor detail until you're ready to play with the big boys later on at the VW Classic, etc.

Wed Nov 06, 2002 8:22 am

All BOGE shocks for VW's (air cooled) are made in Mexico (I have not seen Brazil ones).
They have not made those part numbers in Germany for years.

Wed Nov 06, 2002 8:54 am

Ronnie,

Have you had any problems with these shocks?

Thanks,

Scott

Wed Nov 06, 2002 8:22 pm

ronnie@type2parts...I'm located in Canada and most of our VW replacement parts are Brazilian or German...Mexican parts are few and far between. However, I notice that when I visit family in California that the parts suppliers down there tend to have OEM VW Mexico parts.

For example, I walked into my local German-"all-makes" shop (ie. BMW, VW, etc) a few weeks ago and picked up new German Wizemann lifters, German Boge shocks, new VW German doghouse cooler, German clutch (they had Brazilian Sachs clutches also), so it really depends. You can also still order Pierburg fuel pumps from Germany, even though most ACVW stores usually sell the less expensive Brazilian ones. There are several companies in the UK where you can order numerous more German OEM parts. The internet is great if you keep looking!