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

Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:48 am

Ok, this is more a whine of "Damn I wish I had $$ to burn and space for it!!"

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-volkswagen-super-beetle-sedan-19/#comments-anchor

Fri Aug 08, 2025 6:18 am

If you like Bajas, here's a beauty selling in my general neighborhood.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GXHA3VYva/

Thu Aug 21, 2025 9:08 am

boxer74 wrote: vamram wrote: I *really* wanted the sound promised by its fatter-than-pea-shooter stainless steel tips. You'd think at my advanced age, delayed gratification and trusting your hunches would take over the impulse to buy. Alas, not so.

!

Too bad the stove pipe doesn't fit. I just bought this with high hopes of using it. Preheat isn't absolutely critical for me. I'll give it a try.

I just went a few rounds with Two "Two Tip Mufflers" for my never hit original sheet metal but Callook 67..
I wanted to get rid of the two tip equal length header "weeeeeeeeeehhhhh" sound for a more traditional VW exhaust bass thump and make it a smidge quieter.

Yes... I... we all should know better...
#-o
The first was an EMPI 00-3418-0. I bought it back last year in a "free shipping" with some other parts.. I decided to give it a try.. Looked good in the box.. but what a piece of shit.
Wasn't even close. Tips were fat and stubby and overall it absolutely did not fit. I can fabricate it ... no problem.. but...once I started .. it was going to be more welds than pipe.. I cut it up for future parts.. DONT BUY IT.. I lost about $150 and 3 hours time in the process..
https://empius.com/products/empi-2-tip-exhaust-system-4/

The JBugs 50001-1 version really looked promising . I liked the more correct pre heat even though I wasn't using it.. seemed more thought was put into it.. so bought it.
https://www.jbugs.com/product/50001-1-jbugs-vw-2-tip-exhaust-system-with-stainless-steel-tips.html

Ok.. very nice out of the box.. looks much better.. I was pleased..until..trying to bolt on....still was not a direct bolt on fit. The tips were a proper size and length but whacked out of position.. It at least almost fit.. :x

I can fabricate.. :roll: .. I had to extend the #2 tube about 18mm and cut a relief near the left muffler 3/4 attachment. The tips were not aligned level so had to really make a twist to make them look appropriate.
Took me about 6 hours of thought, sweat, tweaking and welding until I was satisfied. This should be a bolt and go.. but was not the case.. .. just another case of crap VW parts..

On the flip side.. its the sound I wanted and looks good.

Im not recommending it for those who are not prepared to cut n weld before driving.

I took pictures and sent an email to JBugs with a suggestion to do some in house quality control. Have not heard a word yet.

Thu Aug 21, 2025 1:18 pm

You'll never hear back from them on that. I'm shocked they took mine back but I think that's probably because I didn't cut it up.

Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:16 am

vamram wrote: You'll never hear back from them on that. I'm shocked they took mine back but I think that's probably because I didn't cut it up.

Thought you got money back and kept the part?
I really don't care either way.. but they need to know they are selling garbage VW parts.

Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:22 am

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: vamram wrote: You'll never hear back from them on that. I'm shocked they took mine back but I think that's probably because I didn't cut it up.

Thought you got money back and kept the part?
I really don't care either way.. but they need to know they are selling garbage VW parts.

They took the part back and then refunded me. I think they even paid the return shipping, but don't recall that detail.

Fri Aug 22, 2025 11:18 am

vamram wrote:
They took the part back and then refunded me. I think they even paid the return shipping, but don't recall that detail.

I probably got your return then :lol: :lol: :lol:

Fri Aug 22, 2025 11:38 am

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: vamram wrote:
They took the part back and then refunded me. I think they even paid the return shipping, but don't recall that detail.

I probably got your return then :lol: :lol: :lol:

LOL! Could be! Was it slathered in Permatex copper sealant? Yep, that's it!

Sat Aug 23, 2025 5:55 pm

Due to time constraints, I paid a reputable local VW shop to replace my master cylinder and brake light switches about 3 months ago. The shop is not cheap and I knew they would mark up the parts, but I was in a time crunch and didn't have time to do it myself. I discussed the issue of quality parts and said I would pay for the best parts they could get.

This morning, I found a small puddle of brake fluid under the front of the car. I jacked the car up and removed the driver's side front wheel expecting to find a leaking hose or bleeder valve.
Instead, I found one of the new brake light switches was leaking. I pulled the plug off the switch and found the plug was full of brake fluid. I found that when I pumped the brakes fluid was comping out of the back of the switch where the plug contacts are.
So, having read on this forum about this very issue, the 'best quality' switch that I was charged $48. for has failed. I could have bought a switch from NAPA for $18.... :x

WHO's parts do you trust anymore?

Sun Aug 24, 2025 5:46 am

Not so much a whine, but if you haven't bought any CSP products, it's probably too late now. Multiple European countries are stopping mail shipments to the US due to tariff uncertainty.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/some-eur...r-AA1L5V8t

Sun Aug 24, 2025 7:16 am

a8ked wrote: I found one of the new brake light switches was leaking. I pulled the plug off the switch and found the plug was full of brake fluid. I found that when I pumped the brakes fluid was comping out of the back of the switch where the plug contacts are.
So, having read on this forum about this very issue, the 'best quality' switch that I was charged $48. for has failed. I could have bought a switch from NAPA for $18.... :x

WHO's parts do you trust anymore?
In 2020, I purchased two new German brake switches from member here Heimlich, through the classifieds, have been fine.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...ton=Search

Sun Aug 24, 2025 12:00 pm

a8ked wrote: So, having read on this forum about this very issue, the 'best quality' switch that I was charged $48. for has failed. I could have bought a switch from NAPA for $18.... :x

WHOSE parts do you trust anymore?

As an alternative, you could just install a pedal switch and plug the ports for the master cylinder switches (brass 10 x 1.0). This kit can work in conjunction with the mc switches or without them. The bonus is that your brake lights will come on the moment the brake pedal moves forward rather than when enough pressure has been applied to trigger the mc switches.

https://www.aircooledevolution.com/product-page/pedal-activated-brake-light-switch

It's about the same cost as 2 mc switches and a lot less hassle to install.

I wired mine with a relay so the power to the lights doesn't need to pass through the switch. The seller says this is unnecessary in a 12v system, but it is a good way to prolong the life of the switch.

Sun Sep 07, 2025 12:27 am

a8ked wrote:
Instead, I found one of the new brake light switches was leaking. I pulled the plug off the switch and found the plug was full of brake fluid. I found that when I pumped the brakes fluid was comping out of the back of the switch where the plug contacts are.
So, having read on this forum about this very issue, the 'best quality' switch that I was charged $48. for has failed. I could have bought a switch from NAPA for $18.... :x

HMMMMMM.....never heard of this issue, and haven't noticed a leak, but I wonder if this is why I can't get a firm pedal...... things to research!

Sun Sep 07, 2025 12:31 am

OldSchoolVW's wrote:

As an alternative, you could just install a pedal switch and plug the ports for the master cylinder switches (brass 10 x 1.0). This kit can work in conjunction with the mc switches or without them.

Had no idea there was such a thing! Thanks!!

Tue Sep 23, 2025 8:41 pm

Does anyone know what has happen to eVWparts? Joe Langlois was my go to parts supplier in the US for many years and I got a delivery earlier this year but their Web Page seems to have disappeared?

Wed Sep 24, 2025 4:08 am

meranda wrote: Does anyone know what has happen to eVWparts? Joe Langlois was my go to parts supplier in the US for many years and I got a delivery earlier this year but their Web Page seems to have disappeared?

Joe is still doing engine builds and does some work for local long--time customers. He does still sell parts and his website is up. Perhaps Australia is blocking some US businesses....?

Wed Sep 24, 2025 5:02 am

Thanks for this vamram wrote: meranda wrote: Does anyone know what has happen to eVWparts? Joe Langlois was my go to parts supplier in the US for many years and I got a delivery earlier this year but their Web Page seems to have disappeared?

Joe is still doing engine builds and does some work for local long--time customers. He does still sell parts and his website is up. Perhaps Australia is blocking some US businesses....?

Fri Sep 26, 2025 3:11 am

ummmm...... that engine is exsquisite! I think they even painted the belt.

Fri Sep 26, 2025 5:33 am

CoastalBug wrote: ummmm...... that engine is exsquisite! I think they even painted the belt.

Holy sh&t!!!
:lol:

Tue Oct 28, 2025 6:39 am

It's nice but nowhere near $24k nice. 90k+ miles, missing sled tins and other engine bits, trunk is iffy. Sheesh.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2756278