TheSamba.com :: View topic - Addco

Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:55 pm

I've been trying to get a hold of Addco for over two weeks and cannot get anyone to respond. I'm having a major issues with their 719 kit on my 1985 Westfalia. The bushings do not properly fit on the body and bar causing banging and too much movement.

Does anyone who has worked with them in the past have any suggestions on how to get my issues resolved?

I just emailed AndySports where I purchased the kit to see if they can help.

Thanks

Scott

Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:06 pm

Sorry to hear they are slacking. Customer service is lacking these days.
Personally, if i am having an issue I tent to fix it myself. Getting "Help" never seems to.

If it's moving too much try clamping one of these to the inside of each clamp? Grease liberally.

http://www.partsreplacementstore.com/product/Doubl...QgodEiYAlw

A one inch sway bar sounds awesome. Hope you can get it the way you like.

Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:12 pm

There are a few build threads here using those bars.
Some upgrades can be made at the attachment of the bar.
Universal bushings and holders can be used for more clamping force on the bar.
I dont have the specifics on the brain right now, but perhaps a search of some threads may help.

Mon Jun 17, 2013 8:24 pm

Are they still in business?

Mon Jun 17, 2013 9:41 pm

I have the 719 on mine, and the bar is about 1 1/2-2" too narrow for the T3. I used 1" collars to prevent the bar from sliding side/side and making a loud banging noise. It was either that or use a stack of washers on each side, but those 3/4" bolts are a bear to tighten/loosen due to the excessive thread, so I chose the collar method of restraint.

Wed Jun 26, 2013 5:48 pm

Worst company I have ever dealt with. I will never purchase anything from them again!

Explained the problem with the 1985 and older Vanagons that the bushing mounts at and angle and not on the flat frame surface like the 1986-1991. Sent them a picture of the bar fitted to the van so they could definitively see what the issue is.

They said they would send me new bushing and brackets out. They did, but the were the EXACT same as the original 719 kit.

So for you 1985 and older Vanagon owners... DO NOT BUY ADDCO 719U for your van. It won't fit! :x

Wed Jun 26, 2013 5:57 pm

Aftermarket parts usually need some ingenuity and mods to make work.

If you are looking for stock fit and finish, I would recommend sticking with stock parts.

How you deal with the curve balls separates the hitters from the........ :wink:

Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:03 pm

The bar will fit on older vans, just not perfectly. Moreover, if you lube up the bushing too much and tighten the bolts past a certain point, the drop link can pop out over the bushing. Some 2" OD and 3/4" ID washers on the wheel side of the drop link should prevent this. Why Addco didn't think of this is a mystery, but it is what it is.

Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:10 pm

I have the Addco sway bar, with over 40K miles on an 1984 Westy. When I did swap the sway bar, I switched to later model drop links, running 15 " Mercedes wheels, Carat springs, new KYBs with Nokian tires. Got an alignment, and I have been loving the way it handles. Hitting triple digits with the Bostig!

Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:14 pm

BIRD84WESTY wrote: I have the Addco sway bar, with over 40K miles on an 1984 Westy. When I did swap the sway bar, I switched to later model drop links, running 15 " Mercedes wheels, Carat springs, new KYBs with Nokian tires. Got an alignment, and I have been loving the way it handles. Hitting triple digits with the Bostig!

You rule :!:

Makin' it work and lov'in it, not hate'n cause you don't get it.

Kudos

Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:49 pm

Just finished a full suspension restoration and got an alignment. Now you guys have me pining for a beefier sway bar. I did put flaps polyurethane swaybar bushings on, just stacked some washers under one side, no big deal. Not bad for $12.
Neil

Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:51 pm

scottjk wrote: Worst company I have ever dealt with. I will never purchase anything from them again!

Explained the problem with the 1985 and older Vanagons that the bushing mounts at and angle and not on the flat frame surface like the 1986-1991. Sent them a picture of the bar fitted to the van so they could definitively see what the issue is.

They said they would send me new bushing and brackets out. They did, but the were the EXACT same as the original 719 kit.

So for you 1985 and older Vanagon owners... DO NOT BUY ADDCO 719U for your van. It won't fit! :x

Hmm, so your problem is with the bushings as they mount to the frame, not the drop link bushings? I don't remember having an issue with these on mine. Is the stock mount different on later vans compared to earlier ones?

Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:59 pm

I made it work and there is a longish thread about Addco bars.

Look in section 40 of the FAQ in Front Suspension.

Wed Jun 26, 2013 8:04 pm

r39o wrote: I made it work and there is a longish thread about Addco bars.

Look in section 40 of the FAQ in Front Suspension.

It can be made to work, but is it possible ScottJK was sent the wrong bushings?

Wed Jun 26, 2013 8:35 pm

insyncro wrote: Aftermarket parts usually need some ingenuity and mods to make work.

If you are looking for stock fit and finish, I would recommend sticking with stock parts.

How you deal with the curve balls separates the hitters from the........ :wink:

That shouldn't be the norm on aftermarket parts....if they are designed to fit a certain model/year they should fit as factory, otherwise they did a half ass job.

There are plenty of aftermarket companies that take pride in making products that work/fit....Burley & RMW are a couple that does a great job and has excellent support for their products.

Accepting that new parts won't fit and will need mods is just wrong, People should let them know it's not acceptable with their wallets and it will change.

There are times though when nothing else will be available and you'll have to mod parts to make it work...still doesn't make it right.

Hodakaguy

Wed Jun 26, 2013 9:02 pm

insyncro wrote: Aftermarket parts usually need some ingenuity and mods to make work.

If you are looking for stock fit and finish, I would recommend sticking with stock parts.

How you deal with the curve balls separates the hitters from the........ :wink:
Yeah....thats just wrong thinking :roll: obviously He's not looking for "stock"
..but he paid for a product that is advertised to fit and work.
Apparently it doesn't...Why should He/We (a hobbiest) fix someone elses( the proffessionals) short comings :?:

Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:08 pm

goffoz wrote: insyncro wrote: Aftermarket parts usually need some ingenuity and mods to make work.

If you are looking for stock fit and finish, I would recommend sticking with stock parts.

How you deal with the curve balls separates the hitters from the........ :wink:
Yeah....thats just wrong thinking :roll: obviously He's not looking for "stock"
..but he paid for a product that is advertised to fit and work.
Apparently it doesn't...Why should He/We (a hobbiest) fix someone elses( the proffessionals) short comings :?:
Cause that is the way it works sometimes with some vendors.

I had an issue with them once, too.

They dealt with it in a fair and rapid manner, answering the phone was not an issue, as I recall, but it was years ago.

We have a custom bar made by them which are not perfect every time either.

BUT, we are happy to get them as they take on our small order.

It is not a complicated bar and I could have it fabbed locally, but they make bars, and should know what to do.

Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:11 pm

Sorry Dudes, but from my vantage point, questions should be asked before any product is purchased.
Bashing a vendor because you lack the knowledge to install there product is complete BS.
So you Guys are getting detailed instructions with all of the aftermarket products you are buying for a Vanagon???
Com'on, get real.
If so, why do so many people have issues and especially with alignment.

This and the other thread that was locked in a matter of minutes goes to show that questions were not being asked, just bashing.

You reap what you sow.

If it ain't working for ya, trying hiring a qualified wrench to git r dun :!:

Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:23 pm

The OP claims that Addco did not return his calls in a timely fashion and then misinterpreted his request for help. Of course, we don't know how the conversation for help went, but the failure to return a customer's calls in a reasonable time frame is deserving of some bashing.

How is a customer supposed to know what questions to ask before he buys something if it is advertised as fitting their application? :?:

Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:23 pm

insyncro wrote: Sorry Dudes, but from my vantage point, questions should be asked before any product is purchased.
Bashing a vendor because you lack the knowledge to install there product is complete BS.
So you Guys are getting detailed instructions with all of the aftermarket products you are buying for a Vanagon???
Com'on, get real.
If so, why do so many people have issues and especially with alignment.

This and the other thread that was locked in a matter of minutes goes to show that questions were not being asked, just bashing.

You reap what you sow.

If it ain't working for ya, trying hiring a qualified wrench to git r dun :!:

I think your missing the point here...I don't see it as bashing when a product is delivered and doesn't do what it's suppose to do. Lack of knowledge?? Why should I have to redesign something that is suppose to fit as I bought it? Can I figure it out and mod it as necessary...probably. But should I have to or expect it...No!

You reap what you sow? So the guy that purchased the defective part is to blame? So you should have to post a question or search for every single item before you buy it? That's insane...A reputable company will provide parts that fit as advertised and support to back it up, once word gets around that a company isn't doing that people will vote with their wallets and they will change or go under.

I realize that the Vanagon market is specialized and small....that's still no excuse for accepting that aftermarket parts won't fit or don't need to work as advertised.

Hodakaguy