virtanen - [email protected] - Mika

[gt2]

Just had the opportunity to compare the DKB split beetle bumper brackets to the Virtanen and original brackets. DKB bracket radiuses were overbent on one leaf and underbent on the other leaf. This detail is also discernible in the DKB marketing photographs currently in use. It took a fair amount of effort to reshape the underbent DKB leaf and get the mounting plane to line up to the inner face of the bumper. The bumper bolt holes just barely caught leaving alot of opening on one side and none on the other. Biggest gripe was that the marring/scratching to the bracket to alter them to fit is still visible after the repaint. I was able to orient one of the brackets to obfuscate the DKB logo stamped into the brackets, and a heavy pass of paint mostly filled in the other DKB logo. The Virtanen brackets were a perfect physical clone of the originals, radiuses and bolt holes were literally perfect and the bracket dropped right into place. The Virtanen brackets were too crisp on the edges and required a few passes by hand with some 80 grit to soften them up. After spending 90 seconds altering the Virtanen brackets and 90 minutes altering the DKB brackets i cannot recommended one if the other is available. One is 80% the price but 50% the quality. To the old-timers it's like comparing a Brazilian made part to a genuine German part. Pro Tip: the Virtanen indicated USD pricing is sometimes (always?) out of date, or probably includes a spread to cover exchange rate fluctuations, so the USD price appears inordinately higher. Go by the indicated EU pricing and do the math in your head to see what you'll actually pay. At the moment the Virtanen brackets ended up being ~$8 more each. To avoid the hassle of modifications and have a better end result i will gladly pay it.

[sunroof]

I just had the door bottoms that I got from Virtanen installed in my '54. The body guy said they were some of the best replacement panels he had ever dealt with and they turned out beautifully, thanks Virtanen!

Don
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Better and better mistakes!

[baggyaggy]

Just received my 'Alignment tool for door hinges and A-pillar' from Mika, clearly a quality piece of engineering.

I ordered some more parts for the '59 from within Australia at the same time, Mika's part arrived within the week from Finland and I'm still waiting on my parts to be posted from within my own state.

From reading the previous pages I'm just glad I found his site on the Thesamba!

Thanks again Mika!

[kafer52]

Hi Mika, I received my Deluxe Zwitter Running Boards yesterday and they look great! It took less than one week for delivery from Finland to Texas in December, Wow! I was particularly attracted to your Running Boards because I know from previous purchases that you do things exact to original specifications.

On your running boards, the angles at the front and rear match perfectly like original to where they join the fenders. I bought a set from a major California vendor, that would not be useable without some cutting/welding modification of the ends to fit the fenders.

Thanks again for your excellent products. It is appreciated by folks wanting correct body restoration.
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November '52 Zwitter

[markendee]

[tehillah1]

Just got my door brackets from Mika for my 1955 type 1. I asked if he could make these and he promptly made up the parts I needed and they are exactly like the original. Thanks for another great transaction Mika!

[hm]

Repair panels arrived here fast and really well packaged. I would not hesitate to buy from Mika again. A+ seller with great products. Thanks!

[Mr. Tecism]

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄NUMBER 1 ALL THE WAY▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

[tehillah1]

Just got my rear heater channel repair parts, fitted the right side together with the other right rear parts from Mika and everything fits beautifully.
Thanks again Mika for quick ship, high quality experience!

[GASBNR]

another great deal done w Mika,
insta lead me to his 3rd oversize door pins and reamer

topman

[Suboval]

Another flawless transaction with Mika!
I purchased a number of parts from him.
Great communication. Shipped fast. Awesome packaging.
I will continue to do business with him.
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It all works on paper.

There's two things we learn from history:
1.) History repeats itself.
2.) We don't learn from history.

[mr-jynx]

I purchased some parts from Virtanen, and will hopefully be making more orders in the future. thank you.

[brickfishing]

Stellar parts from Finland. Super service and great communication. Mika is a great person and I wish I could live next door to this super talented man. Parts like NOS German that could have been laying in a warehouse since the 1950's. Perfect fit and finish with fair and fast shipping to the USA.

Don't hesitate to buy from him if your looking for OEM quality proper fitting repair parts for rare beetles.

[brille52]

Bought `46 heater channels from Mika for a friend of mine and they arrived quick and well packed ! The channels are PERFECT - my friend is more than happy !
Thanks a lot Mika for this easy great transaction !

Andreas, Italy

[kafer53]

Buy with complete confidence !
I recently bought Mika’s Zwitter running boards, mats and trim clips for my car to replace my crusty originals.
Flawless boards. Perfect in fit and finish and details to the originals
Great packaging and communication. Super International transaction (Finland to Canada) no problems
Thanks Mika !!

Paul
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1953 Zwitter 11C (L73)

[jlarrey]

Purchased a 36 hp cylinder and other parts from Mika.
Good communication and fast shipping.
Perfect transaction.
Thank you very much!
Jose

[fla2smoker]

Received his bottom tunnel plate today. The stamping and bends look as good as the factory part. Shipped fast to the USA. Thanks again Mika!
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View my 66 build thread here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=507996

[kafer52]

I just received my latest delivery from Mika, one of his Oil filler cap/breathers with the small head. It looks great! Mika's parts are all top quality and true to the originals.

I'm constantly finding new things in his offering and already have another order on the way.

Thanks Mika,

Mark
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November '52 Zwitter

[kafer52]

Mika is in all respects, a great person to work with. I've ordered from him 6 or 7 times and have always been extremely satisfied. Mika offers product that mirrors the quality and design of the original. I'm always coming back to Vitanen after others don't quite match up. The parts Mika offers are the best you can buy and shipping is fast.
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November '52 Zwitter

[The ADAC]

Got some sheetmetal parts in today, VERY Pleased with the quality & craftsmanship... Fast shipping to boot too!! A+++