Addco - Won't return phone calls or emails

[r39o]

We're done.
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[Gauche1968]

[insyncro]

There is a much larger issue at hand here and I want to address it right now.

Go and Google Addco 719.....
What do you see?

I see DO NOT BUY that leeps off the screen.
No backstory, no explanation, just negative advertising.

Case and point:
One of the most stocked vendors of some really cool stuff for Vanagons refuses to to sell and ship to North America.....geez, I wonder why?

I know that posting is fun and some venting of frustration goes on in forums every minute of the day around the world, but seriously, do you realize how much of an impact posting DO NOT BUY and negative comments have on a business and global exchange.

I work with so many European vendors and have to twist there arms to get parts for my vans, let along get multiples imported to hook a few Brothers up.

No good will come from badmouthing a vendor or product and is keeping Vanagon owners here twidlin' their thumbs and dreaming of what could be.

[Hodakaguy]

[insyncro]

To the OP...

You obviously cant read

And now feel the need to break one of the rules of this forum by posting quoted pmail.

I don't really care as it is clear where I stand with you, but be prepared for another thread to be locked.

I am being kind and not quoting you as you will not be able to edit the original post if I do.

[insyncro]

HookaGuy,
Get off the pipe.
I don't help people?
You are very welcome for pointing out the mis matched parts starting to be assembled in your build thread.
I see a safety issue and I speak up.
So now I'm supposed fill in the blanks for everyone?
Well, I try, but tend to treat people as I am treated.

For you Bubba, my lips are sealed when you post your next question.

Enjoy the ride.

[j_dirge]

Thread showing home made spacer to move end links out:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3...p;start=20

Do these help answer the questions?
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[j_dirge]

Here's one thread on the "too short" issue.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=547355&highlight=addco+sway+bar
Another..
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=454771&highlight=addco+sway+bar

Lets fix the problem. not bitch about the peoples.
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[bdcain]

I see both sides
_________________
It looks just like a telefunken u-47

[j_dirge]

Yikes!
Thread is out of control. Chill out.

The Addco bar will fit but requires some modifications to work well.

I scrapped the bushings and brackets supplied by Addco and used others.
There's a thread in the stickies that documents many of the problems.

When I had questions, I checked the samba.. I did not call Addco.

(My guess is that the br itself "fits" several different vehicles..
I have Addco front and rear and the install is worth the hassles.. Handling is much nicer now.

Lets get the trhead back on track to fixing the issue. To the OP.. Can you tak pics of the problems?
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[scottjk]

insyncro

"There are various vendors that offer technical support, I am one of them and I charge a consulting fee for my time, others do not as long as you are purchasing parts from them.
I charge a fee as I do not sell any parts and usually spend at least two hours diagraming what to purchase and how to properly install and align the van with the new parts".

Maybe if we all send him some money he would be willing to enlighten us further.
_________________
1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[Hodakaguy]

[scottjk]

insyncro quote

"Not expecting any of the brain trust here to figure out how as it seems if your hand isnt being held through the process, it must not be possible".

The arrogance is staggering! Maybe they should create a 'PRO' section of the forum so you wouldn't have to be bothered by all these silly questions from people who have dedicated their lives to do other things like flying airplanes or fixing peoples broken bodies instead of working on cars.
_________________
1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[scottjk]

This product doesn't fit the early Vanagons. Expecting the consumer to ask all the right questions before purchasing something is an idiotic statement. When a company markets a product and states it fits a certain year then it isn't unreasonable to expect it to fit without a lot of modification.

insyncro PM quote:

"I truly hope you are willing to take the blame for not asking the questions before the purchase and release the vendor from any wrong doing.
The fact that they didnt respond to you should tell you something".

Yes, it appears that it is all my fault! The consumer should always be asking the questions, not relying on the product information.

I didn't start raging about this issue until I couldn't get a hold of anyone from Addco for close to a month and when I finally did I explained the situation including photos and all they did was send me the exact same brackets and bushings as the original 719U kit.
_________________
1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[insyncro]

The product does fit.
I own it and two others designed for the front and rear of a Vanagon.
Guess what? If you know what you are doing they all work on a Syncro too.
Not expecting any of the brain trust here to figure out how as it seems if your hand isnt being held through the process, it must not be possible.

Here is a hint and word of advice for all trying to upgrade their Vanagon....
Throughout the range of model years, the suspensions have differences.
If you failed geometry I dont recommend proceeding.
With the differences comes multiple parts, usually varying in length.
If you try all of the combinations of the differing stock parts with the aftermarket part you must have.....bingo, one usually is the ticket.
Any swaybar needs a few things, the most important being that it is parallel to the driving surface to be the most effective.
Choosing the proper length drop link is the key to keeping the bar parallel.
Read back through this tread and one happy camper clearly states the combination that works.

If you are looking for a complete, bolt on, no fuss, no muss sway bar kit for a Vanagon, stick with stock or be patient, it has been in the works for years and I am sure the designer is taking notes as too the level of technical understanding of at least this group....it may take a few more years to write up the manual needed to accompany the product.

[r39o]

[goffoz]

[Gauche1968]

[insyncro]

I am an informed consumer and have not had issue with the vast aftermarket parts I have purchased over the last 15 years.
I have actually dedicated those same years to not only purchasing these products with my own capital, but purposefully mount as many different vendors products together to see how they work.
Within this same time frame many have contacted me for advice.
Here is what I will share with y'all....its all in the way one asks the questions.
No returned messages was all I needed to hear.
Been there, done that
Finger pointing, bad mouthing and complete lack of communication skills will usually get you.......nothing

Do any of you who feel the vendor is so wrong here own a small business?
Be careful what you ask for...the tides way switch and you may see this another way.

I gotta tell ya, the entertainment value of this forum is priceless.

[Hodakaguy]