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thenexttownshend
Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2003
Posts: 461
Location: Rhode Island
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 Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 6:18 pm Post subject: Bus Depot!@#%!#!! |
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Bah i order 2 carb rebuild kits from bus depot, and they were junk. Old, rubber rings broke, broken stuff in the pack, crappy cheap paper gaskets ick!! dont buy them. Make them stock good stuff!
Im in the middle of a two day workfest with amskeptic, today went really well, aside from the crummy carb kits, luckly i also ordered one from bus boys which had extra of the gaskets we broke, so i definitly recomend them.
Ill fill in on all the details of today and tomarrows work, So far its looking great! Bus Drove! Its out of the garage! whoo hoo 
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Steve
-1973 Bus Type II |
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earthmuffin
Samba Worm Farmer
Joined: September 24, 2003
Posts: 1542
Location: In the shower..........peeing!
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| Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 7:26 pm Post subject: |
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Did you call them?
They'll make it right. Last time they messed an order up for me, they overnighted me the right part at their expense all the way across the country.
Thats why I'll do business with them again. 
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This thread SUCKS!!! |
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Bob D.
Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003
Posts: 613
Location: Chicago, IL
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| Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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I really appreciate Bus Depot's techical support on the lists, as well as their large stock and very competitive prices.
In my experience, however, they are unable to consistently provide top quality parts, perhaps because like most businesses they assume--maybe correctly--that the vast majority of customers would always prefer cheapest price over best quality, and they stock accordingly.
I *personally* would rather pay a few cents or dollars more for a top quality OE or OEM part, so deal mostly with vendors who offer only such parts. To each his own.
_________________
1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
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static
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2002
Posts: 1841
Location: other Desert Cities
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 4:40 am Post subject: |
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They will make it right.
Listen: It's not like they are getting rich selling bus parts.
They are hobbyist/fanatics just like us.
Call them, that's all you need to do. |
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ratwell
Samba Member
Joined: April 26, 2003
Posts: 8731
Location: Victoria, BC
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 10:28 am Post subject: |
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| static wrote: |
They will make it right.
Listen: It's not like they are getting rich selling bus parts. |
Actually Ron said he had the best year ever in 2003.
Nobody is perfect. In my experience they will fix the problem. Any problem left unfixed and vented to the Type2.com list has always seemed to be the impatience of the bus owner 95% of the time.
Bus Depot carries a lot of quality and NOS items you can't get any place else. I want to see them around for a long time.
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab Sweden
Read the Baywindow FAQ |
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DeathBus
WILD MAN!
Joined: February 29, 2004
Posts: 4384
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 10:34 am Post subject: |
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Had a problem with them once, kept sending me Type 1 oil screens for Type 4, they told me to keep all the ones they had sent and finally after the 4th one got it right, ALL AT THEIR EXPENSE! Great guys with GREAT products and you cant beat their customer service!
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65 Bus, 72 Bus, 63 bus, 98 Golf, 92 Cabrio, 71 Fasty
In the shop a 62 Bus and a 79 bus |
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DurocShark
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 6635
Location: Crappy town in a crappy state. But the beach is nearby, so I have that going for me.
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 11:47 am Post subject: |
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They do make mistakes, and when the mistakes are brought to their attention, they make 'em good.
You HAVE to call if you want a question answered or and order placed immediately. It takes 1-2 weeks for them to go through their emails. 
Some things I'd like to see improved:
Email turnaround time: It really shouldn't take 1-2 weeks to get an email back.
Better descriptions of the parts. It really wouldn't hurt to mention that the paint on Empi's mufflers sucks ass. Just give me a heads-up!
Backorder policy: If something's backordered, that's fine. But drop me a note, list it on the invoice, something. I recently got an order that had 2 backordered items. It took me 2 days to realize I was missing something because the items weren't listed on the invoice at all.
These are really minor issues that I could address by calling and talking to someone over the phone, but I'm a computer guy. Telephones seem so... 80's!
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No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow. |
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westy78
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2002
Posts: 2005
Location: Portland OR
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 12:14 pm Post subject: |
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| DurocShark wrote: |
Some things I'd like to see improved:
Email turnaround time: It really shouldn't take 1-2 weeks to get an email back. |
Huh, I must be lucky, someone has always gotten right back to my emails within a couple days. Had Ron send me a replacement aux. battery relay kit after inquiring that maybe the relay was bad because it kept blowing fuses. He did this without me even asking for a new one. I was only asking if he thought it might be bad or something bad in my wiring.
| DurocShark wrote: |
| Backorder policy: If something's backordered, that's fine. But drop me a note, list it on the invoice, something. I recently got an order that had 2 backordered items. It took me 2 days to realize I was missing something because the items weren't listed on the invoice at all. |
I've always had the backordered item shown on the packing list. IIRC there is a column showing the ordered item and then one showing how many of that item shipped.
My only pet peeve is the packing job isn't always up to snuff. I had some heat exchangers come to the door that were worn through the box and just kind of shifting around inside. Other than that I have no complaints. Like Ratwell said, Ron really goes out of his way to find the NOS and hard to find quality OEM parts.
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Jasan C.
'78 Westy
VW Campmobile, it goes on vacation with you. |
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earthmuffin
Samba Worm Farmer
Joined: September 24, 2003
Posts: 1542
Location: In the shower..........peeing!
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 2:13 pm Post subject: |
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In regards to the long wait for some parts, its important to ask if it is in their stock and if it isn't, where are they getting it from. I have inquired about a couple parts and they said it was going to be 2 weeks. Come to find out that they are getting some of their stuff from the dealer still. Those dealer only items can be had within 3-4 days if you go to your local dealer.
And yes, the dealer still can get some oddball parts for my 70 DC, they might have what you need for your bus too.
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ho-dad
Samba Member
Joined: April 19, 2004
Posts: 989
Location: The Old Dominion
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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I've always had pretty good luck with those folks. I once put in an order for a large number of parts - seals, trim, bits and pieces - and when I discovered a few months after I had received the package that they hadn't sent me a couple of things they shipped them out, no questions asked. Heck, I could've been ripping them off but they sent the me the stuff in question w/o wanting a receipt, etc.
I did get some junky Taiwanese headlight bezels from them that didn't really fit but they were happy to credit my account when I sent them back.
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'69 SingleCab
'67 Plymouth Satellite
'62 SuperStock Dodge (I wish...)
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." |
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Duncwarw
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2003
Posts: 3094
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| Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:07 pm Post subject: My 2c |
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I have ordered from them a bunch of times.
It seems to me that delivery speed was connected to the amount spent.
When I spent a few hundred in one order, I got the stuff in a day or two (I'm in the next state from them). The last time I ordered, it was for a few inexpensive items and I think it took a week.
I read somewhere that their packaging of hefty items is less than adequate and that was my experience. When I bought my heat exchangers, they were hanging out of the boxes upon arrival. I have read of others having this experience. In fairness, some of their items are apparently shipped directly from another source so they can't really be held responsible for the packaging in those instances.
Now for the good news...
I screwed up and ordered a muffler for my engine, a 1978 2 liter instead of the exchanger/vehicle year, 1973. When the muffler arrived, it was obvious I ordered the wrong one. Upon calling BD, they were very polite and didn't bust my chops about it and they made the exhange in no time.
I'd have to say that over all, BD is a reliable and responsible vendor.
Give them a chance and I'm sure they'd make everything right. |
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TeamSpatula
Samba In The Rain
Joined: February 03, 2004
Posts: 5221
Location: WNC
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:07 am Post subject: |
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I have also ordered from them several times, and each time have been pleased with the parts and quick service...I've also gotten some nice old technical manuals from there that you would otherwise have to pay a LOT more for if you could even find them somewhere else...
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<---Air Cooled Search & Rescue Team - STICKERS & T-shirts for sale!
1981 Diesel Rabbit
I NEED A CAMPER!!!! (1971 is ideal but will consider other years)
http://www.TeamSpatula.com |
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ratwell
Samba Member
Joined: April 26, 2003
Posts: 8731
Location: Victoria, BC
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dstefun
Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2002
Posts: 3338
Location: Sacratomato
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| Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 2:01 am Post subject: |
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| earthmuffin wrote: |
Did you call them?
They'll make it right. Last time they messed an order up for me, they overnighted me the right part at their expense all the way across the country.
Thats why I'll do business with them again. |
I don't want them to make it right, I want it right the first time. My time is important and when I don't get what I ordered, Dave is not a happy boy. Ron's been in this hobby and business too many years to count. He's honest and resourceful in finding the stuff we need, but he still sells some junk, and his packing still sucks. They never have time to do it right the first time, but they always make time to do it over. My last order to BusDepot was drop shipped from Rocky Mountain 3 times and was still wrong. I finally went to Bus-Boys and Walter got it right the first time. BD does have many parts that nobody else has, and the web site is OK, but not spectacular. But if I want parts in a hurry or I'm on a deadline, it's not going to be from Depot. On the other hand, Bus-boys web site is only fair but service on the phone is excellent and shipping is immediate. I'm sold.
-Dave
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62 SC & 66 Bus |
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thenexttownshend
Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2003
Posts: 461
Location: Rhode Island
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| Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:09 am Post subject: |
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I agree, i prefer bus boys, i like the simple web page, and i have had no problems with any of the stuff i orderd from them.
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Steve
-1973 Bus Type II |
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Duncwarw
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2003
Posts: 3094
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| Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:43 pm Post subject: Update |
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I thought I'd share my latest experience with the Bus Depot.
Amskeptic is due to visit tomorrow and I figured I'd order the CV boot and grease kits I need. I thought I'd do this YESTERDAY.
I called an ACVW parts dealer in nearby Pennsyltucky to see if they could get me the boots in time (two days or less). After thinking better of it knowing that BD sells the boots AND the grease, I called them back and left a message to cancel. I figured I'd take my chances with BD.
I got a guy named Paul on the phone at BD who confirmed the kits were in stock. I asked him to overnight them. He talked me out of it!
He said it would be about $40 for shipping alone. He went on to suggest UPS ground since their 3 day shipping should get the items to me (one state away) in a day or two at the most. He promised to ship that day (again, Wednesday afternoon).
I came home today (Thursday) to find the box on my doorstep.
That's overnight.
In addition, at $9.95 each, I saved a few bucks over the price quoted by the other place. I might add, they look real nice too! Bolts, washers and all.
FWIW |
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thenexttownshend
Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2003
Posts: 461
Location: Rhode Island
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| Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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Id be interested in their quality, as im looking for the cv boot kit too, if this ones good let me know. How does it look to you Colin?
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Steve
-1973 Bus Type II |
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Bob D.
Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003
Posts: 613
Location: Chicago, IL
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| Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 5:20 am Post subject: |
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Even if Duncwarw's kit is a good one, make sure you confirm that you will be getting the same brand when you place your order. IME quality of replacement parts for our buses varies widely, so I like to see the exact brand, country of origin and, ideally, a picture of parts before I order; that is not always possible at Bus Depot. To me one CV kit is NOT like another, and my sense was that, at least with some parts, BD would swap in various brands depending on what was available.
It seems more and more BD is providing specificity in its listings, however, which is a great thing. And in the meantime, every part at OEVeeDub has the info I like, and Bus Boys is good about it too.
It's helpful to read of these good experiences with BD. We're lucky in this hobby to have a variety of very good vendors to choose from.
_________________
1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
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pawesty
Samba Medic
Joined: June 28, 2003
Posts: 1545
Location: Northern Vermont
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| Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 5:38 am Post subject: |
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i had the oppurtunity to meet Ron at a recent campout. nice guy, enjoyed chatting with him. i pick my parts up from BD when i order and check the box before i leave. i recieved the wrong parts twice but the guys were happy to credit me and fix the problem.
dave
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79 westy
78 westy
purveyor of refurbed westies and parts!!! inquire within!
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norman71
Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2004
Posts: 101
Location: Greensboro, NC
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| Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 5:48 am Post subject: |
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| Bob D. wrote: |
Even if Duncwarw's kit is a good one, make sure you confirm that you will be getting the same brand when you place your order. IME quality of replacement parts for our buses varies widely, so I like to see the exact brand, country of origin and, ideally, a picture of parts before I order; that is not always possible at Bus Depot. To me one CV kit is NOT like another, and my sense was that, at least with some parts, BD would swap in various brands depending on what was available.
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Just wanted to second Bob D. on the quality of CV boot kits. I had new boots installed in July of '03 by a mechanic in SoCal (no time/knowledge to do it myself). By July of this year, they were shot. Ordered a new set from OEVeedub in August, which Colin and I put on when he was here, and they are much better. Get the Lobro kits. They are not that expensive. I got four with two-day shipping for around $60. Now, I hope never to have to replace the CV boots again. It is a pain.
Of course, working most of the afternoon and into the evening on it with Colin was a lot of fun--although I am a bit disappointed to hear that he is eating during the day now! What I wouldn't have given for an enchilada during our 13 hour marathon! |
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