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Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10371
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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 Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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"And for me, Peter, [snip] there comes a time after all the years where I just needed to be out camping in a Westy more, as opposed to just hearing all of your stories."
Congratulations Peter!
Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 4:48 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3796
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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Oh damn I never thought about the cookies coming to an end. What motivation would I have to install my parts if there is no cookie at the end of the part install!
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:07 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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The change in physical location of the Van-Cafe warehouse should have little impact on online ordering. Except for the brand of cookies.
Two new businesses have spun off in Santa Cruz
1. Outwesty Camper Vans
https://www.outwesty.com
will have a fleet of rental Westies, plus they will be available to work on Vanangons.
This business is run by our very own outwesty, along with another Samba member partner, as lead mechanic.
2. Santa Cruz Campers
https://santacruzcampers.com
will be available to do camper conversions and pop top installs for Vanagon, Eurovan, and Mercedes Metris.
The business is owned by former Lead Van Mechanic of Van Cafe for 16 years.
_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco |
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vegpedlr
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2014
Posts: 774
Location: TBD
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:14 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| Jon_slider wrote: |
The change in physical location of the Van-Cafe warehouse should have little impact on online ordering. Except for the brand of cookies.
Two new businesses have spun off in Santa Cruz
1. Outwesty Camper Vans
https://www.outwesty.com
will have a fleet of rental Westies, plus they will be available to work on Vanangons.
This business is run by our very own outwesty, along with another Samba member partner, as lead mechanic.
2. Santa Cruz Campers
https://santacruzcampers.com
will be available to do camper conversions and pop top installs for Vanagon, Eurovan, and Mercedes Metris.
The business is owned by former Lead Van Mechanic of Van Cafe for 16 years. |
I feel much better now. Knowing that SC still maintains VW heritage is warm and fuzzy.
_________________
1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope” |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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Sounds like they've made a new Colorado cookie connection...no one else read that...???
- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3796
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:25 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| dhaavers wrote: |
Sounds like they've made a new Colorado cookie connection...no one else read that...???
- Dave |
 
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| dhaavers wrote: |
| a new Colorado cookie connection |
yum, cookies 
you will find Santa Cruz Van Café fully operational until Wed Jan 17…
sending out cookies from Pacific Cookie Co….
Colorado … will be fully operational on Monday Jan 29…
check out fresh cookies, Colorado style.
12 days without cookies? say it isn't so!!!
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My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:36 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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For posterity - from Van Cafe website (cookie news as noted):
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BIG CHANGES ON THE HORIZON
Van-Café is merging with Rocky Mountain Westy.Yep – big news to start off the year.For almost three decades, Van-Café has sourced the best in aftermarket and stock parts.For nearly two decades, Rocky Mountain Westy has been a leader in fabricating and manufacturing Vanagon accessories and Subaru engine conversions.The combination of these two Vanagon focused businesses gives you a one stop store for all things Vanagon.
Orders will ship from Rocky Mountain Westy’s centrally located Colorado warehouse.When you place an order, send emails or call, you will still find a number of familiar voices.A lot of thought and preparation has gone into the combination.What does it mean for you as a customer, and what happens in Santa Cruz?
Logistics and time-line…. As a customer, you will find Santa Cruz Van Café fully operational until Wed Jan 17, processing website and phone orderS, shipping promptly, and sending out cookies from Pacific Cookie Co.We all then pack up our Vanagons with warehouse parts and caravan to Colorado (ok – so not quite how it plays out but I liked the image). A newly set up, state of the art warehouse in Colorado awaits these parts.Shelves will get stocked, staff will settle in and man (and woman) their stations, and business will be fully operational on Monday Jan 29.During the 12 day transition period orders will ship best as possible.We ask for your grace during this transition.Once reopened, orders will be back to shipping same day….and you get a chance to check out fresh cookies, Colorado style.
Santa Cruz – Our shop in Santa Cruz will be closing.We are very pleased that three from the team (Mike, Ralph and Lynnsay) are heading to Colorado to work in the combined entity.We are very relieved that the rest of the crew have all found good work locally.I am very appreciative that the whole crew has stayed with the business up until the changeover.And for me, Peter, although I will still be in the background when needed, there comes a time after all the years where I just needed to be out camping in a Westy more, as opposed to just hearing all of your stories |
- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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...and the RMW version (vie email, about 3 hours ago):
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Who doesn't love a mid-winter wedding???
And You're invited to the reception!
For almost three decades, Van Café has sourced the best in aftermarket and stock Vanagon replacement parts.
For nearly two decades, Rocky Mountain Westy has been the leader in fabrication and engineering of Vanagon accessories and Subaru engine conversions.
The fusion of Van Café and Rocky Mountain Westy combines these two industry powerhouses into your one-stop destination for all things Vanagon.
Have a factory original Vanagon you want keep pristine? We've got you covered...
Want to build an all-out Subaru-powered adventure machine? You'll find all you need right here...
Orders will ship from our centrally located, state-of-the-art Colorado warehouse which means you'll get your parts FAST. Our reputation of same-day order fulfilment will continue to be one of our keystone missions.
Beginning Jan. 18th you may experience a slight operational delay in the processing of your order as parts are transferred from Santa Cruz, CA to Fort Collins, CO. We're expecting potential delays to be overcome by the end of the month. Rest assured that your orders will be on their way in a timely fashion.
What does this all mean? We're doubling down on the cookies and asking for your grace. Thank you!
Now let's get out on that dance floor! |
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7918
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:56 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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Well, the cookies are nice, but, while I've never personally requested one... what about the awesome illustrations??!
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Chugach
Samba Member
Joined: November 22, 2012
Posts: 109
Location: Ak
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| Guess I better hurry and use up my gift certificates! |
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Busdepot
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1312
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:00 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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It is not exactly a merger. Van-Cafe in Santa Cruz is closing, and RMW has purchased their assets (customer data, inventory, trade name, website, etc.). As a few have observed, the Bus/Vanagon parts business is entering a period of contraction. Another venerable Bus/Vanagon specialist, Bus Boys, also closed not too long ago. I know of at least two others that are hanging on by a thread, and one that's up for sale. Many of the old-timers in this business are nearing retirement age, and there aren't enough younger people interested in taking the reins.
I am sorry to see Van Cafe go. Peter is a good guy and was a real asset to the Vanagon community. His contribution will be missed. I wish him and his crew the best in their future endeavors.
As for the Bus Depot, we are the exception to the rule, as we're actually expanding. Just a few months ago we added more warehouse space, and we've been regularly buying inventory from other wholesalers and retailers that closed or downsized. Thanks entirely to your support, of course!
_________________
- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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Syncronoid
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2012
Posts: 1111
Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:22 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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Totally Bummed considering VanCafe is my shop. Where to now?! 
_________________
'90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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Busdepot
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1312
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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I have a suggestion.
_________________
- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com
Last edited by Busdepot on Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4777
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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Ron - You're also a great supplier, and in fact I have a shopping cart with some goodies from BusDepot in the works. I remember you from the old days, [email protected] and it's cool to see the business you've developed. I really wish everyone continued success, albiet from a totally selfish motive, and I love to 'spread the love' for various parts.
-dan |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| Syncronoid wrote: |
| Totally Bummed considering VanCafe is my shop. Where to now?! |
if you mean a physical shop location near
there is still old Volks home in Santa Cruz
plus the new Outwesty Camper Vans in Santa Cruz
plus The Buslab in the Bay
plus German MotorWerks in PV...
or you can drive to thebusdepot in PA?
and lets not forget, really close to you, Freds Garage in Redwood City
_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco |
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dkoesyncro
Samba Member
Joined: December 10, 2006
Posts: 982
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:37 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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If RMW is going to carry the entire line that VC has, then we're going to be okay!
Beers to both of you |
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Busdepot
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1312
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| Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:41 pm Post subject: Re: Van Cafe to merge with Rocky Mountain Westy! |
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| Quote: |
| Ron - You're also a great supplier, and in fact I have a shopping cart with some goodies from BusDepot in the works. I remember you from the old days, [email protected] and it's cool to see the business you've developed. I really wish everyone continued success, albiet from a totally selfish motive, and I love to 'spread the love' for various parts. |
Agreed. I'm sorry to see Peter go. We had a good business relationship. Each of us periodically referred customers to the other or helped out with this or that item that was out of stock. Years ago, when my wife and I bought a Westy near Santa Cruz and drove it back home to PA, his repair shop gave it the once-over and prepped it for the trip. My best friend still owns that Westy.
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- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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