Hey Volks! I have been meaning to do this video for quite a while, and that is to discuss the situation we have been facing for many years on the quality of the parts on the market today. These parts are supposed to help us bring our "pride and joy" back to life. Not become a hassle and break shortly down the line. The fact that a lot of the stuff is coming out of China, the quality control seems pretty darn low. I discuss this here in the video. Please leave your comments below.
Set of cv boots lasted 2 weeks.contacted seller,no response. Bought another set from a different seller and they lasted about a month.contacted seller,guess what,no response.bought a drive shaft with cv joints and boots from a guy parting out his 1970s bug.fitted the boots and still doing fine.hope these shady companys are not making condoms
Unfortunately, buying American today is a lost cause. We’re all to blame for letting this happen. Money rules ! Great information. Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴
Back in the day, pats was built in our countrys, the first who delocalise this was EMPI if I remember correctly. Let be clear, china can make good products and have these days the best foundry (unfortunatly) in the world, good quality and low price. Just a fact, all of our crankshafts are forged in china (volksracers too), they're machined in the US for good tolerance but they're came from china. They're two big problems now, first china had her "revolution" and price greatly goes up, second is economic. Since COVID, everyone want to make more money, that mean, ower the part price in china by lowering quality or délocalise in malesia or vietnam (the new low china). It's not a real problem when it's little accesory parts, but when it's brake, yep it became dangerous.
I can remember working at a VW shop in Tampa back in the 90's. Many times I would have to rummage around the back lot for a particular cooling tin lets say. A little sandblasting, a coat of new paint and it was like new. Even our new parts were definitely of better quality than the parts available today. Even from the same vendors! Even with the 74 Thing I'm building now. The new rear tins available now are just not usable. I had to browse all the vendors I knew of that sold used parts. You really have to pay close attention to the parts available today and the choices are getting more limited by the day.
Bought a set of side view mirrors for my 74 Bus from JBugs and they broke while installing them. Made out of pot metal. Mexican mirrors off eBay fit great 👍 Door window regulator for my 1970 Bug from Cip1 started skipping the first time I rolled it down and back up. Junk!
Another issue that really upsets me when buying parts whether it’s dash pads, vent window locks, even rear aprons replacements, etc, they know that the quality is so poor now that they include a note saying *may need alteration/modifications* to fit properly. Why am I paying higher prices for poorer quality, and don’t sell me something that isn’t properly made to fit correctly out the box. These companies are just settling for shit quality. I bought some vent locks for my year and vent window, it all matched year wise, but the two holes for the rivet was way off. When I called about the issue, they told me my vent window is most likely the wrong year….. I know for a fact that was not the case, yet that was the excuse they said. I’ve had issues like this with transmission mounts, dashboard pads, replacement headlights, etc. It’s a huge turn off for someone who is new to restoring cars when something that should take 10 minutes ends up taking a couple hours because the part is poor quality, or even so bad I have to set it aside for a week until a better quality part is ordered instead.
Wolfsburg West is great, call them and inquire about your concerns and they will look up a products return history helping with your purchase decision. Another issue I have run into is the quality of rubber grommets, I am to the point where I am ordering two of everything in hopes of making a repair go smoothly.
Been selling parts since 1989 here in the southern California area can tell you this right now. TRW does not make string boxes no more the wheel cylinder game If it’s $13, don’t put it on your car Good wheel cylinders Use German master cylinders the same thing there’s nothing cheap about a Volkswagen anymore. They used to be a cheap car. Not anymore the days of the 70s and 80s and 90s are over turn signal switches if it’s under $200. It’s a piece of shit so when you’re online and you’re looking for a deal you’re gonna get shit if you step up and pay the price you’ll get a better product, I’ll tell people buy once and cry once
What about like we used to do in my Dad’s garage in the 60’s and find the drum brake ,wheel cylinder rebuild kit and rebuilding the existing brake cylinders .. I am working on the New bugs and find it hard to find quality parts.
From what I have received as oem German parts, said part can come from anywhere. Country of origin has "different" requirements in Germany... Thank You for the videos! 👍
As I’ve done everything including the engine rebuild and body work and paint on my 69, I’ve almost convinced myself to tackle the last remaining part of the marathon, which is the new top. After watching your videos on the 70 project, I think I can handle it, and thanks so much for that series Chris. I will use Chuck’s for the hardware I need . Would like Your recommendation on the top material and where to get it. I know for sure where I won’t get any of it.
In Europe (Sweden) it's a catastrophy. And it's been going on for at least 10 years. I bought a new chrome list for my '73 cabrio. Have only driven 2000km since 2016 and it's been in the garage all the time. Now the chrome is completely gone and all there's left is a yellowish dim list. Same goes for rubber. Replaced all window rubbers on my 1961 vert in 2019 and every rubber list has either dried or split. They were dirt expensive. can go on but stop here.
I grew up with being able to buy stuff for my beetle, like bosch and not worry. Now after trying the different vendors, I find I have to trust that they sourced well. Bought a lot from WW started with CIP1 for my window seals. I think what helps everyone are people in the community like you speaking out. You also have some sway if you voice your issues with the people at Wolfsburg West and CIP1. I do like seeing more places produce items themselves, and BBT is a place I follow. Its the ignition (I still have my 63s original setup), and brakes parts that I need to know that they are good, and quality. There was always cheapo stuff out there. What is different is what you picked up on, that is pervasive in the corporate world. And that is calling something 'made in' when it clearly is not. And maybe we need people to publicize those brake failures, let us know if you find a vendor or brand that is suspect.
You are bang on. I wanted to do a bug restoration, my last one was about 25 years ago. I have been horrified at the quality of most parts. I cleaned up and re used many parts of the old car, changing the direction of my restoration. The car will be fine but it is a damn shame.
Same here! I'm trying to get a 74 Thing back to original as possible and the cooling tins proved to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. A LOT of rubber mallet tapping here and a little massaging there and it eventually comes together.
There are 3 VWs on The Samba: 1st 1976 FI 1600cc, fairly good shape, cared for, not perfect. 2nd 1969 with 1776cc Duel "U" shaped carbs into one air filter in perfect shape, 3rd 1969 just needs some TLC, was daily driver, owner added some nice additions (best VW to do little to get it going again). What scares me is your video. Do I buy the perfect VW with higher $ or go with the medium grade or the good "fixer-upper" needing poor quality parts? 🤔
Ok - I'm only 4 minutes into the video. Excellent as always. You are absolutely correct. Now - only problem with the HIGH quality stuff now. It was pricey B4. Now it's so high in price - it's made it almost untouchable for the average income home builder to purchase.
Tell me about it. Reassembling the door windows on my 69 vert project. Bought the entire seal kit last fall and just opened the boxes with the outside door window scrapers. They were supposed to be best German ones out there. The rear ones were fine, with some slight adjustments, but the front ones look like the ends were cut off with a chain saw. I spent as you know , big money on this stuff. Just those two outside door scrapers are over 130.$. I have no problem paying the extra for quality, but this is BS. The guy, I’ll call him Andy at that Bugs J place , told me that is how they are supposed to be. BS! I’ve spent several thousand at that place on this project and will never spend another penny there, even if I have to pay more elsewhere for an identical part. Disgusting to say the least!
I had to get rid of my 68 vert because of this. I would buy high-quality parts and they would break in a couple of months. I ended up selling it to my mechanic, who took care of my car when I didn't have the tools to do it myself. I was a university student and just couldn't keep up with it.
@@vayabroder729 Yep, I’ve used them before and made my last two purchases from them. Also found V- Dubs here in Pa. where I live and they ( Misty) have been great.
Finished video. I mostly build engines - only beetles I've worked on was my wife's 74 Super - daughters 77 std & my 57 Oval ( which was cut up B4 I got it ) I've had 2 customers buy parts & want me to build their engine. NO MORE !!! Literally every part has to be test fitted now. Even on bone stock 1600. They ask me - where do u buy ur parts. Answer - several places - I buy certain items from certain places. Cause that's what I've had good luck with. Plan & simple !!! I agree -retail companies need to get more involved in the manufacturer supply quality. I'm currently waiting on a new disc brake conversion with Wilwood brakes because my setup from 4 years ago - no doubt was Chinese crap - has failed. Not even 1500 miles on it. Sorry for speech - I'm glad someone is letting this be known. Thank you again
I got of bumper bracket(4backed) from Wolfsburg, HEAVY DUTY….. the ones they sent were literally half as thick and actually flexed when pushed. Sent them back and had originals straitened in local machine shop. They fit right and actually provide bumper protection. Wolfsburg is not the place for robust bumper brackets.
I had this with Empis chrome dressing kit back around 2001 the rocker covers were period chrome reproduction and within 500 miles blew out and leaked one club night with my buggy billet bolt on replacements cured the leak
I'm looking through old parts in the barn and using these parts before I order anything new, my grandson found a front clip for the 68 bug as soon as I saw it I could see it was Brazilian, not even close to the OEM.
They did that on purpose. They want you and everyone else to buy their newest models off the lot. They know damn well they or any other car manufacturers will not build a durable car like the original Beetle or Bus that will live on multiple decades later. Not even most of the factory workers that built those cars are even living anymore . They don't want to support a Classic car investment. Well sadly it's just usual business despite there is suppose to be a "VW" parts offer for the classics by Volkswagen of America. I'm not sure if that's still in effect ? I've never met anyone that's purchased a part from that source but you can bet it would be an extravagant cost for the parts.
Great information, I need your help. I need a new wire harness for my 1972 super beetle. There's so many of them, I don't know which one to get. What do you suggest?
EMPI couldn't even get a pulley tin I ordered last year right (the one between the case and pulley). The pieces were welded at the wrong angle. How do you get that wrong? It's done on a jig and I'm guessing by machine. I ended up drilling out the spot welds and welding it together correctly. I've mostly given up on buying new stuff and just keep an eye out for good used or NOS.
Absolutely! This. The importers have a duty to ensure the quality, fitment, specifications, etc. If they’re in it for a quick profit then that’s where it ends. There’s no consumer loyalty to those types.
I bought a pair of windshield wipers and arms and one broke during installation. Took the car into a vintage specialty shop and the other wiper broke when THEY tried to install it. They were pot metal. The shop bought a pair of wipers from one of their suppliers and they were steel and installed properly.
Prices go up, its called inflation. But companies use every excuse to drive up prices, Covid, Ukrain war, full moon. Im also in the classic mini scene, real bad mechanical parts are hard to find. As long as you buy from the top vendors, the quality is there. The only crappy parts are dress up kits with plastic chrome etc.
I live in The Netherlands and prices seem to be similar over here as in the US (~280 dollars for that same 60-61 turn switch). I'm only a customer myself so i don't have the same experience as you when it comes down to parts quality but I'm on my 3rd carb since last December so to me it's already a bit concerning
Bought a new fuel pump for my 62 bug from a main UK supplier of vdub parts! Had to file out the holes as wouldn't fit on the studs. Made in China! Other pumps all out of stock! This was the only option! Do they actually stock the others???? I wonder! Always love the vids. Rich in the UK!
I have a 1969 VW Bus and I have seen some hookie stuff and unfortunately have unknowingly supported some of it too. WW is great customer service wise call talk dubs all day, get legit answers, etc. but the quality department lacks, where VW took the time to engineer for example the blinker turn signal lens and the rubber piece that mounts between the lens and the body Vw put a groove-like a c-channel to the lens to seat it and seal it, when screws are set into the body. The aftermarket (what’s available lacks this channel. Another huge disappointment, the generic door card “clips” and the rubber weather proof grommets! They’re completely junk. The clips are not springy enough and most just collapse and smash while trying to install usually damaging the panel. Just a few experiences I’ve ran into to. Always keep the original you never mnow when it will be better than the new stuff!
Been there…my 72 bugs’ turn signal switch didn’t auto-cancel, so I replaced it with an”new one” for $34. Should have gone with a more expensive one…I installed it and when I turn left the horn goes off. Spent hours trying to troubleshoot it…finally just gave up and reinstalled the old switch.
Good rubber especially is getting hard to find Do you have a reliable supplier? Thanks for sharing all your videos. I have a 1963 Type 1 (111, also had a 144 that I wish I hadn’t sold).
I have 2 MK1 rabbits and the cis boot was only available from one supplier. It lasted two years before splitting in half. This is the same boot used on all cis injection VWs. Many brake and fuel related parts are NLA for the water cooled cars. Woukd live to have a mk1 Scirocco again but what's the point if you cannot drive it.
The biggest problem for Europe is. Factories are getting limited by environmental regulations. Which is not the case in China. And thus the production of parts is going to be made somewhere not Europe. And I get it. It’s a money game. You can look up the TaTa steel debacle here in the Netherlands. It’s a mess. So I think the cores are made in China and machined in Europe and then sold to the world. Or maybe directly from China.
It’s a crap shoot. The retail industry is there for the sole purpose of making money; as much as the market will bare. What was described in the video by Classic VW Bugs can be a bit misleading. For example, comparing prices even from the same supplier, a person may be led to believe that if they spring for the higher priced part, they would be getting a better part. This *might be the case, but what also happens is the distributor will inflate their price for the item, giving the illusion that it’s a better part, when in reality it’s simply a cash cow for the retailer. I’ve seen this firsthand, I spent about 40 years in retail. I’m sorry but it’s all motivated by greed.
How does a supplier allow the QC (quality control) to be so bad then? Wouldn't there be some blame on the vendor for not keeping a certain level of standard. Appreciate the topic.
Basically your talking about Empi that around 15 years ago started selling complete garbage and didn't care at all. I try not to buy anything still from them even though they keep trying to say they improved.
I try to buy German parts, if I can. But knows where the parts can from. I do like Wolfsberg west. Brake hoses don't seem to last these days. Drive a car and it has a brake pull, change out nearly new hoses and good to go, for how long who knows. Yup a lot of junk is out there. Just do your best and try to get the best parts you can.
I've had to buy numerous condensers that were labeled "made in Germany" but when you looked close they were made in Turkey. I've also bought the high end master cylinders and brake cylinder and both have failed.
Hi, I'm new to the VW cars, I'm trying to restore a 59 beetle. And I'm wondering if there's anything that I can do to keep or make the interior smell like old VW beetle
Can you even get German parts anymore. Did you see all vw parts went sky high after the bidding war on the 23 window bus on mark or Barrett. I sure noticed.
How about the so called best quality black heater channels that have the front two Napoleons hat bolt holes drilled wrong and the inside lip that sticks out so far they do not clear the seat tracks. How about just a simple disclaimer in the box stating the problems instead of letting the customer figure out the problem?
I just bought some empi exhaust tips, they are the only company that make the particular type. The last set I bought a few years ago were good. The finish on these new ones are atrocious.
Would like to know your opinion of J-bugs. I bought, because of your recommendation, a set of Priority white-walls and couldn't be happier. I also ordered the top end "German Steel" hubs from J-bugs along with there standard slot wheels for my year bug.. The OEM pans would not fit on the wheels no matter what I did. I tried every trick I had learned over the years....lubricant, alternating 'thumps' with the palms...every thing including a rubber mallet. They would not go on, they just dented. Finally called their hotline and the guy looked at the PN's of both and said they should fit. I ended up exchanging the pans for the cheaper ones and bingo. They fit like a glove. Popped on tight and have stayed on. Went back and told them and they put a disclaimer for those wheels not to be used with the more expensive steel German wheel covers. After two months and a lot of frustration, I feel your pain. When I got the parts originally, they had J-bugs on the outside of the box, CIP-1 on the inside box and EMPI on the plastic. I agree.....what's going on?
They are great when purchasing in the thousands of dollars like I have, but contact them with any issues and see what happens. They do not return calls, and when you call back they just give the typical run around. They won’t see another cent from me.
hey! so I have a 63 I'm restoring and I've had a hard time finding good ragtop parts for it. I found that grumpy's metal sells what I need to restore my ragtop. would you say they are reliable?
I ordered CIP1 Deluxe door rubber kit. Garbage, vent wing rubber was a 1/4 inch short.. CIP1 did give me credit for it. Went to put the inside scraper in, would not go in finally fell apart in my hands. the only parts i used from their Deluxe kit was the outside scrapers. Ended up ordering all German rubber. Lesson learned. Only use German parts when you can.
There are still good vendors such as west coast metric. They have OEM when possible and they also manufacture repros in the US. They also stock many good quality parts at reasonable prices. At this point it’s all spotty here and there. Whenever possible reuse and refurbish OEM stuff. For master cylinders try buying European (Italian, German) or Brazilian Varga (ATE) or TRW. I have found great wide five wheels made in China with great powder coating for very reasonable. AA for motor parts are decent I hear but I prefer CB Performance or DPR. Gene Berg is always a great source as well but not cheap, because you only buy once.
Same in the UK, most recently with a bug window regulator. Started slipping and jumping, eventually got an old original one. Works beautifully. Also had to replace a 6 volt horn after 16 months, and a brake switch which barely lasted a year!! Thank you for highlighting this problem Chris.
So agree, see this in UK. Thinner metal parts, service replacement seals and valves all eastern crap for profit. All old engineering machines set up for quality parts gone from Europe. This is why NOS and scrap parts are so rare. Keep going and we as a world community should call the manufacturers out and not retrofit poor quality but send it back. Have a great week.
In the 1980s I discovered that fuel pumps made in Brazil or Mexico were crap. So, I spent the extra money for German fuel pumps. But, I hear you about this new stuff.
Problems here with drum brake shoe retaining springs and pins. I took the old ones off while doing a brake job on my '63 beetle and compared them with the "new" ones that came with the brake kit. Old ones were actual steel and much shorter than the blue ones with the kit. The blue ones, sometimes black, do not seat correctly and bulge out looking crooked. Had one fall off and make a mess of the whole thing. Cleaning the steel ones up and re-using them is an option but who knows how old they are. Same with the pins. These are not complicated parts to manufacture but the materials used are scary cheap.
I’m currently helping two of my sons restore their cars, one is a 72 Beetle and the other is a 90s Subaru,…the problem is across the board, so many parts arrive and don’t even come close to fitting or are such cheesy material that it’s laughable (not really funny) it’s been an ongoing source of frustration with both builds, especially when you wait weeks to get some parts and when they finally arrive you have to start the process all over and order other parts plus wasting money on the first useless parts…
Bought floor pans from my favorite Wolfsburg West…these things are GORGEOUS, heavy, seat tracks are beautiful, fit like a glove. I’ve bought many floor pans, I’ve never seen ones as heavy as these! 👍
In the UK when there was a rise of the bus, there was a rush for sellers to flog parts for them. You'd expect the big companies to be a bit more honest. They are not. I use Coolair because they will tell me if it's good or not.
I’m glad I have an extra engine and some other spare parts for my bug. Thank you for keeping us informed about quality issues. It is hard to find good parts.
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Hey Volks! I have been meaning to do this video for quite a while, and that is to discuss the situation we have been facing for many years on the quality of the parts on the market today. These parts are supposed to help us bring our "pride and joy" back to life. Not become a hassle and break shortly down the line. The fact that a lot of the stuff is coming out of China, the quality control seems pretty darn low. I discuss this here in the video.
Please leave your comments below.
So true the aftermarket makers are just throwing anything together no oe specs
Set of cv boots lasted 2 weeks.contacted seller,no response. Bought another set from a different seller and they lasted about a month.contacted seller,guess what,no response.bought a drive shaft with cv joints and boots from a guy parting out his 1970s bug.fitted the boots and still doing fine.hope these shady companys are not making condoms
😆🤣😅
Unfortunately, buying American today is a lost cause. We’re all to blame for letting this happen. Money rules ! Great information. Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴
We have shot ourselves in the foot squeezing that penny. The Good Book said it “The love of money is the root of all evil”.
No manufacturing in the good ole US of A…..just Dollar stores, weed shops & vape shops. Doesn’t seem sustainable, does it?
@@jonathanburnham627 there is some but very few and far between. All started with that treaty with Canada and Mexico years ago.
@vayabroder729 it got worse then but it all started in the 80s with Reagan's Laissez Faire economics
@@headstonesandhistorygot even worse with the moron Obama and his daddy Biden
Back in the day, pats was built in our countrys, the first who delocalise this was EMPI if I remember correctly. Let be clear, china can make good products and have these days the best foundry (unfortunatly) in the world, good quality and low price. Just a fact, all of our crankshafts are forged in china (volksracers too), they're machined in the US for good tolerance but they're came from china.
They're two big problems now, first china had her "revolution" and price greatly goes up, second is economic. Since COVID, everyone want to make more money, that mean, ower the part price in china by lowering quality or délocalise in malesia or vietnam (the new low china).
It's not a real problem when it's little accesory parts, but when it's brake, yep it became dangerous.
I can remember working at a VW shop in Tampa back in the 90's. Many times I would have to rummage around the back lot for a particular cooling tin lets say. A little sandblasting, a coat of new paint and it was like new. Even our new parts were definitely of better quality than the parts available today. Even from the same vendors! Even with the 74 Thing I'm building now. The new rear tins available now are just not usable. I had to browse all the vendors I knew of that sold used parts. You really have to pay close attention to the parts available today and the choices are getting more limited by the day.
I’m in Tampa, you still work on others VW
Bought a set of side view mirrors for my 74 Bus from JBugs and they broke while installing them. Made out of pot metal. Mexican mirrors off eBay fit great 👍 Door window regulator for my 1970 Bug from Cip1 started skipping the first time I rolled it down and back up. Junk!
Another issue that really upsets me when buying parts whether it’s dash pads, vent window locks, even rear aprons replacements, etc, they know that the quality is so poor now that they include a note saying *may need alteration/modifications* to fit properly. Why am I paying higher prices for poorer quality, and don’t sell me something that isn’t properly made to fit correctly out the box. These companies are just settling for shit quality. I bought some vent locks for my year and vent window, it all matched year wise, but the two holes for the rivet was way off. When I called about the issue, they told me my vent window is most likely the wrong year….. I know for a fact that was not the case, yet that was the excuse they said. I’ve had issues like this with transmission mounts, dashboard pads, replacement headlights, etc. It’s a huge turn off for someone who is new to restoring cars when something that should take 10 minutes ends up taking a couple hours because the part is poor quality, or even so bad I have to set it aside for a week until a better quality part is ordered instead.
Poor quality parts is the reason why I started my VW TH-cam channel.
would love to chat with ya man, lets do a podcast!
Wolfsburg West is great, call them and inquire about your concerns and they will look up a products return history helping with your purchase decision. Another issue I have run into is the quality of rubber grommets, I am to the point where I am ordering two of everything in hopes of making a repair go smoothly.
Check west coast metric
Been selling parts since 1989 here in the southern California area can tell you this right now. TRW does not make string boxes no more the wheel cylinder game If it’s $13, don’t put it on your car Good wheel cylinders
Use German master cylinders the same thing there’s nothing cheap about a Volkswagen anymore. They used to be a cheap car. Not anymore the days of the 70s and 80s and 90s are over turn signal switches if it’s under $200. It’s a piece of shit so when you’re online and you’re looking for a deal you’re gonna get shit if you step up and pay the price you’ll get a better product, I’ll tell people buy once and cry once
What about like we used to do in my Dad’s garage in the 60’s and find the drum brake ,wheel cylinder rebuild kit and rebuilding the existing brake cylinders .. I am working on the New bugs and find it hard to find quality parts.
From what I have received as oem German parts, said part can come from anywhere. Country of origin has "different" requirements in Germany... Thank You for the videos! 👍
As I’ve done everything including the engine rebuild and body work and paint on my 69, I’ve almost convinced myself to tackle the last remaining part of the marathon, which is the new top. After watching your videos on the 70 project, I think I can handle it, and thanks so much for that series Chris. I will use Chuck’s for the hardware I need . Would like Your recommendation on the top material and where to get it. I know for sure where I won’t get any of it.
In Europe (Sweden) it's a catastrophy. And it's been going on for at least 10 years. I bought a new chrome list for my '73 cabrio. Have only driven 2000km since 2016 and it's been in the garage all the time. Now the chrome is completely gone and all there's left is a yellowish dim list. Same goes for rubber. Replaced all window rubbers on my 1961 vert in 2019 and every rubber list has either dried or split. They were dirt expensive. can go on but stop here.
I grew up with being able to buy stuff for my beetle, like bosch and not worry. Now after trying the different vendors, I find I have to trust that they sourced well. Bought a lot from WW started with CIP1 for my window seals. I think what helps everyone are people in the community like you speaking out. You also have some sway if you voice your issues with the people at Wolfsburg West and CIP1. I do like seeing more places produce items themselves, and BBT is a place I follow. Its the ignition (I still have my 63s original setup), and brakes parts that I need to know that they are good, and quality. There was always cheapo stuff out there. What is different is what you picked up on, that is pervasive in the corporate world. And that is calling something 'made in' when it clearly is not. And maybe we need people to publicize those brake failures, let us know if you find a vendor or brand that is suspect.
You are bang on. I wanted to do a bug restoration, my last one was about 25 years ago. I have been horrified at the quality of most parts. I cleaned up and re used many parts of the old car, changing the direction of my restoration. The car will be fine but it is a damn shame.
Good video. I cleaned up my 36 horse tins, because I couldn’t find new one,or used ones in better shape.
Same here! I'm trying to get a 74 Thing back to original as possible and the cooling tins proved to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. A LOT of rubber mallet tapping here and a little massaging there and it eventually comes together.
Have you tried the Airkewld steering box ? Expensive yes but they are supposed to be excellent.
There are 3 VWs on The Samba: 1st 1976 FI 1600cc, fairly good shape, cared for, not perfect. 2nd 1969 with 1776cc Duel "U" shaped carbs into one air filter in perfect shape, 3rd 1969 just needs some TLC, was daily driver, owner added some nice additions (best VW to do little to get it going again). What scares me is your video. Do I buy the perfect VW with higher $ or go with the medium grade or the good "fixer-upper" needing poor quality parts? 🤔
Ok - I'm only 4 minutes into the video. Excellent as always. You are absolutely correct.
Now - only problem with the HIGH quality stuff now. It was pricey B4. Now it's so high in price - it's made it almost untouchable for the average income home builder to purchase.
In general....its happening not only in automotive...in everything.....lower quality and higher price...... the 90s is the end of the ERA
The corporations shut down local factories and send the machinery for China, to profit with the low cost labor there.
Tell me about it. Reassembling the door windows on my 69 vert project. Bought the entire seal kit last fall and just opened the boxes with the outside door window scrapers. They were supposed to be best German ones out there. The rear ones were fine, with some slight adjustments, but the front ones look like the ends were cut off with a chain saw. I spent as you know , big money on this stuff. Just those two outside door scrapers are over 130.$. I have no problem paying the extra for quality, but this is BS. The guy, I’ll call him Andy at that Bugs J place , told me that is how they are supposed to be. BS! I’ve spent several thousand at that place on this project and will never spend another penny there, even if I have to pay more elsewhere for an identical part. Disgusting to say the least!
Try west coast metric for all that stuff.
I had to get rid of my 68 vert because of this. I would buy high-quality parts and they would break in a couple of months. I ended up selling it to my mechanic, who took care of my car when I didn't have the tools to do it myself. I was a university student and just couldn't keep up with it.
@@vayabroder729 Yep, I’ve used them before and made my last two purchases from them. Also found V- Dubs here in Pa. where I live and they ( Misty) have been great.
Finished video.
I mostly build engines - only beetles I've worked on was my wife's 74 Super - daughters 77 std & my 57 Oval ( which was cut up B4 I got it )
I've had 2 customers buy parts & want me to build their engine. NO MORE !!!
Literally every part has to be test fitted now. Even on bone stock 1600.
They ask me - where do u buy ur parts.
Answer - several places - I buy certain items from certain places. Cause that's what I've had good luck with.
Plan & simple !!!
I agree -retail companies need to get more involved in the manufacturer supply quality.
I'm currently waiting on a new disc brake conversion with Wilwood brakes because my setup from 4 years ago - no doubt was Chinese crap - has failed. Not even 1500 miles on it.
Sorry for speech - I'm glad someone is letting this be known.
Thank you again
I got of bumper bracket(4backed) from Wolfsburg, HEAVY DUTY….. the ones they sent were literally half as thick and actually flexed when pushed. Sent them back and had originals straitened in local machine shop. They fit right and actually provide bumper protection. Wolfsburg is not the place for robust bumper brackets.
I had this with Empis chrome dressing kit back around 2001 the rocker covers were period chrome reproduction and within 500 miles blew out and leaked one club night with my buggy billet bolt on replacements cured the leak
I'm looking through old parts in the barn and using these parts before I order anything new, my grandson found a front clip for the 68 bug as soon as I saw it I could see it was Brazilian, not even close to the OEM.
This is very important info!!!
So true! VW really missed the boat on supporting the classic bugs.
They did that on purpose. They want you and everyone else to buy their newest models off the lot. They know damn well they or any other car manufacturers will not build a durable car like the original Beetle or Bus that will live on multiple decades later. Not even most of the factory workers that built those cars are even living anymore . They don't want to support a Classic car investment. Well sadly it's just usual business despite there is suppose to be a "VW" parts offer for the classics by Volkswagen of America. I'm not sure if that's still in effect ? I've never met anyone that's purchased a part from that source but you can bet it would be an extravagant cost for the parts.
You can buy NOS Genuine vw parts from vw …but they won’t ship them to the US. Baffling since this was one of the largest markets for them
Great information, I need your help. I need a new wire harness for my 1972 super beetle. There's so many of them, I don't know which one to get. What do you suggest?
The one from wire works
EMPI couldn't even get a pulley tin I ordered last year right (the one between the case and pulley). The pieces were welded at the wrong angle. How do you get that wrong? It's done on a jig and I'm guessing by machine. I ended up drilling out the spot welds and welding it together correctly. I've mostly given up on buying new stuff and just keep an eye out for good used or NOS.
A lot of the problem needs to be put onto the re-sellers too. They really need to take accountability as to what they are selling
Absolutely! This. The importers have a duty to ensure the quality, fitment, specifications, etc. If they’re in it for a quick profit then that’s where it ends. There’s no consumer loyalty to those types.
I bought a pair of windshield wipers and arms and one broke during installation. Took the car into a vintage specialty shop and the other wiper broke when THEY tried to install it. They were pot metal. The shop bought a pair of wipers from one of their suppliers and they were steel and installed properly.
@donelmore2540 Where did you get the crappy ones if you don’t mind sharing?
@@bighammer587 I’m thinking J Bugs if I’ve not forgotten.
There needs to be more rebuild kits. Kits for everything.
Prices go up, its called inflation. But companies use every excuse to drive up prices, Covid, Ukrain war, full moon.
Im also in the classic mini scene, real bad mechanical parts are hard to find. As long as you buy from the top vendors, the quality is there.
The only crappy parts are dress up kits with plastic chrome etc.
I live in The Netherlands and prices seem to be similar over here as in the US (~280 dollars for that same 60-61 turn switch).
I'm only a customer myself so i don't have the same experience as you when it comes down to parts quality but I'm on my 3rd carb since last December so to me it's already a bit concerning
Vw classic parts from these large aftermarket companies is just wall filler....
Destination the trash can when it's my shop floor....
Bought a new fuel pump for my 62 bug from a main UK supplier of vdub parts! Had to file out the holes as wouldn't fit on the studs. Made in China! Other pumps all out of stock! This was the only option! Do they actually stock the others???? I wonder! Always love the vids. Rich in the UK!
I have a 1969 VW Bus and I have seen some hookie stuff and unfortunately have unknowingly supported some of it too.
WW is great customer service wise call talk dubs all day, get legit answers, etc. but the quality department lacks, where VW took the time to engineer for example the blinker turn signal lens and the rubber piece that mounts between the lens and the body Vw put a groove-like a c-channel to the lens to seat it and seal it, when screws are set into the body.
The aftermarket (what’s available lacks this channel. Another huge disappointment, the generic door card “clips” and the rubber weather proof grommets! They’re completely junk. The clips are not springy enough and most just collapse and smash while trying to install usually damaging the panel. Just a few experiences I’ve ran into to. Always keep the original you never mnow when it will be better than the new stuff!
As far as brake parts go, I have used ATE, which is German, bought out by Continental AG back in 1998. Wolfsburg carry’s them I think.
Been there…my 72 bugs’ turn signal switch didn’t auto-cancel, so I replaced it with an”new one” for $34. Should have gone with a more expensive one…I installed it and when I turn left the horn goes off. Spent hours trying to troubleshoot it…finally just gave up and reinstalled the old switch.
Good rubber especially is getting hard to find
Do you have a reliable supplier?
Thanks for sharing all your videos. I have a 1963 Type 1 (111, also had a 144 that I wish I hadn’t sold).
I have 2 MK1 rabbits and the cis boot was only available from one supplier. It lasted two years before splitting in half. This is the same boot used on all cis injection VWs. Many brake and fuel related parts are NLA for the water cooled cars. Woukd live to have a mk1 Scirocco again but what's the point if you cannot drive it.
The biggest problem for Europe is.
Factories are getting limited by environmental regulations.
Which is not the case in China. And thus the production of parts is going to be made somewhere not Europe.
And I get it. It’s a money game.
You can look up the TaTa steel debacle here in the Netherlands. It’s a mess.
So I think the cores are made in China and machined in Europe and then sold to the world. Or maybe directly from China.
It’s a crap shoot. The retail industry is there for the sole purpose of making money; as much as the market will bare. What was described in the video by Classic VW Bugs can be a bit misleading. For example, comparing prices even from the same supplier, a person may be led to believe that if they spring for the higher priced part, they would be getting a better part.
This *might be the case, but what also happens is the distributor will inflate their price for the item, giving the illusion that it’s a better part, when in reality it’s simply a cash cow for the retailer. I’ve seen this firsthand, I spent about 40 years in retail. I’m sorry but it’s all motivated by greed.
With EVs that is what's happening and will happen. There are Chinese companies behind a known brand, example Volvo, Polstar, MG, etc.
How does a supplier allow the QC (quality control) to be so bad then? Wouldn't there be some blame on the vendor for not keeping a certain level of standard. Appreciate the topic.
Basically your talking about Empi that around 15 years ago started selling complete garbage and didn't care at all. I try not to buy anything still from them even though they keep trying to say they improved.
I try to buy German parts, if I can. But knows where the parts can from. I do like Wolfsberg west. Brake hoses don't seem to last these days. Drive a car and it has a brake pull, change out nearly new hoses and good to go, for how long who knows. Yup a lot of junk is out there. Just do your best and try to get the best parts you can.
I've had to buy numerous condensers that were labeled "made in Germany" but when you looked close they were made in Turkey. I've also bought the high end master cylinders and brake cylinder and both have failed.
Hi, I'm new to the VW cars, I'm trying to restore a 59 beetle. And I'm wondering if there's anything that I can do to keep or make the interior smell like old VW beetle
Can you even get German parts anymore. Did you see all vw parts went sky high after the bidding war on the 23 window bus on mark or Barrett. I sure noticed.
How about the so called best quality black heater channels that have the front two Napoleons hat bolt holes drilled wrong and the inside lip that sticks out so far they do not clear the seat tracks. How about just a simple disclaimer in the box stating the problems instead of letting the customer figure out the problem?
I just bought some empi exhaust tips, they are the only company that make the particular type. The last set I bought a few years ago were good. The finish on these new ones are atrocious.
How to get a matching VIN and engine nom? 72 pan missing vin?South African Vw group wtf
It is hit or miss. I have a 100 % china top end on a 1600. Carb fuel pump etc. 10,000 miles this past year and no issues
I had to replace all four of my brake cylinders. They all work, but the outside part you can see is already covered in rust. I only hope they hold up
Jc whitney had better quality than the Chinese crap of today
Would like to know your opinion of J-bugs. I bought, because of your recommendation, a set of Priority white-walls and couldn't be happier. I also ordered the top end "German Steel" hubs from J-bugs along with there standard slot wheels for my year bug.. The OEM pans would not fit on the wheels no matter what I did. I tried every trick I had learned over the years....lubricant, alternating 'thumps' with the palms...every thing including a rubber mallet. They would not go on, they just dented. Finally called their hotline and the guy looked at the PN's of both and said they should fit. I ended up exchanging the pans for the cheaper ones and bingo. They fit like a glove. Popped on tight and have stayed on. Went back and told them and they put a disclaimer for those wheels not to be used with the more expensive steel German wheel covers. After two months and a lot of frustration, I feel your pain. When I got the parts originally, they had J-bugs on the outside of the box, CIP-1 on the inside box and EMPI on the plastic. I agree.....what's going on?
They are great when purchasing in the thousands of dollars like I have, but contact them with any issues and see what happens. They do not return calls, and when you call back they just give the typical run around. They won’t see another cent from me.
even the quarter window rubber doesn't fit well....
hey! so I have a 63 I'm restoring and I've had a hard time finding good ragtop parts for it. I found that grumpy's metal sells what I need to restore my ragtop. would you say they are reliable?
Yes they are.
I always reuse original parts whenever possible
I ordered CIP1 Deluxe door rubber kit. Garbage, vent wing rubber was a 1/4 inch short.. CIP1 did give me credit for it. Went to put the inside scraper in, would not go in finally fell apart in my hands. the only parts i used from their Deluxe kit was the outside scrapers. Ended up ordering all German rubber. Lesson learned. Only use German parts when you can.
There are still good vendors such as west coast metric. They have OEM when possible and they also manufacture repros in the US. They also stock many good quality parts at reasonable prices.
At this point it’s all spotty here and there. Whenever possible reuse and refurbish OEM stuff. For master cylinders try buying European (Italian, German) or Brazilian Varga (ATE) or TRW. I have found great wide five wheels made in China with great powder coating for very reasonable. AA for motor parts are decent I hear but I prefer CB Performance or DPR. Gene Berg is always a great source as well but not cheap, because you only buy once.
Same in the UK, most recently with a bug window regulator. Started slipping and jumping, eventually got an old original one. Works beautifully. Also had to replace a 6 volt horn after 16 months, and a brake switch which barely lasted a year!! Thank you for highlighting this problem Chris.
So agree, see this in UK. Thinner metal parts, service replacement seals and valves all eastern crap for profit. All old engineering machines set up for quality parts gone from Europe. This is why NOS and scrap parts are so rare. Keep going and we as a world community should call the manufacturers out and not retrofit poor quality but send it back. Have a great week.
In the 1980s I discovered that fuel pumps made in Brazil or Mexico were crap. So, I spent the extra money for German fuel pumps. But, I hear you about this new stuff.
Problems here with drum brake shoe retaining springs and pins. I took the old ones off while doing a brake job on my '63 beetle and compared them with the "new" ones that came with the brake kit. Old ones were actual steel and much shorter than the blue ones with the kit. The blue ones, sometimes black, do not seat correctly and bulge out looking crooked. Had one fall off and make a mess of the whole thing. Cleaning the steel ones up and re-using them is an option but who knows how old they are. Same with the pins. These are not complicated parts to manufacture but the materials used are scary cheap.
I’m currently helping two of my sons restore their cars, one is a 72 Beetle and the other is a 90s Subaru,…the problem is across the board, so many parts arrive and don’t even come close to fitting or are such cheesy material that it’s laughable (not really funny) it’s been an ongoing source of frustration with both builds, especially when you wait weeks to get some parts and when they finally arrive you have to start the process all over and order other parts plus wasting money on the first useless parts…
Excellent video!...and super informative. It really clears up a lot regarding parts for my vintage Bug. Thank you, Chris.
Big Dave at Bugcity is the best.
Bought floor pans from my favorite Wolfsburg West…these things are GORGEOUS, heavy, seat tracks are beautiful, fit like a glove. I’ve bought many floor pans, I’ve never seen ones as heavy as these! 👍
Yep I had a crankshaft cam gear that did not mesh with the cam gear on the camshaft. 😢
In the UK when there was a rise of the bus, there was a rush for sellers to flog parts for them.
You'd expect the big companies to be a bit more honest. They are not. I use Coolair because they will tell me if it's good or not.
empi parts cheap but nasty
I’m glad I have an extra engine and some other spare parts for my bug. Thank you for keeping us informed about quality issues. It is hard to find good parts.
In Australia it's the same you have to hope it works that life now
Thanks Chris