VW Heritage sent me copy parts claiming to be original!

[Jonnyb416]

Maybe I should've said they tried to sell me galvanised ones and sent me cheaper painted ones but at the same price you can get galvanised ones for.

[R0B]

I have merged both posts.Please only post a thread in one section.

[ELVIS]

Sure i read somewhere (must be here/Yard or adultwork as that's the only tree sites i use) that Classic are getting some stuff remade/repro'd as the parts were obsolete but there is a market for them.
So i guess technically one could argue they are VW but not made in same factory/tooling/finish/spec as original version.
Look at SA panels, 'genuine' VW but some are dogshit quality

[Plasticman]

agreed^^^ which is why ,when i enquire about a part,usualy a panal in my case i persue the origin and watch out for the weazle words, then email and get it in writing, that way you have a stick at the end of the day
also i have no issues with pattern parts as long as they are correctly described
mm

[HarryMann]

Yes, exactly... as long as cheaper and we know what to expect before receipt, and of course sufficient unto the cause... after all, are we expecting another 25 years from every component?

[Jonnyb416]

Well the item sent looked nothing like the picture. The fact he listened to my argument, went away for 5 minutes, then came back saying that he will gladly arrange a full refund suggests he kinda knew they was in the wrong. I just wanted the galvanised ones. Does the picture look like the ones you can buy for £25 elsewhere?

[Jonnyb416]

are we expecting another 25 years from every component?

From a galvanised backing plate with modern day knowledge and an enthusiasts enthusiasm, I don't see why not. I can't comment on much else just yet.

[CovKid]

You have to remember that despite the following that T25s have, its still a niche market in production terms and unfortunately you'll find a lot of pattern stuff that isn't up to much. In this instance you have every right to feel miffed. I'm not sure how VW Heritage stand on displaying the VW Logo and from pics on their site it doesn't make it clear that what you're getting is pressed steel with a thin coat of black paint on. It could still be a genuine part as fitted in Mexico or wherever.

Production line vehicles were fitted with good quality parts in Germany but cheaper quality parts emerged almost as soon as the T25 was replaced by newer models. To be honest I've seen so much of this over 25 years, nothing surprises me. This is why theres a thread specifically for what are deemed quality parts. The market is now flooded with stuff that is cheaply made - including panels. We negotiate that minefield all the time. You just have to move on and hopefully find something better.

[Jonnyb416]

Thanks everyone for all the information.
I understand the need for pattern parts and had a few decent panels over the last 2 years. As you say I was just a bit peed off I was charged over the odds for a cheaper part, but I will survive
Hopefully someone will learn from this too and choose carefully.
I've ordered the same part from Brickwerks.
Thanks again. Jon.

[Plasticman]

well i need a lower front panal so there is this
http://www.justkampers.com/vw-t25-parts ... -1992.html
if any mods can post it up as a page rather than a link please do as i cant
there are a few issues here on the add it says original equipment quality, ok who defines that ?
yet top right is the bluer logo that implies genuine parts etc without the use of the vw logo.
this is what i cal a pi$$ take, just say its a pattern part and be done with it. i fairness they responded to me email in 10 minutes
mm

[HarryMann]

if any mods can post it up as a page rather than a link please do as i cant

Yes can do, but that link's fine with a click and doesn't take up resources

£99 for that simple front panel, surprised me a wee bit, but says OEM quality. Must be out of touch with pressed steel panel prices

[mgbman]

I replaced my old and rusted out back plates last year and the new ones I bought were heavy galvanised steel and cost about same price as your VW Heritage ones. They were not painted.

I have bought parts from VW Heritage many times and found them to be ok but recently I bought a new starter motor from their ebay shop at a sale price. But the starter motor was duff and jammed and clearly not what they advertised. They claimed the motor was tested but it didn't turn at all by hand. I got a full refund but I wanted a starter motor that worked. It cost me money to return it. They would not give me a replacement so I shopped elsewhere.

I think the lesson is to beware of 'offers' or 'sale' goods.

[Plasticman]

ta clive
sad as it may be , emaIL requesting confirmation or origin
mm
oh they wouldnt send you another cos they havent got the one you wanted
mm

[HarryMann]

For anyone who didn't click that Wiki link above... the real deal!



Lather the shoe location plug sockets and handbrake cable socket with copperslip or HMP (brake) grease, to make life a lot easier in 10 years time