Replacement parts quality

[didi]

It seems like we are going downhill, prices are increasing and quality is shocking.
The original part that lasted 40 years looks like this:

a imported replacement, Euromax. Not even a year of weekend driving and the knob is worn and fell off

This no-name lasted nearly 3 months

[sean]

I couldn't agree more. I also tried from places like WolfsburgWest, CIP1 for accessories such as chrome mirrors, switches, handles which claim to be "original quality" but started rusting in 2 or 3 months.

Empi products are even worse. Plastic lenses turn yellow in months, some parts don't even fit correctly. These idiots that manufacture these parts don't even know how a kombi looks.

I try my best efforts now to search for and accumulate original parts that can be cleaned up or restored. Even being 40+ years old, its still much better quality than these new parts.

[Tony Z]

Some Golfs had window winders that fit a bug. Maybe they fit a bus too. Much better quality than the cheap replacement parts but they do flex
Otherwise, I have access to a semi-decent stainless window winder which works which if needed, I'll bring a few in next time I go overseas. It doesnt flex or look bad, but it mounts onto the winder mechanism with a grub screw.

[beetlefanatic]

Didi, I know you want to keep it original, but I got so tired of those things breaking I eventually bought the chrome aftermarket ones from Empi. Much better quality and has latest quite long except that the cap screw that holds it down got loose with time and I was too lazy to go and get the allen key, so eventually it slipped partially of the splines and stripped the inside of the handle. Bought a new one and it was working again. I try to keep them tight now.

[Dawie]

What i do is to remove the window winder assembly and door lock. Then clean and lubricate. This cannot be done properly when still mounted in the car. From age, the lubrication dries out, operation requires more force, and eventually the winder assembly will strip/break. But yes, replacement window winder handle quality is not good nowadays.

[flatfourfan]

stuff like this is only the beginning............wait till you start looking at mechanical parts etc.

[4agedub]

I've given up on most of the stuff from EMPI. Either they dont fit or break prematurely. But like everything you get to know the suppliers and what to buy where. eg like a set of swivel foot adjusters from EMPI that only lasted about 100km with stock valve springs and low engine rpm.