Aircooled VW South Africa

This one is a bit of a rant.
Many moons ago I've learnt that when buying something new, allways buy the best I can afford.
I have been working late evenings over the past weeks, to get the 58 to Fig's under it's own steam. I have been hampered by a few stumbling blocks along the way, last night I got realy pissed.
I picked up an oil leak from the oil sender unit on it's first test drive, this unit is brand new and after a 40km run last night the oil was dripping off the sender (making a FUKCING mess), I remove it put some plumders tape on the treads, fit it again, same shit, pull it out check it the thing leaks out of the bakerlight (SP) section ????? WTF it's a brand new VW item, find a second hand one, from my draw, fit it problem solved.
On the test trip to check the sender unit, the chrge light starts to flicker and a couple of km's later it's on full time, nice and bright, WTF, I get it home check all connections, light still on, check the genny (completely rebuilt) it's charging fine. The regulator is F___UP, it's a brand new Bosch item that cost me a small fortune from the US, BTW not made in Germany anymore, more like Portugal of all places
What is it with quality now days ????? Even good name brands or so called well know names are just as bad as the chepo stuff, and this is not the first time, had simillar issues with other components, and it's happening more often.
Have a second hand China regulator will try it out tonight.

It seems we're in the same boat with the oil sender unit. I might be worse off than you as my tinware is white.

This is indeed a welcomed observation from you Calooker as a supplier. I personally appreciate your honesty cos some of us think that expensive=good, however this, your observation leaves us in a rut hole. HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT TO BUY? VW made in China\India\Brasil should be VW highest quality!

Most of us local suppliers of ACVW parts rely on the importers to supply us with quality parts. This is not the case. As Rui also says, he got parts from the states and they are also not the quality he expected! I have also imported parts and its not a case that expensive is better. Somehow we will have to find quality to supply, but I know that this will also push prices up, which will not go well with joe public. Will have pow wow with Rui and some others at KKK to see what we can come up with.

EMPI crap, mostly chinese made, comes to mind. From experience, what brands are ?

Rgrds

Name and shame people! Name and Shame!

Name the brand, the part, where it was obtained from and who sold it to you.
You will find that people vote with their wallets.