|
Post by marius on Aug 3, 2010 8:12:22 GMT 2
Hi Spikes
Think that one was for the 1600. Your fitting would be much better. Post some pics when you're done.
Regards Marius
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Aug 3, 2010 15:19:20 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I can`t find the pic you posted yesterday of the BTW tow bar, I should have commented at the time. Any way it was much simpler and neater than the crap I was sold. It is just another nail in his coffin.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Aug 3, 2010 15:29:06 GMT 2
Hi Spikes I am sure if you make a bracket to take the weight across the bottom the bottle will last a very long time Ronnie
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Aug 3, 2010 19:03:14 GMT 2
My thoughts exactly with a collar just above the top of the pump.I will take all the previous its of glue and resin out and give it another bash.Instead of rubber on the sides of the bracket, I feel a thick leather strip may just be better. I'll post pics if I can get the bottle sealed again Regards Spikes
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Nov 14, 2010 16:54:53 GMT 2
Hi All
As I have never had anything good to say on this thread I thought it was about time to change things. I have been ordering parts from VENTZ over the weekend and can only compliment him on the service I have received. Service like this is rarely seen in this day and age. Thank you Ventz for restoring my faith in a supplier.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Nov 14, 2010 16:57:46 GMT 2
Hi
I agree with Ronnie. I have been ordering parts from Ventz for the last few weeks and everything has been perfect.
Ari
|
|
|
Post by Charles on Nov 14, 2010 17:30:19 GMT 2
I havnt ordered anything from him but just the advice and help i got from him is great. He takes the time to awnser every msg i send him.
Charles
|
|
darryn
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Ruchnoy Protivotankovyy Granatomyot
Posts: 713
Registered: Mar 5, 2010 21:50:09 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by darryn on Nov 14, 2010 18:31:33 GMT 2
I gotta jump on the bandwagon here... Thank goodness we have a reliable supplier now!
|
|
|
Post by danie on Nov 14, 2010 19:36:15 GMT 2
I guess if we all start supporting Ventz he might even be able to decrease his prices due to more sales in future.
This could lead to a win / win situation for all parties concerned - if prices are better, there should be no reason why we should be thinking of importing our own parts from Russia.
Danie
|
|
Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Lada - your peace of mind to take on the world's vast landscapes.
Posts: 785
Location: Gauteng
Town: Benoni
Registered: Oct 2, 2009 11:55:41 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Hercules on Nov 14, 2010 20:10:09 GMT 2
I agree, Ventz service, advise and prices are great and so quick to reply. Thanks Ventz for your support to us, the public. Everybody should support Ventz.
Regards.
Hercules.
|
|
|
Post by danie on Nov 14, 2010 20:48:45 GMT 2
Just another thought :
About three years ago Jan Pretorius has often placed "Lada Niva Parts for sale" ads at a regular basis at Junkmail. As far as I know he was the only Lada spare part supplier in South Africa who has placed ads like this since I bought my Lada, and I think he gained a major market share by placing these ads in the past.
I have never seen any ads by Chris Swales since I bought my Lada five years ago, and I am convinced that should it not be for his exposure due to this website , hardly any lada owner outside KZN would know about Chris Swale's existence today.
We must not forget that many Ladas are still for sale in South Africa, and that the "new generation" owners need to know where they can get their parts from. I do find it difficult to understand why the current Importers are not interested in advertising their parts / services in the media.
After all, not all of the "new generation" owners are aware of the existence of this website, therefore I am convinced that some of them still do not know about Vents, or Chris Swales at this very moment.....
Danie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Nov 14, 2010 21:12:31 GMT 2
Hi Danie
I also have an issue with Chris Swales as I visited his premises about 8 months ago and ordered a part. They were going to come back to me with price and delivery. Of course I am still waiting. I would not bother them again as they obviously do not need orders.
Ronnie
|
|
Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 412
Registered: Aug 3, 2010 22:30:24 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Ventzel on Nov 14, 2010 23:07:20 GMT 2
Thank you all for the good words.
I'll try to help as much is possible and not to disappoint.
But let me answer to some questions above:
Believe it or not - I'm not spare parts supplier. Not any more. Yes, I still have big stock since the time when I was active agent of the AvtoVAZ but for many years I do not import new parts except small quantities to keep my workshop running. Some of these spares I'll never sell, they are unwanted - front fenders, fuel pumps, motor-reducers for headlight wipers, etc.... If I manage to sell even the half of this stock - will be good, if not - will be less good but not disaster.
I stopped to import for few reasons:
> The cars aren't new and with 3rd,-4th,-5th owner. Neglected and abused, sold for peanuts to the current owner who is not keen to purchase original part but something pirate second hand or from the scrap yard or to modify the part. Very, very often occurrence. Just read the letters in the forum.
> Some of these purchasers bought their cars just for fun and for new, even more deadly abuse. OK, it is their right, they are the owners, they can do whatever they want. But I'm not dealing with such a people.
> No imports of new Ladas in near future. Termination importing of the second hand cars by the law since 1998. I've got a close friend, car dealer in England who was ready to send me plenty of old Niva and Samara, RHS steering, but it's over now.
> Negative attitude about the local agents. Well, I kept myself in shadow until Danie phoned me 5 month ago and convinced me to participate in LOCSA as a member but I was a visitor long time ago. The dealers were some kind of bloodsuckers and vampires. The parts' prices were determined as "ridiculous", "inflated", "unfortunately you must go to the agent...", "they are making 200% profit...", etc. It is not true and I can prove it, but not now. I'll be appreciated if the member who wrote this letter send me the formula for the profit ; who knows may be I'll improve my income drastically.
Anyway, I do not need more publicity and it is not necessary to advertise. A lot of Lada drivers know me, I'm involved in this business 14 years in South Africa and 14 in Europe and I'm quite busy. Phone calls come even from Namibia and Botswana. Everyone is welcome for advice or parts; if I haven't the specific part at the moment I'll order it from Europe. Delivery time 2-3 weeks, usually deposit in advance (for the reasons above).
Actually my work with Lada now is 50%/50% business and hobby. I restore Nivas for pleasure and for sale, but they need so many time, parts and extra money that finally I get almost nothing. Just the joy that another Lada is back on the road but not scraped and to keep its reputation higher. This will bring me future potential customers, not ad in the newspapers.
Rgds
Ventz
|
|
|
Post by danie on Nov 15, 2010 6:06:38 GMT 2
Well, this information is indeed very discouraging. Without pointing fingers, maybe we should remove all contact details of the local importers who are not active at this website any longer Or should we just leave the details as is - hoping that our local owners will be able to find spare parts when desperately needed Bear in mind that Chris Swales work on all cars on the market, and that Ladas seem to be a minor part of his business. As far as I know, he has never made any contributions to this forum. Jan Pretorius works on other cars as well (VW Beatles apparently), and he is not involved at the forum any longer. Please feel free to air your views in this regard. Danie
|
|
|
Post by marius on Nov 15, 2010 7:33:04 GMT 2
Hi Danie Personally I feel we should keep all available info with regard to any spare suppliers on this thread - even if such a supplier is not actively involved on the LOCSA forum. To favour one particular supplier would not encourage competition - and choice. Having said that I know exactly what local supplier I would buy parts from Regards Marius
|
|
|
Post by hotstuff on Nov 15, 2010 8:52:19 GMT 2
well this all sounds good as i am just starting up more full time but also still on a 50/50 basis with other work. i would really like to help as many owners in the cape keep there ladas on the road. i might not add much to this forum as some people do but i try do my part.
VENTS since you have parts and i quite often need some for for the ladas i work on. send me a PM with your email and details and maybe between the 2 of us we can help each other out with parts and advice. there are less than a handfull of people or companies that are working let alone able to supply or assist in parts and service. so the more we collaborate with each and every one the stronger and easier it will be to keep and help the lada owners of SOUTH AFRICA.
I might not have been in the LADA WORLD for long but have been in the mechanical and auto trade for many years. this website and my passion for the little beasts have given me valuable information and still i am learning. SO BIG UP TO THE SITE AND EVERY ONE INVOLVED.
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Nov 15, 2010 9:38:58 GMT 2
Hi Ventz Your good service deserves the support of all. As far as the mark up that the agents charge I think you are wrong. I paid to your Pretoria opposition R45 for the front hub nuts, this after Freda spent R60000 with them. I also appreciate your input to the Forum. I used to envy the Australian Forum for the support Andy gave them. Now WE have that support from you Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Nov 15, 2010 9:53:25 GMT 2
Hi Danie Personally I feel we should keep all available info with regard to any spare suppliers on this thread - even if such a supplier is not actively involved on the LOCSA forum. To favour one particular supplier would not encourage competition - and choice. Having said that I know exactly what local supplier I would buy parts from Regards Marius Marius I agree with what you say and to clarify this I would also buy my spares from Ventz Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Nov 15, 2010 13:03:07 GMT 2
Hi Danie
You asked for input on suppliers noted on the forum. As far as I am concerned the suppliers who contribute to the forum should get preference on the list and their names should be more prominent. The best way ahead is for feed back from our members on this thread. The service I have had from Ventz has been outstanding and he is the only supplier who shows any interest what so ever in our Lada`s well being.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by danie on Nov 15, 2010 18:45:06 GMT 2
Hi Marius /Ronnie
With the latest info in mind, I also think it would make sense to support Ventz as far as possible, but it would not serve the best interest of everyone to remove the names of the other suppliers, as well as details about private imports from Russia from this website.
Just a suggestion - should Ventz be interested, I think it would make sense if he could supply our members with a list of spares of which he usually carry stock. He could send this list privately by e.mail, or PM, and there is no need for him to mention any prices.
By doing this, we will know exactly what parts we can get from him, and what parts need to be sourced elsewhere. As mentioned, this is just a suggestion. If Ventz is not interested, we should respect his decision, and do whatever we need to to keep mobile.
Regards
Danie
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Nov 15, 2010 19:24:21 GMT 2
Hi all I feel that all information, positive or negative, that has been mentioned on the forum should stay available. Keeping it will ensure prospective owners know who can supply critical spares for Ladas. Spares ordered from Ventz was promptly supplied. Regards all Spikes
|
|
|
Post by hotstuff on Nov 15, 2010 21:07:37 GMT 2
left drawing 1600 right drawing 1700
|
|
|
Post by hotstuff on Nov 15, 2010 21:09:26 GMT 2
sorry wrong place
|
|
Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 412
Registered: Aug 3, 2010 22:30:24 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Ventzel on Nov 16, 2010 0:07:31 GMT 2
Don't worry guys, nothing is changed, there are still plenty of spares in the old stock for the future years. I'm deeply involved in this business and I don't think to retire soon. Currently I'm so busy that I do not accept any major job before middle of January.
I'm importing small quantities of parts for myself, but if somebody need something out of stock is welcome to order it. It is not end of the world to wait 3 weeks. Sometimes even for cars made in RSA you have to wait longer.
The support is very important as the other points as well which I mentioned above. No customers, no goods - simple.
A recent example - not so far ago I had two requests about diff repairs. Both of the customers did not accept my quotation. The first one decided to go for second hand diff which he organized somewhere, the other one decides to modify his car from 4x4 to 4x2. Wrong options but it is not my business more. They didn't want to spend money for proper overhauling. They have their point of view which I respect, but I also had my point of view afterwards. Not to import diff spares more! They are not easy to sell. It is sacrifice of money to buy them overseas and import them here only to stay on the shelf. What will happen when the existing diff spares are over? No even single piece of the diff is match with any other car on the planet. I don't know, perhaps the car will be scraped.
What about the hub nut Ronnie, my hub nuts are in stock since 1998 and I use as a clue the old price list. Perhaps the other my colleagues have actual price list and they really cost more. Recently I asked for pulley nut from Chris and the price was ~R320. I didn't buy it because for me such a price for whatever nut is too heavy, but may be I'm wrong. I never import pulley nuts until now, I don't know their prices currently.
I can't send a list of spares and prices Danie. I have to renew it every month due to availability of parts and the prices which fluctuating with Rand/Euro currency exchange. It is too big effort and as I said before - selling of spares is not my priority.
Regards
Ventz
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Feb 9, 2011 13:20:09 GMT 2
Hi All
I have only had one experience with Chris Swales, that was when I personally visited them for a spare part, which it turned out was not in stock. After giving them all my details they told me they would come back to me with the price so they could order it. I am at least 8 months older now and I am still waiting. Of course I will never go back to them again.
Ronnie
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Aug 16, 2011 8:28:29 GMT 2
Hi all The right inner bearing on the Bongol broke on Friday morning. Due to road conditions my wife could not fetch me in our car. I drove to White River and had the hub and knuckle stripped. Unfortunately, the hub sustained damage that required replacement of the hub. Thanks to Ventz, I had a quote for the required spares (which he all had in stock)by 15h00 on Friday. Deal concluded and spares due to arrive White River by noon today. Local is lekker as the advert goes.
Thanks Ventz!
Spikes
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Aug 16, 2011 8:50:54 GMT 2
Hi Spikes
It is always nice to see the"good" being used.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by Charles on Aug 16, 2011 10:07:57 GMT 2
Good to hear. The times I have bought from Ventz his service was always excellent!
Charles
|
|
|
Post by marius on Aug 16, 2011 11:59:35 GMT 2
Hi Spikes It is good to know we can rely on Ventz quality service Any idea what could have caused only the inner bearing to fail? Marius
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Aug 16, 2011 14:17:44 GMT 2
"Any idea what could have caused only the inner bearing to fail?"
Hi Marius Insufficient grease and improper setting of bearing nut torque, I think
regards
Spikes
|
|