quote:Originally posted by Joules5:
...A frame bushings (I think it was you that outbid me on some of these too)...
MaseratiSource has those bushings on ebay constantly, you can pick them up whenever you need them, they're back on there right now. Didn't know I had bid against you, sorry my friend. It would be nice to know where he's picking them up, he seems to have an endless supply, and you know, even at $20 per bushing, I'll bet he's making at least 100% profit on those buggers.
quote:Originally posted by Joules5: ... it is worth 'something' to me to have a bolt-on engineered brake kit, where everything is done for me, but there is a $$ value on that 'something'...
So long as you understand, in this specific instance, the thing of value is your life my friend, because the topic is a brake system. Your life was what was paramount in my mind when I wrote previously.
quote:...loyalty has a limit and its usually measurable in $$ amounts...
Without the support of the Pantera vendors and this bulletin board, our hobby would be far more difficult to persue. I don't think it is a matter of loyalty, but of spending your dollars wisely, where they will benefit YOU AND I the most. Summit Racing adds no value to my life at all.
quote:...Thanks for your comments and I hope you'll see my viewpoint...
Julian, I'm not sure we disagree here, but even if we do, I respect your right to your opinion as much as I do my own, I would defend your right to disagree with me anytime.
I presented two arguments at once in my first post, one of safety, and one of spending money wisely. Perhaps I should have only presented the one regarding your safety, so as not to muddle the issue.
I never appealed to a sense of "loyalty" so don't be confused in thinking this is my meaning. From my perspective it's not a loyalty issue, it is an issue of spending your money where it will do you the most good, saving money and keeping it in your pocket is one way to do so. But putting money into the Pantera communtiy by shopping with the vendors (when it is appropriate) is equally beneficial to you. Every Pantera owner is faced with these decisions, i.e. when to spend your money where and on what. I agree with you, it would be nice to know what the mark up on the brake system is, my impression is that it is not nearly as outrageous as the mark up on bushings (he, he, he ...). I've been wrong before.
One last though, I've read Roland comment in the past that the expertise & knowledge of a Pantera specialist has value, and each specialist has the right to ask whatever price he feels is appropriate for that expertise. True, true.
We have a right to choose to pay the specialist's price or not. It is obvious certain parts, systems and services require a certain amount of expertise, such as a brake system. But it is equally obvious that certain parts and services, such as suspension bushings, can be sold by any fool.
your friend on the DTBB