ultranators

[auditude at neta.com]

I had to deal with two ultranators at one point, because of some
problem with fitment of the first one.  Everything was resolved, and I
am now satisfied with the unit I installed.

Anyhow, as a result, I did take some digital pictures of a two
ultranators side-by-side.  They are not the finest quality pics, and
they don't have anything to do with Taka's experience, but if
anyone wants to see what I received, I can email them.

If Avi was going to refund it anyways, it would have been better p.r.
to agree that it was an ugly rebuild.  Especially since it was two
against one, so to speak.  To err on the side of pickiness would be
good for fussy q-listers.  But then again, if you (Taka) already
picked and installed a different alternator, then it's a sale lost, so
there's no sense agreeing that it was ugly! <j/k>

Since we're picking on nits, I'll relate another aspect of my
experience.  Avi told me ahead of time that I would need a different
bracket to run the uprated and also larger (later model) version I put
in my 5kcstq.  It wouldn't be a problem, because he had the
bracket I would need.  My only minor peeve was that the additional
cost for the bracket wasn't mentioned until the time of the actual
exchange, which occurred in person.  Of course, I could have
asked. :-)

I don't know if I exactly thought it would be free, but I guess if I had
known the total cost beforehand, I could have been better prepared
to pay for it.  Rather than the cash in hand, "oh you need this too,
for $xx more," kind of memory that I have.

Granted this was a rather odd meeting, curbside at the trunk of his
car outside an office campus.  So, maybe I already had that "psst!
you wanna buy a watch?" kind of feeling, I don't know. :-)

I guess my only suggestion would be applicable for any
transaction, or even life, just make sure to communicate.

A further complication was probably more my fault, as I
misunderstood the conversion to be bolt-on, when it actually
involved swapping things around until the right pulley and bakelite
insulator molding combination was found.  One should approach
the conversion prepared to rather actively ensure it will work.  Once
again, nothing more than communication.  I usually feel like I ask
too many questions tho'.   =P

I'm happy with my alternator, and it looked to be an example of a
decent rebuild.  I'm wondering if I wil be able to use a similarly-huge
ultranator under the hood of the MC equipped 4kstq.  Since the
bracket is part engine "snub" thingee, I don't know if there are
issues. (?)

I would buy again.  If it was ugly tho', I wouldn't keep it either!
Satisfaction is in the eye of the consumer.  It's good that Avi does
stand by his word to make things right.

Later,

Ken