[V8] emergency

Tue Dec 30 07:52:15 PST 2008

There are a couple of places that I don't want to skimp on in my cars and
brakes are one.  The mechanic has a genuine legal liability issue in using
used parts which is made considerably less when using third party rebuilt
parts, although not entirely eliminated.  Since rebuilt calipers ARE
available the issue has been resolved.  

The process that we are using with this car is to make it as right as it can
be so that it will remain in service for as long as possible.  I am really
not interested in contemplating replacement of this car because there is
nothing that is on the road now that I would buy to replace it with.  So,
since the brake pads are nearing replacement time, AND the rotors are worn
down to around 70,000 miles, we will replace all prior to inspection date
which is May 31st.  By that time, all the gremlins will have been worked
out, and the car should be ready for another 100,000 miles.  That may take
me ten years, and I might well not be driving after that at all.  (although
don't count of it.!)

If there was absolutely NO option but to use used parts, I would probably do
so.  I am not ready to park this car, and it certainly is not ready to part
out, although I am sure that someone like Shokan would LOVE to get their
hands on it.  I think before I would consider that route, though, I would
park it for the winter, wait until the economy improves a bit, and then do
wheels and bigger brake retrofit with the Boxster calipers.16" wheels would
work here.  

For now, we'll get the rebuilt calipers.

I have mixed emotions about Euro headlights on this car.  I had them on the
'93 V8, but these headlights are really pretty good.  Since my night driving
has dropped to a very low rate of occurrence, I will probably not get
European headlights at all, unless I stumble on a terrific deal that even my
tightfisted heart cannot resist.hasn't happened yet!  Now, having said that,
every time I meet someone coming toward me with their puny 'Merican
highbeams and blindingly poorly aimed fog lights on, I wish just one time,
to give them a good shot of V8 130watt high beams.

Roger

-----Original Message-----
From: Michele_Deltergo at KeyBank.com [mailto:Michele_Deltergo at KeyBank.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 9:33 AM
To: v8 at audifans.com
Cc: rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com
Subject: re: emergency

Not sure why your low mileage calipers are gone but I suppose that's neither
here nor there. Also not sure why, with a 17+ year old car, the concern on
reusing used parts, (good luck finding new Euro lights that you mention
:0)!) even with caveat below. Wrenches get paid by the hour whether the
parts fail and need to be replaced in 1,000 miles or 100,000 miles. If you
have a good relationship, he should be willing to work with you. When I went
through my V8 I went with a lot of "used" parts from sunshine state cars
that sure were better than what came off my car.  That said I have a set of
used, ready to use or rebuild ATE's that I got for when my originals crapped
out, that hasn't happened so I can provide them should you not find new.
Pretty sure I also have new rebuild seals for them somewhere.  Should be
lots of options before respending the purchase price of the car for new
brakes. 
Mike

Option #2:  Yes, I know that used ATE calipers are available, however I will
not use them on my car for two reasons.  These are being installed by my
mechanic, and while he might be willing as a last resort to install used
brake calipers, I know that he does NOT want to do that, and it might really
strain the relationship to ask.  In the entire state of Maine there are very
few really good, high quality Audi service centers, and since this one is
less than 15 miles away, I don't want to muck with the system. 

Mike Del Tergo  CAIA, CFA
SVP-Senior Portfolio Manager
Key Private bank
Investment Management Services
1 Canal Plaza
Portland, ME 04101
207 874 7188

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