New parts supplier on the way

[healey@lerc.nasa.gov (jim healey)]

Hi All

For a long time my mechanic has talked about selling parts for 
Audi/VW.  After several years as an Audi Master Mechanic in 
Colorado and Ohio, he left dealerships because he hated the 
gouging.  Now that he has developed his parts network he wants
to sell to the public - he's working on getting an 800 number

His name is Chris Smith and his shop is Smith's Import Specialists

The phone number is 216 543-7100  His prices have always 
been in line with (or cheaper than) other independents (GPR, PAP etc).

His parts are almost exclusively German Stock,  he usually doesn't
like alot of the aftermarket gadgets because of quality and fit 
issues (some folks love to blame mechanics for problems that are 
out of their control)

For starters I asked about those rear trapezoidal arm bushings that
was the hot topic on the net a while back.  If memory serves we 
were talking about the rear ends of the 5000 Q 

He sells the whole rear upper control arm, not just the ends
 part number:

443-505-351P (Left) and 443-505-352P (right)
(still in the original German packaging)
for US$122.  each. And he has them in stock.

I don't have any affiliation with Chris, I've just been a satisfied
customer for a long time.  Oh yes, he can also get the plastic 
headlight covers.

So if you're having trouble getting a (stock)part I would give him 
a call.

jim h