Scoring stuff

A while ago, I had a 1986 Audi 100. The clutch cable broke. And a new one? It was nowhere to be found. At least, not in real life. But it was available online. And the thing wasn't expensive either. Oh right: it didn't fit and a washer was missing.

It must be karma, but whenever I order something via the internet? I usually get something. Something that doesn't fit. The latest result: I ordered an M8 threading die from a well-known company and received two M4s.

So when I needed a front brake cable for my V7, I ordered it via the internet, but from a Dutch specialist. Of course, he gets his stuff from somewhere too, and I think the latter 'die' has the parts made in China?

Because if you buy something for a good price from a reputable specialist? Then you might end up with a part that makes you very happy for a moment, but which – if you take a good look – you can just see is flawed. That it can never work like that.

It must have been a brief blackout, but when I asked the supplier, I was told that it was an original Guzzi part, so it should be fine.

If that is the case, there are Guzzis riding around without a working front brake. Just take a look at the picture.

Fortunately, I have a reasonable stock of tools and have become reasonably handy with them over the past sixty years. So, in the end, I unsoldered a small barrel, reassembled the parts in the right order, and job done. Or rather, it was Dolf's.

I don't want to name any companies where my orders went wrong. Because that could be my unique karma. But for quite some time now, I've been playing it safe. Spankeren lies across the big ditch. That is a peaceful five-minute drive. Then I stand in front of Van Silfhout, a specialist in garage and automotive parts. That is entirely in real time and local. And surely sustainable too. And Mo has an encyclopedic knowledge of everything that has been for sale in the automotive field and tools over the last thirty years.

From the same practical, tangible perspective, visiting trade fairs is very practical and enjoyable. If you have your broken part with you, you can compare and buy on the spot. Moreover, you meet like-minded people, and the men walking around at fairs often have clearer information than you can find on many forums. Or someone might have exactly the part you are looking for at home. And if you bring your own coffee and sandwich to such a fair, the costs aren't too bad either. By the way, you can get affordable food at the fair in Weerselo.

And to make it a family outing, we recommend the Weerselose Markt. It is known for its regularly recurring moped, motorcycle, and parts market, and is an important meeting place for enthusiasts in the east of the country. Many Germans also visit. The market is a combination of a regular flea market with a special section for mopeds, motorcycles, and parts.

It's a hell of a drive, but worth it.