It’s time I admit it. I’m a bit of a pack-rat.
I likely get it from my father, who has trouble throwing out old issues of National Geographic, the local newspaper, expired food. Everything is essential, even Compute! Magazine – with exciting, relevant info on the new VIC20!
My problem differs slightly; I have no problem throwing things out. However, I actively buy things – “well, this could break.. and if the price is right…” – “I’ve never had a MesaBoogie amp, this one sure is pretty” – “I don’t have a red one”.
I recall early Touareg owners pretending to be calm about the repair price of their air-ride suspension; it was ludicrously expensive at each corner. I didn’t want to experience a future version of their angst with my rather unique and technical-sounding DCC suspension on my pirate edition Golf.
I priced out one front DCC-enabled shock – full dealer retail is $342.70. For a set of four, springs, bearing-caps and control arms, I’m sure things would spiral upwards past $1,500 very quickly.
The reason for figuring in all these somewhat unnecessary secondary suspension parts? Recently, I spotted an ad for a lightly used, complete OEM Golf R Suspension – for $350. I pounced on that like a 35-series tire on a pothole. The seller had installed a mega-dollar Airlift suspension. I’m unsure what they will do when it comes time to sell the car – perhaps hope for the right buyer? Air suspension isn’t for everyone, and one rarely sees money back from aftermarket modifications.
I’m hoping to figure out how to make the parts look like art on the wall while they’re not required on the car – but I think I may have to give a nod to my old man, and simply stuff them in a box – to be remembered after the car, and the need for the parts, is long gone.
Who needs suspension parts when all our cars have gravity-well engines, right?
Images courtesy of the author.
