Kinda of freaking out. Just purchased my first VX on ebay. Now what...

[Osteomata]

Continued thanks for the welcome and info. An update: Payment sent, confirmed received by the seller, transport arranged.

So far, I am only looking at one hang up: The transport company, DAS, told me nothing can be in the truck. Problem is the seller ordered a new front cladding, and does not want to expend the labor to install it, and DAS told me this rather large part can't just sit in the back of the truck. The seller plans on contacting the transport guys to see what he can swing. Assuming the transport guys stick with this policy, the easiest solution might be just push the dealer into doing the cladding swap, but I don't like that option because I want the old cladding as well. Frankly, it looks usable for a VX modder who wants to cut down the front cladding for a lifted high clearance set up, but is hesitant to do so to his original cladding. I may be off on this, but I want to have the opportunity to assess it myself. Any thoughts on this much appreciated.

- Jack

[pbkid]

i would completely agree, especially since you already paid him that price with the understanding that it would come with a new front cladding...so it should come with the new front cladding...

and you should recieve the old one....

and yes, if its in decent shape, you could probably sell it for someone looking to mod thiers a little

[tom4bren]

"The transport company, DAS, told me nothing can be in the truck."

Keep checking into it. That's what the vendor told me too but when they contracted with the actual transporter, he had no issue with 4 wheel/tires in the back. Let them know that the item (although large) weighs less than 30 lbs & that the transporter will not be responsible for that item's condition upon arrival. They shouldn't have any issues with that.

[Riff Raff]

OS (Jack)--- If my back was flat up against the wall because of the D.A.S. policy, then I'd push the issue (or maybe even pay/split the extra labor money) to have to new replacement cladding installed BEFORE shipment via D.A.S.

Given a choice between having only one cladding, then I would definately opt for the new replacement cladding be installed (prior to shipment) and get the VX back to prestine condition. Worry about mod's later on.

Still, perhaps this might be the BEST option: If you really wanted both front claddings, you could have the new replacement cladding "re-boxed" (cardboard box) and shipped separately via UPS Freight to your home in Florida. Just extra pay the seller to have his local UPS Store "Pack-n-Ship" it. This might even be a cheaper method than having to pay for the high-priced "shop labor" rates of having the dealership swap front claddings (which you would still only get to keep one because of the D.A.S. policy).

By having the new replacement cladding shipped separately, you would eventually end up with both in Florida-- the VX arrives via D.A.S., and the new front replacement cladding arrives via UPS Freight (problem solved). Riff Raff

[TheGanzman]

Have the new cladding installed, then have the seller take the old cladding down to the local Bus Station, slap a label on it, and ship it to YOUR local Bus Station. Cheapest shipping method out there, and for some reason, one of the best-kept secrets!

[VehiGAZ]

Have the new cladding installed, then have the seller take the old cladding down to the local Bus Station, slap a label on it, and ship it to YOUR local Bus Station. Cheapest shipping method out there, and for some reason, one of the best-kept secrets!

Shipping is the way to go, and this is the best way to ship big, bulky items. Go Greyhound!

[Y33TREKker]

What kind of "truck" does the shipper think you have? Maybe they are thinking that you have a regular pickup truck, are just planning to have the box containing the cladding in the bed (which would make it very succeptible to theft), and don't want to be held responsible.

If the new cladding can be removed from the box and put in the VX's cargo area for transport, everything else would be the same as far as what the transporter was responsible for.

[Riff Raff]

Have the new cladding installed, then have the seller take the old cladding down to the local Bus Station, slap a label on it, and ship it to YOUR local Bus Station. Cheapest shipping method out there, and for some reason, one of the best-kept secrets!

TheGanzman--- I disagree. Then the guy (OS-Jack) has to pay "twice". Your method requires "labor payment" for the swapping of the cladding; PLUS, "shipment cost" to separately transport the other cladding.

The "Mission" at hand is for OS-Jack (in Florida) to be able to keep both front cladding parts with minimal overall cost. However, your idea of using the Bus Station may be an alternate option of using UPS Freight. But the front cladding (although somewhat lightweight) is extremely BULKY to handle and may not fit easily under a standard commercial bus storage compartment along with people's suitcases/baggage as opposed to a spacious UPS (or FedEx, etc) Semi-Trailer.

[TheGanzman]

Well, I worked at Port Authority NYC Bus Terminal for three years, loading and unloading Greyhound & Trailways buses; I can tell ya' firsthand that I must have loaded/unloaded about 197 chrome bumpers in those years, LOL. And that was back in the '70's, when cars had hoods the size of pool tables!

Of course, the best way to go would be to schmooze the driver into letting that wayward cladding make the trip w/in the safe interior confines of the VX...

[Riff Raff]

Agreed.

[Gussie2000]

OS (Jack)--- If my back was flat up against the wall because of the D.A.S. policy, then I'd push the issue (or maybe even pay/split the extra labor money) to have to new replacement cladding installed BEFORE shipment via D.A.S.

Given a choice between having only one cladding, then I would definately opt for the new replacement cladding be installed (prior to shipment) and get the VX back to prestine condition. Worry about mod's later on.

Still, perhaps this might be the BEST option: If you really wanted both front claddings, you could have the new replacement cladding "re-boxed" (cardboard box) and shipped separately via UPS Freight to your home in Florida. Just extra pay the seller to have his local UPS Store "Pack-n-Ship" it. This might even be a cheaper method than having to pay for the high-priced "shop labor" rates of having the dealership swap front claddings (which you would still only get to keep one because of the D.A.S. policy).

By having the new replacement cladding shipped separately, you would eventually end up with both in Florida-- the VX arrives via D.A.S., and the new front replacement cladding arrives via UPS Freight (problem solved). Riff Raff

It can't be better another way

[Osteomata]

Progress! Das Auto Shippers tracking system confirms my VX has been dropped off at there place in Schenectady, NY.

Seller and I have agreed that he will ship the extra cladding seperately. I passed on to him the Greyhound bus idea for shipping bulky stuff.

-Os

[Gussie2000]

HI OS !

that's good news though.

I guess every thing is straight now you should have your new toy at home about a week + time.

Since you become a member the last two weeks or so you shall also have all you home work done gathering the info needed;However 'll remain you :

Oil change as soon as possible for synthetic (MOBIL 1)

Check all the rest of the fluids T-case,trans & differentials;Flush & change if need to.Royal purple is the most common fluid & highly recommended by the VX community

Change coolant & have the brake system checked.

Another thing i'll also do is to steam wash the under body & lube it since upstate NY roads gets a lot of salt due winter season.

With all this stuffs done the fun begins & you're officially a VX'er

Again......... WELCOME TO THE VX WORLD

[Osteomata]

Wow, thanks for the to do list. Would never have thought of the steam cleaning of the undercarriage. I will have to look into that one. Thanks again...
- Jack