I am a new member of this forum, I dont really like forums as I have been watching all the VW forums here in Oz for the last few years and only joined yesterday to ask a question about an engine that was for sale.
As I mentioned I think all the forums have groups that will support certain retailers so I havent bothered before.
I only say this to show that the following question is a genuine one and I would like honest answers and not the usual, buy from xxx( hes my mate, I havent used them but ???) ect.

I have fitted sills ect to a previous 61 single cab and used Schofield panels, I havent a problem with them as they were quite good.
I have noticed on a few forums that people are saying that Gerson( in Columbia) makes good panels for splits as I have a 60 panel van and would like to use the best.
Has anyone actually seen any of his panels, I dont mean on the net or on his site.
Has anyone actually fitted these panels, I mean in Australia, not overseas.

I have heard that some peole are promoting thses panels as saying they wouldnt use anything else but havent actually used them???
I dont need links to other sites.

I hear all this talk but no one seems to know what they are really like.
I have heard that an order was placed from Australia for some panels but it still hasnt arrived and it was ordered 7 months ago.
Is this correct, I dont want to wait that long for panels that no one has actually fitted before.

Also I have heard ( this is why I would like real answers)
That a set of gates for a single cab that were quoted at $1500 is now $4500.
Can anyone give me real answers please or is that too much to ask.
Now I know I will proberbly get the smart usual comments and that will just confirm why people do not visit this site as much as they used to, so go ahead.
I am just after information.

Thanks
Brian

Welcome to the forum Brian.Sorry I can't help but I'm sure someone here knows something....

Brian,
i have used gerson's gates for my double cab. since you have owned a ute in the past you can understand what a difficult task it would be to reproduce factory gates. gerson has well and truly pulled it off, my gates look exactly like factory gates, except they are not bent or rusty. you can not find reproduction gates any where else in the world. this is because they are too hard to reproduce.
as for the price increase, i have no idea about that. i was the third person to order a set of gates from gerson, so i paid the original price, and i am very happy with my purchase, money well spent.

i cannot comment on his weld in replacement panels, as i have not used them, but if the quality of the replacement gates is any gauge, i would imagine the panels would be good quality.

i also cannot comment on the quality of other manufacturers panels, as i have not used them either. all the weld in replacement panels for my ute were hand made, as replacement panels were not so plentiful or widely available.

welcome to the forum, don't be disheartened they can be good places to visit.

cheers

[ Edited on 13-7-2007 by _dmb_ ]

Brian,some of the guys on DSK i believe have some of Gersons panels in there possession and may be able to help you.Might also be better to talk to Gerson direct and avoid all the "expert" opinions on pricing and quality.
Regards Tony

what do the replacement gates cost from gersons?
cheers

allegedly the price has increased but it is not listed on the klassicfab website. best bet is to email gerson. see website http://www.klassicfab.com 

freight was only us$397 to australia. not bad for the size of the package.

depends.. if you want panels tomorrow get them from your nearest vw parts supplier... scofields are the usual suspects... easy. If youre willing to wait some time for quality panels then buy gersons.. And yes I have used gerson panels along with some of my mates, much nicer quality than scofields. If PMGBUS was still making panels i would get from him..