Expert: Mike Evans - 7/25/2009

Question
Hello Sir,

I am trying to locate parts for my 1998 Opel Vectra X20XEV motor...I would just like to find someone who supplies and ships to the Caribbean, either from the UK or US...an example of the parts.. transmission rebuild Kit, timing belt bearings etc.

Answer
    There is a place in the U.S. called Rock Auto that can do the timing bits, but transmission parts are probably going to have to come from Opel themselves.  Perhaps one of the French or Dutch islands could import them for you.  Opel hasn't sold cars in the U.S. since the seventies, so I don't know of anyone here that could help, either.  I have heard that there are folks in Germany who will round up parts and ship them anywhere for a fee, but I'm not sure how you would find them.  I suppose you would have to look around on the web, for they would almost have to be web-savvy to stay in business.  I have a feeling that a working knowledge of German would come in handy.  There may be someone in the U.K. or even Ireland that could help you, but I'm sure it would cost more than dealing directly with the country of origin, although the language barrier would be eliminated.  Sorry I can't be of more help, I know folks who live down in the islands suffer a lot from import duties and restrictions, as well as the reluctance of companies to ship things through the erratic customs systems found there.