I believe the original reference is the story of Noah where "the mountains
of Ararat" are identified as the resting place of the ark (Genesis 8:4).
Interesting that the story appears in an extremely wide variety of religious
traditions, many (apparently) totally unrelated.

My experience with Armenians shows them to be highly intelligent, passionately
dedicated, very capable businessmen. Interesting to note that Armenia was
the first nation to declare itself Christian in about 300 AD. In many ways
the suffering of Armenians through the centuries rivals that of the Jews.

Bob Baboian is a classic example. He was the metallurgist in charge of the
refurbishment of the Statue of Liberty, and was also chairman of the board
of the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Another is Bob
Philibosian, Los Angeles DA, with whom I went to school. Final example is
Ed Iskanderian (translation = Alexanderson) of camshaft fame. The IPD Street
Performance cam, lifter and pushrod kit is one of his masterpieces.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Yeah I know I was only kidding....

But seriously I am somewhat familiar with these type of shops in the U.S.- and they run the gamut from just excellent choice one (or 3) man places that just can't be beat (quality wise and sometimes price too) to one man shit shops to small chains that do pretty OK work for good prices to just fast buck chains.

By rip-off I mean places that just clean the outside of the alternator or starter, spray paint it, replace the brushes and say $135 if you please....

What you want is a real rebuild...thorough cleaning and testing...bearings, regulator, diodes, actuators, brushes, etc...and name brand parts, too.
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http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html