Bob Hanson questioned whether the VAR #30 is worth the cost. I have to weigh in with an enthusiastic YES.
Mine was stolen along with a box of cool but little used tools about a decade ago.
I did not use the VAR tool that often, but each and every time I did I told myself that it was worth the expense. I would rather leave a fixed cup in place than pull it with some other tool. Clean it through the shell and the spindle hole and use parts that fit it. If it isn't worth keeping in place, then I don't have a problem with pulling it with whatever can get it out of the frame. OTOH, if it is a fixed cup worth keeping, then do whatever it takes to find somebody with the VAR tool or the Hozan copy and use that.
Earle Young Madison, Wisconsin, where new snow and old Mercedes decided they do not play well together.