"It can't be the wind in your hair and all that, because a used Miata is 10 times as reliable, and 1/10th the money. Speedsters are a way of reconnecting to a mechanical age when fixing a car was something you did for yourself."
I guess I gotta sell MR356, cause for me its the wind and the style and the oldness of the whole thing, not changing oil, adjusting valves and all that icky stuff you wrench heads love...
I do like the smell of Nitro in the morning, but I go to the Drags for that....
These cars are NOT for everyone, but for a lot of reasons, not just the icky ones...
Carey did the right thing, but can you imagine how all you SOC guys would have buried him if he haden't.....so before you guys so sucking his &%$#*, remember we do carry some weight on this site when it comes to recommending a builder.....
Vince- Wheter you love it, or hate it- part of the "oldness" is living with the "icky stuff". There are a lot of people under 40 that have never dealt with a flooded a set of carbs, or moisture in the distributor, or anything else "old" cars do ("new" or not). They will likely be dissapointed with 3000 mi valve adjustment intervals, and other mechanical requirements.
As far as the builder recommendation- I believe that the last time I started a thread praising my good experience with a certain Canadian builder, you didn't like that either.
There aren't any shortcuts here- you get what you pay for.
As far as the builder recommendation- I believe that the last time I started a thread praising my good experience with a certain Canadian builder, you didn't like that either.
There aren't any shortcuts here- you get what you pay for.
Michael: Should be painted soon, then on to the finish line. I talk to the builder today or tomorrow to get the final specs ironed out. We have been trying to get color and upholstery issues pinned down. The major problem has been searching for paint numbers and perforated seat material in the color I want. Most have been close (but no cigar). Am I picky? Maybe not as much as Stan Galat (BTW,a real virtue, Stan), but definitely the answer is yes. I have been involved in other pursuits, so my patience has not received any serious testing.I am certain the whole affair will have been worth the wait, just as long as the car is ready by Christmas and it doesn't rain on the drive home.
I want the car built correctly without the builder being under pressure to rush the car through, apparent in many of the Boyd Coddington episodes. Too many mistakes have been made that way. And,I refuse to pressure myself. My blood pressure is much more important than a large (albeit beautiful) hunk of fiberglass and metal. Thanks for asking; I'll keep you posted.
I want the car built correctly without the builder being under pressure to rush the car through, apparent in many of the Boyd Coddington episodes. Too many mistakes have been made that way. And,I refuse to pressure myself. My blood pressure is much more important than a large (albeit beautiful) hunk of fiberglass and metal. Thanks for asking; I'll keep you posted.
Stan, there is room for all of us here, the wrenchers and the pussies like myself who don't want grease in their fingernails..
Please don't get me wrong, I think it is way cool to build your own car. there must be pride of ownership, that I will never feel...
If you sense sarcasm in some of my posts about the wrench heads, its mostly in fun, although there are times when I do get a little annoyed with some of you and your comments....
As far as IM cars, we all know they are the best made speedster, the problem is that we are sick and tired of hearing it ALL the time...
You pay a handsome price for that Quality, but do we have to hear about it every day.....Believe me, its not Jealousy, most of us don't feel the need for a 50K replica.....thats all....
Please don't get me wrong, I think it is way cool to build your own car. there must be pride of ownership, that I will never feel...
If you sense sarcasm in some of my posts about the wrench heads, its mostly in fun, although there are times when I do get a little annoyed with some of you and your comments....
As far as IM cars, we all know they are the best made speedster, the problem is that we are sick and tired of hearing it ALL the time...
You pay a handsome price for that Quality, but do we have to hear about it every day.....Believe me, its not Jealousy, most of us don't feel the need for a 50K replica.....thats all....
well, I have only posted once ,and maybe you guys will say it's a good idea that I'll never post again,but I just feel I have to do this.
I like the 356 speedster,.... A lot
But paying 50 or 60 K for one,... to me,... that's sick
IT still is a replica,... has absolute no collector value,
it's not that I can't afford it, I can, but I'll never ever pay that kind of money for a kitcar
I have a Vintage that suits me well, It's not perfect,but I like it
Maybe you IM guys shouldn't drag all the time about your 60K kitkar,
for 80K you can buy a nice original (here in Europe anyway) and that Has collector value.
So ,what I want to say is this; let everyone do and buy the stuff they like,not the stuff you like
I like the 356 speedster,.... A lot
But paying 50 or 60 K for one,... to me,... that's sick
IT still is a replica,... has absolute no collector value,
it's not that I can't afford it, I can, but I'll never ever pay that kind of money for a kitcar
I have a Vintage that suits me well, It's not perfect,but I like it
Maybe you IM guys shouldn't drag all the time about your 60K kitkar,
for 80K you can buy a nice original (here in Europe anyway) and that Has collector value.
So ,what I want to say is this; let everyone do and buy the stuff they like,not the stuff you like
Something I would like to address that seems to be a recurring theme. There is a solid difference between a finicky nature of a car and car that has poor workmanship.
Carbs - need balancing and tuning, tend to foul with city driving is finicky.
Carbs - missing intake manifold gaskets, damaged gaskets in install, air cleaners on incorrectly or contacting the body - poor workmanship.
Shifter - requires a light touch, has needed several adjustments - finicky.
Shifter - knob falls off (oops, my car its not properly attached - my fault) poor workmanship. Also poor workmanship any car delivered in any state of adustment that does not allow all gears to be obtained by reasonably competent individual.
All paint is a matter of workmanship. From Earl Scheib specials to flawless-step-into-my shine paint and covering our car that was painted in a garage.
Quality and money should be directly related. But even if I spend less money, I would expect the part to work. It may not be a part that lives forever, looks really cool or is the latest high tech, but it should WORK. Regardless of price, if the air cleaner hits the body of the car, that is not acceptable. Steering wheel on upside is not acceptable. These are readily visible flaws that are not related to spending more money, they are simply a reflection of sloppy workmanship and must be addressed. New cars should be delivered without paint chips. The paint may be of a less expensive type, probably single stage and on entry level will have small defects that are visible for close observation. But the whole car should be covered with a uniform layer of paint. Period. I say he has legitimate complaints that must be corrected as workmanship defects. angela
Carbs - need balancing and tuning, tend to foul with city driving is finicky.
Carbs - missing intake manifold gaskets, damaged gaskets in install, air cleaners on incorrectly or contacting the body - poor workmanship.
Shifter - requires a light touch, has needed several adjustments - finicky.
Shifter - knob falls off (oops, my car its not properly attached - my fault) poor workmanship. Also poor workmanship any car delivered in any state of adustment that does not allow all gears to be obtained by reasonably competent individual.
All paint is a matter of workmanship. From Earl Scheib specials to flawless-step-into-my shine paint and covering our car that was painted in a garage.
Quality and money should be directly related. But even if I spend less money, I would expect the part to work. It may not be a part that lives forever, looks really cool or is the latest high tech, but it should WORK. Regardless of price, if the air cleaner hits the body of the car, that is not acceptable. Steering wheel on upside is not acceptable. These are readily visible flaws that are not related to spending more money, they are simply a reflection of sloppy workmanship and must be addressed. New cars should be delivered without paint chips. The paint may be of a less expensive type, probably single stage and on entry level will have small defects that are visible for close observation. But the whole car should be covered with a uniform layer of paint. Period. I say he has legitimate complaints that must be corrected as workmanship defects. angela
Uh Oh, I can feel another flame war starting here, looks like the first rounds have been fired. Lets not go there again, getting mighty redundant. Vince, I know you like to feed the flames but maybe tip the chair back and grab a cool one. Watch the White Sox battle the Astro's. Should be a good series.
It's always nice to read someone's opinion that basically complains about other people stating their opinions.
Vince,
The horns aren't a license, just a description.
-=theron
The horns aren't a license, just a description.
-=theron
OK, so if I was a moderator I would close this thread down.
Dude had problems when he took delivery and voiced his dissatisfaction.
To What's-his-names credit, he addressed a shared concern by the new car owner and those of us observing. He made efforts to see the problems rectified.
A clarification was offered by a few folks as to what is acceptable workmanship at various price-points.
A further and very good point was made about the difference between workmanship and finicky.
A few vollies for the 'them and us guys'
Vince is warming up in the bullpen and it's fair, mild and calm in Eagle Point.
Theron rolled over in his sleep and slapped Vince.
Lock up this thread and throw away the key. Let its orginator report back if the netsales branch, under assistant, out-to-lunch boyzzz actually make things right sometime down the road!
Oh and I didn't use the 'F' word once.
Dude had problems when he took delivery and voiced his dissatisfaction.
To What's-his-names credit, he addressed a shared concern by the new car owner and those of us observing. He made efforts to see the problems rectified.
A clarification was offered by a few folks as to what is acceptable workmanship at various price-points.
A further and very good point was made about the difference between workmanship and finicky.
A few vollies for the 'them and us guys'
Vince is warming up in the bullpen and it's fair, mild and calm in Eagle Point.
Theron rolled over in his sleep and slapped Vince.
Lock up this thread and throw away the key. Let its orginator report back if the netsales branch, under assistant, out-to-lunch boyzzz actually make things right sometime down the road!
Oh and I didn't use the 'F' word once.
Good night and God bless.......can I say that.....
FWIW, I like the image of Vince in the bullpen. The crusty old veteran that the home town folks are trusting to slam the door. Either that or he's going to give up the gopher ball and everybody goes home sad.
OK, Vince is taking a breather. He should be warming back up in the bullpen soon, ready to fire another round of curveballs.
I haven't left, I just found another thread to pounce on.....
I would like to see the resolution on this (if there is any). I want to see if PatD's car is made right, by who and under what time frame.
Frequently, at shows and other places I have our car, people ask where they can buy a spyder or a speedy. I ask a few questions and list pretty much all of the makers who offer products that would likely suit that person, especially the spyder makers as I'm most familiar with them. But if someone is selling cars and delivering unacceptably sloppy workmanship, then that maker shall be crossed off my broad list of suggestions. After all, I would not in good conscience recommend a builder/maker who delivers obviously poor workmanship and fails to make good on their product.
Hope moderators leave the thread open so we can see what happens. angela
Frequently, at shows and other places I have our car, people ask where they can buy a spyder or a speedy. I ask a few questions and list pretty much all of the makers who offer products that would likely suit that person, especially the spyder makers as I'm most familiar with them. But if someone is selling cars and delivering unacceptably sloppy workmanship, then that maker shall be crossed off my broad list of suggestions. After all, I would not in good conscience recommend a builder/maker who delivers obviously poor workmanship and fails to make good on their product.
Hope moderators leave the thread open so we can see what happens. angela
I haven't seen mentioned here yet that these people assemble these cars over and over.
Usually people get better and better at a particular task. Hopefully you make a mistake
once and don't repeat it. Did you notice how Mr. Hines knew of the correct style/position
of the air cleaners=experience. The other issue that was lacking was professionalism.
I'm sure that any "professional" takes the same time/care with each task he performs,
money/cost aside. I've heard on the site quite a few times "known" defects that are repeated
over and over in the build process. I've heard about "wavy gravy"=waves in the door fiberglass, bodies mounted crooked. This would makes it obvious to me that the person
who has the power to correct these issues chooses not to. They know these issues exist
but ignore the fix. There is no excuse. This says a lot about the "professional".
Ps...Touch up paint would be acceptable if I did the damage to myself. Totally unacceptable
on a "new" car.
Usually people get better and better at a particular task. Hopefully you make a mistake
once and don't repeat it. Did you notice how Mr. Hines knew of the correct style/position
of the air cleaners=experience. The other issue that was lacking was professionalism.
I'm sure that any "professional" takes the same time/care with each task he performs,
money/cost aside. I've heard on the site quite a few times "known" defects that are repeated
over and over in the build process. I've heard about "wavy gravy"=waves in the door fiberglass, bodies mounted crooked. This would makes it obvious to me that the person
who has the power to correct these issues chooses not to. They know these issues exist
but ignore the fix. There is no excuse. This says a lot about the "professional".
Ps...Touch up paint would be acceptable if I did the damage to myself. Totally unacceptable
on a "new" car.
Bruce, you stated, "Usually people get better and better at a particular task. Hopefully you make a mistake once and don't repeat it." I was wondering how much employee turnover some of the builders experience. What I am getting at is that the learning curve may recycle back to square one if the builder is frequently breaking in rookies.
I'm willing to bet that this too may vary from builder to builder.
I'm willing to bet that this too may vary from builder to builder.
Well said John! Good point!
All the more reason to keep a tight grip on quality control. If your employee is
"starting out" (and there is a first time for all) then the owner,manager,senior,
or whatever title "he" has is obligated to oversee this individuals work to catch
those mistakes during the learning curve. It all comes down to responsibility.
"starting out" (and there is a first time for all) then the owner,manager,senior,
or whatever title "he" has is obligated to oversee this individuals work to catch
those mistakes during the learning curve. It all comes down to responsibility.
Well Pat D Its a shame to go thru the ordeal of forking out money and the result is not right,no matter how much the car costs,its sold as a new vehicle and all of your complaints are well justified.I sympathise with Mr Hines I am sure its not an easy task keeping tabs on all your agents and I am sure he will put things right if anything,to preserve his professional reputation,I too am interested to see how and when.As for those 50k replicas,well I think I would have to be nuts to spend that kind of money on once again a replica,I know nothing about the American Replica market except for these threads
Luis- It's all in what you're after, I suppose. Don't want to spend a lot of money? Great- there's a hundred cars out there waiting for you. Want to use your car when it's not sunny? That kind of narrows your options down a bit.
I'd also like to speak to the repeated posts on what businesses ought to do, usually offered up by guys who think a replica shouldn't cost over $20K.
Let me see if I'm getting this right:
1) We all agree that building a car yourself saves no money over buying a turn-key from somebody besides Intermeccanica. Building a decent car will take $20K- $25K whether you build it yourself, or somebody else does.
2) For this to be true, the builders have to be hiring people who work pretty inexpensively.
3) People who work inexpensively usually do so because they can't work somewhere else for more money. Low wage earners don't do what they do for the love of it.
4) Since there is a ceiling to what a replica is generally considered to be worth, then somehow a builder is supposed to motivate these people to do better work for no more pay.
I used to think builders had the coolest job on the planet, until I actually paid a couple builders to build cars for me. If you want somebody who is more skilled than you are (or as skilled), and cares about what he does- then it's going to cost a bit more.
Some cars cost more than others because this is the way the builders do business. They hire craftsmen, and pay them what they are worth. They make a lot of pieces that aren't available anywhere else. They redo things that don't come out perfectly. They cost more- and there are people (like me) who are tired of comprimises, and want things to be... perfect.
$50K? I have no idea where that number keeps coming from- I've got nothing close to that in my car. But I can tell you this- if I had wanted the custom features I ordered in my IM in a car from any other builder, it would have cost as much or more than an optioned car from Henry.
I'd caution prospective buyers not to compare apples to oranges, or think that anything worth having comes for free. Want more? Pay more.
Let me see if I'm getting this right:
1) We all agree that building a car yourself saves no money over buying a turn-key from somebody besides Intermeccanica. Building a decent car will take $20K- $25K whether you build it yourself, or somebody else does.
2) For this to be true, the builders have to be hiring people who work pretty inexpensively.
3) People who work inexpensively usually do so because they can't work somewhere else for more money. Low wage earners don't do what they do for the love of it.
4) Since there is a ceiling to what a replica is generally considered to be worth, then somehow a builder is supposed to motivate these people to do better work for no more pay.
I used to think builders had the coolest job on the planet, until I actually paid a couple builders to build cars for me. If you want somebody who is more skilled than you are (or as skilled), and cares about what he does- then it's going to cost a bit more.
Some cars cost more than others because this is the way the builders do business. They hire craftsmen, and pay them what they are worth. They make a lot of pieces that aren't available anywhere else. They redo things that don't come out perfectly. They cost more- and there are people (like me) who are tired of comprimises, and want things to be... perfect.
$50K? I have no idea where that number keeps coming from- I've got nothing close to that in my car. But I can tell you this- if I had wanted the custom features I ordered in my IM in a car from any other builder, it would have cost as much or more than an optioned car from Henry.
I'd caution prospective buyers not to compare apples to oranges, or think that anything worth having comes for free. Want more? Pay more.
Just a quick point of clarification. These are not kitcars or replicas. The BODY is a replica of a 356, but the CAR is not. These cars are manufactured, by hand, in limited quantities, and are whatever the builder builds. A Vintage is a Vintage, a JPS is a JPS, etc. The evidence is that we can tell who built what by just looking at them. If they were replicas, they would all look the same, like the original they are replicating. If they were kitcars, they would be assembled from kits.
Amen- and that, gentlemen, is why we pay Jim the big bucks.
I've got a little time today during a road trip pit stop and I think it's a perfect time to post on the value of paying more up front and getting a true road car for that extra buck.
We just finished a leg of a Fall road trip. We will continue that trip tomorrow. During the last 900+ miles we drove in weather ranging from hot (90'+), perfect (70') and cold (40's) with rain. The trip ran through cities, Interstates, good two laners, and Arkansas two laners with steep hills. To do that, we simply put gas in the car, checked the oil, and drove it without worry. When it rained, I simply put up the top and closed the windows. When it was cold I flipped on the seat heaters to low, turned on the heat with the fan on low, and drove in comfort. We arrived at our destinations without feeling beat up from the road, and my right seater was happy about taking a longer trip in a Speedster. I did not worry about overheating, I did not have a top pulling loose from it's flap snaps on the windshield, I had no doors/lids rattling, and I had full confidence in the reliability of the entire car, including the engine. IAW, it was a joy to drive. When I drop the exhaust for valve adjustments I marvel at the beauty of it's build. The same thing happens when I flip the turn signals or put the car into a twisty with Rack and Pinion.
I paid for that reliability and level of quality. I don't think it's for everyone, but it is the perfect Speedster Replica for me. I would venture a guess that I have driven a Speedster Replica more miles in the past 4+ years than all but two or three posters (and imposters) to this site.... and I wanted a car that measured up to the demands I put on one (my new IM now has over 8,000 miles on it). I am happy when anyone gets the Speedster they want.... including the young man I sold my VS to. I wonder about those that cannot wish the same about my near 50G car. I worked hard, and at 54 this is a treat. That's as American as Apple Pie.
And let's get to the bones on "value". I considered updating my VS, but after adding the discs, a built 2110, wheels, and other items... well, it was obvious to me that I was sinking 35G (counting the original purchase) into it. That's when I saw the beauty in the IM purchase. I don't expect that reality to rock the Speedster nation, but I do find it hypocritical for some posters that have obviously dropped around 30+ into a VS (counting engines and constant attempts to make it better) to make posts about value. I loved my VS, and I love my IM. They are two separate cars on the turn-key spectrum and I got what I paid for in both cases.
To me, there is a market for all of our Speedsters. No builder appears to be suffering for a lack of buyers. Why can't we all be happy with that? It is in our best interest that the builders thrive and the product evolve and improve. It is also in our interest that there are cars available for all budgets, desires, and dreams. The Speedster Replica/Kit/Car/Real is a bargain in today's 'toy' market... even at 47-49G. Those that do not get that just have not looked at the custom built car/bike market.
About the Beck? I am sorry for the buyer and I am sorry for CH at Beck. In spite of my grumbling about the "selling" of Becks on this site I do admire the car (after seeing Ray's). Unless the issues cannot be resolved to a reasonable degree I think all of us are better served when these type of problems are solved in private. If the QC becomes a trend, or is not resolved then we need to share that info. But not at this stage.
I have not ran a business but I have managed skilled and unskilled workers and with that experience I second the thoughts expressed in Stan's post. You do get what you pay for in all things.
I'm sure we will hear more if the issues are not resolved to a reasonable degree.
We just finished a leg of a Fall road trip. We will continue that trip tomorrow. During the last 900+ miles we drove in weather ranging from hot (90'+), perfect (70') and cold (40's) with rain. The trip ran through cities, Interstates, good two laners, and Arkansas two laners with steep hills. To do that, we simply put gas in the car, checked the oil, and drove it without worry. When it rained, I simply put up the top and closed the windows. When it was cold I flipped on the seat heaters to low, turned on the heat with the fan on low, and drove in comfort. We arrived at our destinations without feeling beat up from the road, and my right seater was happy about taking a longer trip in a Speedster. I did not worry about overheating, I did not have a top pulling loose from it's flap snaps on the windshield, I had no doors/lids rattling, and I had full confidence in the reliability of the entire car, including the engine. IAW, it was a joy to drive. When I drop the exhaust for valve adjustments I marvel at the beauty of it's build. The same thing happens when I flip the turn signals or put the car into a twisty with Rack and Pinion.
I paid for that reliability and level of quality. I don't think it's for everyone, but it is the perfect Speedster Replica for me. I would venture a guess that I have driven a Speedster Replica more miles in the past 4+ years than all but two or three posters (and imposters) to this site.... and I wanted a car that measured up to the demands I put on one (my new IM now has over 8,000 miles on it). I am happy when anyone gets the Speedster they want.... including the young man I sold my VS to. I wonder about those that cannot wish the same about my near 50G car. I worked hard, and at 54 this is a treat. That's as American as Apple Pie.
And let's get to the bones on "value". I considered updating my VS, but after adding the discs, a built 2110, wheels, and other items... well, it was obvious to me that I was sinking 35G (counting the original purchase) into it. That's when I saw the beauty in the IM purchase. I don't expect that reality to rock the Speedster nation, but I do find it hypocritical for some posters that have obviously dropped around 30+ into a VS (counting engines and constant attempts to make it better) to make posts about value. I loved my VS, and I love my IM. They are two separate cars on the turn-key spectrum and I got what I paid for in both cases.
To me, there is a market for all of our Speedsters. No builder appears to be suffering for a lack of buyers. Why can't we all be happy with that? It is in our best interest that the builders thrive and the product evolve and improve. It is also in our interest that there are cars available for all budgets, desires, and dreams. The Speedster Replica/Kit/Car/Real is a bargain in today's 'toy' market... even at 47-49G. Those that do not get that just have not looked at the custom built car/bike market.
About the Beck? I am sorry for the buyer and I am sorry for CH at Beck. In spite of my grumbling about the "selling" of Becks on this site I do admire the car (after seeing Ray's). Unless the issues cannot be resolved to a reasonable degree I think all of us are better served when these type of problems are solved in private. If the QC becomes a trend, or is not resolved then we need to share that info. But not at this stage.
I have not ran a business but I have managed skilled and unskilled workers and with that experience I second the thoughts expressed in Stan's post. You do get what you pay for in all things.
I'm sure we will hear more if the issues are not resolved to a reasonable degree.
Well said Jim! I think we may have all had our say.....Everyone has made some very good points and sincere comments......maybe we should let this go now and see how things work out. It's unfortunate that this has happened....I feel for Pat D.....and as a business owner I also feel for Carey Hines. I've got a feeling everything is going to be just fine.
Can't argue with any of that Jim.
I think the sign of a good builder is also one who stands behind his product. Seem CH is doing all possible.
I think the sign of a good builder is also one who stands behind his product. Seem CH is doing all possible.
Its not over till its over as they say. I have a appointment with a local shop arranged by Luke through a local customer.( next week )
Carey , Luke and even the customer have been more than nice.
New problem discovered , the head lights do not work .
Keep your fingers crossed !
Carey , Luke and even the customer have been more than nice.
New problem discovered , the head lights do not work .
Keep your fingers crossed !
.....and the hits just keep on comin'
Ok, this may sound dumb, but do they work temporarily while holding the brite light selector switch in?? If they will work while holding this button in, it is just the relay.
We in NJ have the lemon law (along with alot of other things).
Was this car completed on Monday morning after the big game
or at 4:45 Friday afternoon? I don't care what reasons (excuses)
or other, no one should have to put up with this.
Was this car completed on Monday morning after the big game
or at 4:45 Friday afternoon? I don't care what reasons (excuses)
or other, no one should have to put up with this.
I read all this thread with horror.
Great that the car is "gonna" be fixed. Whooptie damned doo!! I can feel the angst of someone who has waited 3 months for their DREAM CAR and get a shoddy work in progress. Maybe a car like this should be named a "semi-kit" the motto can be "we start it, you finish it!"
To me this explains why we all sometimes see these cars with 2,000 miles---or 500 miles for sale.
I too am working out some bugs on my Speedie and fortunately have located a sensational VW mechanic right here. Maybe he can stop the G.D. backfiring before the car burns up. (It has only 1,000 miles on it!) Nonetheless I will spend money to get it up to par. It arrived with wheels out of balance! Certainly it could not have been test driven---but again----.
Something smells real bad. The car that is the subject of this thread should go directly back to where it came from and replaced by a roadworthy car with proper fit and finish.
There is just no excuse for an event like this and I feel very sorry for anyone who has to live through such a nightmare.
Jack---Hot Springs
Great that the car is "gonna" be fixed. Whooptie damned doo!! I can feel the angst of someone who has waited 3 months for their DREAM CAR and get a shoddy work in progress. Maybe a car like this should be named a "semi-kit" the motto can be "we start it, you finish it!"
To me this explains why we all sometimes see these cars with 2,000 miles---or 500 miles for sale.
I too am working out some bugs on my Speedie and fortunately have located a sensational VW mechanic right here. Maybe he can stop the G.D. backfiring before the car burns up. (It has only 1,000 miles on it!) Nonetheless I will spend money to get it up to par. It arrived with wheels out of balance! Certainly it could not have been test driven---but again----.
Something smells real bad. The car that is the subject of this thread should go directly back to where it came from and replaced by a roadworthy car with proper fit and finish.
There is just no excuse for an event like this and I feel very sorry for anyone who has to live through such a nightmare.
Jack---Hot Springs
That thread's a couple years old, there, Jack.
FYI.
FYI.
Yeah--I sure did overlook the date. Still it was a pretty awful story that just smelled bad. I wonder how it turned out----did everyone live "happy ever after?"---Jack--Hot Springs
All I can say is Carey and his people are the total opposite of Boulder. They have severed ties a while back and Carey has spent much time, money & effort to clean up their mess.
I have personally experienced what I would consider exceptional world class customer service from Carey & crew. Special Edition comes with my HIGHEST recommendation.
Anyone that expects these cars to be perfect and free of any issues should remember the house they live in and the appliances in it. Ever throw out an appliance? Have a leaky pipe? Nail pops? Sh*t happens. To all of us. No matter if a SE, JPS, TR, SAW/SAS, IM, or home built - Lexus or Benz even. House, car, appliance, computer, - all the same! Issues come standard. Like it or not.
It's the support when you need it that really makes the difference. This site is a big part of that. Somewhere to get help and advice. Carey is another big part.
Carey understands customer service and lives it. For me that's what I expect and am often disappointed with in the world, but Carey has exceeded my expectations.
Wish more of my RV folks would understand perfection is a goal unattainable by humans.
I have personally experienced what I would consider exceptional world class customer service from Carey & crew. Special Edition comes with my HIGHEST recommendation.
Anyone that expects these cars to be perfect and free of any issues should remember the house they live in and the appliances in it. Ever throw out an appliance? Have a leaky pipe? Nail pops? Sh*t happens. To all of us. No matter if a SE, JPS, TR, SAW/SAS, IM, or home built - Lexus or Benz even. House, car, appliance, computer, - all the same! Issues come standard. Like it or not.
It's the support when you need it that really makes the difference. This site is a big part of that. Somewhere to get help and advice. Carey is another big part.
Carey understands customer service and lives it. For me that's what I expect and am often disappointed with in the world, but Carey has exceeded my expectations.
Wish more of my RV folks would understand perfection is a goal unattainable by humans.
I'll second that, Tom!
And I will third that!
I would recommend the Beck and Special Edition to anyone who asks.
I would recommend the Beck and Special Edition to anyone who asks.
I was an infamous victim of Boulder Speedster as well. After two engine fires, and numerous other things wrong with the car, Carey took the car under his wing & totally rebuilt it. In the meantime, I then had built a 2006 IM, which is absolutely my dream car.
Last I heard Eric Shimp & Luke Richards pulled up stakes in the middle of the night, and tried to set up shop in Southern California. My hope is they are now working in the metal shop at San Quentin.
Last I heard Eric Shimp & Luke Richards pulled up stakes in the middle of the night, and tried to set up shop in Southern California. My hope is they are now working in the metal shop at San Quentin.
they couldn't even make license plates with out screwing them up. Nothing they did was right. Carey on the other hand is nothing but class.
Jerry
Jerry
In some ways, this worked out rather well - for Carey. By stepping up and righting someone else's wrong, Carey has earned the admiration of many people on this board. Including myself.
A friend is in the market for a car and asked me about Carey - my answer was "two thumbs way up". Carey - you have "paid it forward."
angela
A friend is in the market for a car and asked me about Carey - my answer was "two thumbs way up". Carey - you have "paid it forward."
angela