Really sorry to read about your travails. Not especially surprised, but sorry nonetheless.
There always seem to be initial issues with these cars, mostly stemming from the fact that almost nobody actually goes to the manufacturer's place to do a final acceptance of the car before shipment. A number of people have recommended such in a lot of posts in the past, but still, few people actually do it and then find a bunch of things wrong after delivery, often many miles from the build site, and requiring "specialized Talent" to get fixed in their locale. Yes, even Intermeccanicas have this problem, although it seems to a lesser extent than some other manufacturers, as Henry and his team seem a little more diligent before they send a car out the door.
You guys are both doing all that you can; Drive the cars to find issues, contact John to find out what can/should be done to remedy those issues, and then work together to get them fixed. It is amazingly hard to ship this kind of low volume, one-off, custom product totally free of initial issues unless someone actually drives the thing in all kinds of traffic for a week or at least 1,000 miles, whichever comes first (and we know TAT was not done!!).
I'm not making excuses, (I've also never bought anything from John Steele), just stating a fact, based on a number of years of managing New Product Introductions in the Computer biz. Getting past the first 10 of any complex mechanical assembly out the door is really hard. It doesn't get much easier after that - you just have to decide NOT to make any changes for a while and refine what you've got, and THAT is really hard.
Any of my customers who got "Beta" (first 5) or "Pre-production" (first 25) equipment had that same stuff swapped out free-of-charge after we got into full production. Of course, one of my systems usually cost something North of a $Million, but who's counting here?? ;>) We also know that these cars won't be swapped out, so you just have to work with John and get all of the infant problems worked out to your satisfaction and drive on....
Good luck!!
gn
Gentlemen,
I'm really sorry.
As the old timers will remember, in 2002 I had a JPS speedster built with a Fibersteel Glasspar hardtop. It would seem that nothing has changed since then.
A site search will reveal the gory details, but the experience was the single most disappointing transaction I have ever been a party to.
In May 2002, I was on my way to LA to do the final inspection, receive the car, and drive it home.... when John Steele called me past the point when my plans could be revised, to tell me the hardtop wouldn't be ready in time. When I arrived at his shop, the hardtop was a day out of the mold, untrimmed, and in gel coat.
TWO months later, the car finally arrived in Illinois in a covered transport. The hardtop I had the car built around was an absolute mess. Part of the blame can be laid at the feet of Russ Rodriguez overcommitting to a project lower on his priority list than mine, but by a wide margin the lion's share of the problem was John Steel promising far more than he had any ability to deliver.
John's exaggerations, and inability to see a project ALL the way through to completion, cost me more time and frustration (not to mention huge wads of money) than any car is worth.
For two years, I had a love/hate relationship with my JPS. I slogged through an enormous amount of repairs in an effort to "finish" the car. The teething never ended. Eventually the car wore me down. I knew that no matter what, it would never be what I wanted it to be. I wasn't a wealthy man, but I bit the bullet, and called Intermeccanica anyhow.
I've never regretted the decision. Everything John Steele is not, Henry is- an honest, forthright, careful, craftsman. I got the car I wanted, without having to babysit the build.
Again- I'm really sorry. I've been in your shoes. I hope you can get through the issues, and enjoy your cars. There's nothing quite so bitter as the betrayal of unfulfilled promises.
I'm really sorry.
As the old timers will remember, in 2002 I had a JPS speedster built with a Fibersteel Glasspar hardtop. It would seem that nothing has changed since then.
A site search will reveal the gory details, but the experience was the single most disappointing transaction I have ever been a party to.
In May 2002, I was on my way to LA to do the final inspection, receive the car, and drive it home.... when John Steele called me past the point when my plans could be revised, to tell me the hardtop wouldn't be ready in time. When I arrived at his shop, the hardtop was a day out of the mold, untrimmed, and in gel coat.
TWO months later, the car finally arrived in Illinois in a covered transport. The hardtop I had the car built around was an absolute mess. Part of the blame can be laid at the feet of Russ Rodriguez overcommitting to a project lower on his priority list than mine, but by a wide margin the lion's share of the problem was John Steel promising far more than he had any ability to deliver.
John's exaggerations, and inability to see a project ALL the way through to completion, cost me more time and frustration (not to mention huge wads of money) than any car is worth.
For two years, I had a love/hate relationship with my JPS. I slogged through an enormous amount of repairs in an effort to "finish" the car. The teething never ended. Eventually the car wore me down. I knew that no matter what, it would never be what I wanted it to be. I wasn't a wealthy man, but I bit the bullet, and called Intermeccanica anyhow.
I've never regretted the decision. Everything John Steele is not, Henry is- an honest, forthright, careful, craftsman. I got the car I wanted, without having to babysit the build.
Again- I'm really sorry. I've been in your shoes. I hope you can get through the issues, and enjoy your cars. There's nothing quite so bitter as the betrayal of unfulfilled promises.
This is all kind of discouraging. I've been following these threads since day one. I've restored a number of cars and built a kit or two. While a tweak here and there could be understood, these kinds of problems in my mind are not acceptable considering the lengthy delivery delays. I had a 356 coupe restoration planned as my next project so I became real interested in the JPS coupe because frankly I'm tired of the mess involved with restorations. Has JPS given any indication that they would entertain selling a kit or at least a roller? I would much rather build it myself and it sounds like that may be a more satisfying end result. Thanks.
Hugh, you need to ask John Steele; I'd bet he will sell Coupe kits someday, when he thinks he has a stable product. God only knows when/if that will happen. Sounds like you are well up to the task of doing a car in your own way, and so the kit approach very likely would get you where you want to be. Aside from the detail things that aren't lined up just right in Tom's car and mine too, there is the over-arching condition of the way JPS does some of it's work. Some things are remakably good, like the paint and the interior. These are top notch if you ask me, and where the enterprise shines, literally. John's leather/vinyl guy is a master. In some other areas, corners are cut. Wiring, plumbing, some automtive accessory items and such are rather ad-hoc, if you ask me, and nto top tier. The attention to detail so evident in the upholstery is almost totally absent in the engine compartment. I don't know too much about the engines themselves, as John has used different builders, w/ varying success at different times. Of course, if you supply the engine, then John will put it in. The engineering of the reinforced FG castings, the tube-frame front end, IRS suspension, four wheel disk brakes and all that goes along w/ that looks, and feels, very good to me. Time will tell of course, but the running gear seems right.
My $0.02, with experience piling up faster than I thought it would . . .
There is another way to think about this: You can get a JPS, or any kit, realizing that some parts of it are not going to be done the way you would do it. Drive it, get to know the machine in all quadrants, and then redo what you want to, as time/circumstance permit. Maybe that would work for you. John does emphasize the "custom" aspect of his cars: you can have it, to a limited degree, the way you want it. Just know that if what you ask for is foreign to John, he might resist, or at least charge you plenty to have it. He says he never says No, but you might wish he had.
Good luck!
My $0.02, with experience piling up faster than I thought it would . . .
There is another way to think about this: You can get a JPS, or any kit, realizing that some parts of it are not going to be done the way you would do it. Drive it, get to know the machine in all quadrants, and then redo what you want to, as time/circumstance permit. Maybe that would work for you. John does emphasize the "custom" aspect of his cars: you can have it, to a limited degree, the way you want it. Just know that if what you ask for is foreign to John, he might resist, or at least charge you plenty to have it. He says he never says No, but you might wish he had.
Good luck!
Dear Kelly & Tom,
Keep the feedback coming as I am going through JPS building my silver coupe. I guess the advantage that I have from you is that I live in LA so I can visit John every weekend, however, I have no prior experience with kit car, so the info is very good for me to keep an eye on potential issues down the road.
Keep the feedback coming as I am going through JPS building my silver coupe. I guess the advantage that I have from you is that I live in LA so I can visit John every weekend, however, I have no prior experience with kit car, so the info is very good for me to keep an eye on potential issues down the road.
Kelly and Tom:
Hang in there guys. You went the turnkey (but not top dollar) route and my guess is you are probably light years ahead of where you would be if you built it yourself. Some of us who built our own cars are still looking at doing some of the things you now have within a few months (painted, running, etc.) - and some of us still don't have cars on the road after several years. Based on your photos, while it may be frustrating, once the final tweaks are made you'll certainly have cars to be proud of!
Hang in there guys. You went the turnkey (but not top dollar) route and my guess is you are probably light years ahead of where you would be if you built it yourself. Some of us who built our own cars are still looking at doing some of the things you now have within a few months (painted, running, etc.) - and some of us still don't have cars on the road after several years. Based on your photos, while it may be frustrating, once the final tweaks are made you'll certainly have cars to be proud of!
Spent this weekend at a Car Show peddling my teardrop trailers with some reasonable success. Not much time to worry over the Coupe. Spent an hour or two with the 356 guys and about 10 C Coupes, a couple of C Cabrios and one Convertible D. I was looking at details for comparison to the green car. Vendor part of the show spooled down early and I did get to play with some tweaks on the coupe this PM.
Spent the last 3 hours just crawling under and around it looking at EVERYTHING. My overall feeling is this car is darn well put together. I am actually quite impressed by the construction details. Cory, despite your concerns over wiring, it all looks pretty well done. It's not wire tied every 4 inches as is your Hoopty, but nothing looks sloppy, all the connections seem well done and everything works. And I checked the doors again. Passenger door does seem to flex more than the drivers when closing, but seals tight. My rattle must be under the dash as there is NOTHING loose under the car, except that darn steering coupler (parts coming). Fixed the deck lid catch. Yes there are some under the hood and interior "visuals" that could be done better, but those tweaks are all pretty minor.
I
Spent the last 3 hours just crawling under and around it looking at EVERYTHING. My overall feeling is this car is darn well put together. I am actually quite impressed by the construction details. Cory, despite your concerns over wiring, it all looks pretty well done. It's not wire tied every 4 inches as is your Hoopty, but nothing looks sloppy, all the connections seem well done and everything works. And I checked the doors again. Passenger door does seem to flex more than the drivers when closing, but seals tight. My rattle must be under the dash as there is NOTHING loose under the car, except that darn steering coupler (parts coming). Fixed the deck lid catch. Yes there are some under the hood and interior "visuals" that could be done better, but those tweaks are all pretty minor.
I
Tom,
Here is an idea. I was crawling around under my dash today, looking to rewire the driving lights. John had told me what to look for, and so I got that job done. While inverted, I took the chance to look around, not that there is all that much there to see. Noticed the way the instrument cans are held in place with some off-set straps/posts and thumb nuts to tighten them down. The two on the speedo were flopping loose. I suppose under the right circumstance a loose one of these might make a rattle. Something to check. Also, I chose to apply undercoating to the numerous fasteners protruding through the floor pan. Not sure what all these hold down -- I can think only of the seats, and maybe the seat-belt thingy -- but there seem to be too many for just that. Anyway, before gunking them up, I went w/ the wrench on each one and did some snugging-up. Many took a bit more turning.
They say the Boxster is the best sports car ever. I drove one recently, and it is smooth, and probably handles like a dream. [Note: the salesman was in the right seat, so high lateral gs were not attempted.] It has 6 gears and a engine control system w/ VVT such that I found it hard to tell what gear I was in. And I saw one the other day around town w/ the top and windows up -- running his A/C no doubt. I like the Speedster better.
Here is an idea. I was crawling around under my dash today, looking to rewire the driving lights. John had told me what to look for, and so I got that job done. While inverted, I took the chance to look around, not that there is all that much there to see. Noticed the way the instrument cans are held in place with some off-set straps/posts and thumb nuts to tighten them down. The two on the speedo were flopping loose. I suppose under the right circumstance a loose one of these might make a rattle. Something to check. Also, I chose to apply undercoating to the numerous fasteners protruding through the floor pan. Not sure what all these hold down -- I can think only of the seats, and maybe the seat-belt thingy -- but there seem to be too many for just that. Anyway, before gunking them up, I went w/ the wrench on each one and did some snugging-up. Many took a bit more turning.
They say the Boxster is the best sports car ever. I drove one recently, and it is smooth, and probably handles like a dream. [Note: the salesman was in the right seat, so high lateral gs were not attempted.] It has 6 gears and a engine control system w/ VVT such that I found it hard to tell what gear I was in. And I saw one the other day around town w/ the top and windows up -- running his A/C no doubt. I like the Speedster better.
Tom / Kelly;
Glad to hear that you're working out the bugs on your cars during this stage of the shake-down. Bummer about having to do more tweeking than you would expect, but at the very least, you will know your cars more intimately (for future trouble-shooting reference).
Bottom line is, in spite of it all, those bad-boys still make you the cat's-meow when you drive them around town, and you LIKE IT! Yeah, baby, I can just picture the two of you throwing out some major vibes when you're cruising the boulevard!!
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!
Peace - Out!
Glad to hear that you're working out the bugs on your cars during this stage of the shake-down. Bummer about having to do more tweeking than you would expect, but at the very least, you will know your cars more intimately (for future trouble-shooting reference).
Bottom line is, in spite of it all, those bad-boys still make you the cat's-meow when you drive them around town, and you LIKE IT! Yeah, baby, I can just picture the two of you throwing out some major vibes when you're cruising the boulevard!!
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!
Peace - Out!
MUSBJIM:
I'm peacin', good buddy, but it ain't so easy. I was fully expecting to "learn" my car, but not all at once on Day 2. I have been cruisin' exactly one evening so far, then the fuel leak thing surfaced. Patience, Prudence, just have patience . . .
I'm peacin', good buddy, but it ain't so easy. I was fully expecting to "learn" my car, but not all at once on Day 2. I have been cruisin' exactly one evening so far, then the fuel leak thing surfaced. Patience, Prudence, just have patience . . .
...Kelly might just have to dust off the old bong to get over the hump of fix's from day one.
Hey Kelly . . . .
Thought you wanted your own thread . . . . LOL
Thanks for thr idea - I'm gonna check it out.
You can tell when someone has a car they can't drive by how prolific they are with posts. I fully hope to be a bit more scarce in a day or so. Kelly I hope the same is in your near future too!
Thought you wanted your own thread . . . . LOL
Thanks for thr idea - I'm gonna check it out.
You can tell when someone has a car they can't drive by how prolific they are with posts. I fully hope to be a bit more scarce in a day or so. Kelly I hope the same is in your near future too!
Right. Nothing I'd like better than to NOT be posting up, but rather getting down, the highway, that is. Own thread: have one. I hereby swear to not post on the It's Green thread ever again . . .
update
Despite a miriad of relatively minor sorting issues
and JP Steele's dubious responses to same . . .
******* I am absolutely loving this car! ********
I like it better every day. It is a total blast to drive. Quick, powerful and nimble in the turns. Gotta love AC & power windows in the PA August sun, and although it gets slightly fewer looks than the speedster, those that notice - really take notice. Car gets tons of thumbs up from passers by.
All my issues have really been pretty minor and easily rectified. In all fairness, JPS has been pretty good at getting me what I need, though I doubt he writes everything down and I do need to prod some. But all in all I'm getting taken care of without any argument or defensiveness.
Hey Bill, so far the local mounties have not even given me a sideways look other than to admire her beauty. Knock on wood. ;-)
As you can tell I'm out drivin and not postin much lately. Right now I'm running her with no bumpers and she looks a bit mean & nasty. WOO HOO!
Gotta few tweaks in the works. Will post 'em when I can.
The Happy Hornet
Hey Eddy, how's yours coming? Any pics to share????
Despite a miriad of relatively minor sorting issues
and JP Steele's dubious responses to same . . .
******* I am absolutely loving this car! ********
I like it better every day. It is a total blast to drive. Quick, powerful and nimble in the turns. Gotta love AC & power windows in the PA August sun, and although it gets slightly fewer looks than the speedster, those that notice - really take notice. Car gets tons of thumbs up from passers by.
All my issues have really been pretty minor and easily rectified. In all fairness, JPS has been pretty good at getting me what I need, though I doubt he writes everything down and I do need to prod some. But all in all I'm getting taken care of without any argument or defensiveness.
Hey Bill, so far the local mounties have not even given me a sideways look other than to admire her beauty. Knock on wood. ;-)
As you can tell I'm out drivin and not postin much lately. Right now I'm running her with no bumpers and she looks a bit mean & nasty. WOO HOO!
Gotta few tweaks in the works. Will post 'em when I can.
The Happy Hornet
Hey Eddy, how's yours coming? Any pics to share????
Hey Tom,
Glad to hear that you are having fun with your coupe. I was beginning to worry that you have more trouble than fun. My hats to you and Kelly to get your cars without being able to see it being built.
I visit John once a week on Saturdays to see the progress. I signed the contract in June, and as you know I got lucky and got body#3 as somebody goofed up and paint body#3 in the silver color that I want. So far the body and parts are back from paint shop, the engine is in and the chassis has been shortened. John said that by this Saturday, he should have mine on a rolling chassis, we'll see. I will be happy if this coupe is done by September, however, it looks more like end of September before it is done and sorted out, so the 12 weeks is a fairy tale, but I told John, I am not in a hurry, just be sure to build me a good one.
I am currently a bit stressing out as the coupe is already registered under my name, now state of CA ask me to give the proof of insurance before mid September or the registration becomes invalid. Getting insurance for this kit/replica is not as straighforward as "normal" car, as some company does not want to cover "kit car". I am currently checking out Hagerty & Grundy and John is going to give me the name of the AAA agent that one of his customer is using to insure the car. I am crossing my fingers.
Anyway, keep us posted with all the fun that you have, and if you happen to go to LA, let me know as I live only about 15 minutes away from LAX, we can meet.
Eddy
Glad to hear that you are having fun with your coupe. I was beginning to worry that you have more trouble than fun. My hats to you and Kelly to get your cars without being able to see it being built.
I visit John once a week on Saturdays to see the progress. I signed the contract in June, and as you know I got lucky and got body#3 as somebody goofed up and paint body#3 in the silver color that I want. So far the body and parts are back from paint shop, the engine is in and the chassis has been shortened. John said that by this Saturday, he should have mine on a rolling chassis, we'll see. I will be happy if this coupe is done by September, however, it looks more like end of September before it is done and sorted out, so the 12 weeks is a fairy tale, but I told John, I am not in a hurry, just be sure to build me a good one.
I am currently a bit stressing out as the coupe is already registered under my name, now state of CA ask me to give the proof of insurance before mid September or the registration becomes invalid. Getting insurance for this kit/replica is not as straighforward as "normal" car, as some company does not want to cover "kit car". I am currently checking out Hagerty & Grundy and John is going to give me the name of the AAA agent that one of his customer is using to insure the car. I am crossing my fingers.
Anyway, keep us posted with all the fun that you have, and if you happen to go to LA, let me know as I live only about 15 minutes away from LAX, we can meet.
Eddy
Attachments
Images (3)
Saw my name, but I no longer live at the "It's Green!" Thread. You want my inputs, go see "It's Red"
Kelly,
I am still following up your adventure on "Its Red", I know it is hard once everything is working right, you rather play than post.... have fun
I am still following up your adventure on "Its Red", I know it is hard once everything is working right, you rather play than post.... have fun
eddy,
im going by jps on sat
what time are u usually there?
im going by jps on sat
what time are u usually there?
Tom, that sure is a great looking green coupe now headlining the JPS home page!
Gerd,
I have to bring my wife's Odyssey for service at 8:30 on Saturday, I think I hope to be at JPS around 10:30-11 :30 AM depending on the 405 & 101 traffic from the West LA. I would like to meet you if you happen to be there
Eddy
I have to bring my wife's Odyssey for service at 8:30 on Saturday, I think I hope to be at JPS around 10:30-11 :30 AM depending on the 405 & 101 traffic from the West LA. I would like to meet you if you happen to be there
Eddy
tom
thats been there all week, congrats
eddy
ill try and be there
thats been there all week, congrats
eddy
ill try and be there
Tom made an interesting comment that tweaked my interest:
"All my issues have really been pretty minor and easily rectified. In all fairness, JPS has been pretty good at getting me what I need, though I doubt he writes everything down and I do need to prod some. But all in all I'm getting taken care of without any argument or defensiveness."
I often wonder why the issues happen time and again with the cars. And why don't people write things down? Paper -never- forgets.
It seems like a huge gain would be had in quality and satisfaction if the builders adopted checklists, like those used in the flying world, to run to at every stage. Even experienced pilots still run down documented checklists for each flight.
The checklists don't change much from build to build, the principal items are always the same. I would think there should be 6-8 major "check points" in a build and if people took a day to stop, and inspect each of the major items and document their findings, I think it would be good for everyone.
Buyers would have interim updates (and photos ideally) to make progress payments against, technicians would have a review of where they are, and praise for their progress, as well as a list of things that need to be addressed at that stage. And the overall product quality would move forward.
I'm just guessing, but I have a hunch the boys in Vancouver probably have something like this already in place. It's not hard, a quick excel spreadsheet and then some laser printing and clipboards, and away you go. If you want to get fancy, you database it, web enable it and attach the digital photos so the buyer can check in without having to call and interrupt.
Does anyone know which builders employ people in dedicated QA roles?
I'm even betting there is a quasi-off the shelf package that could do this on the PC.
-Jeff
"All my issues have really been pretty minor and easily rectified. In all fairness, JPS has been pretty good at getting me what I need, though I doubt he writes everything down and I do need to prod some. But all in all I'm getting taken care of without any argument or defensiveness."
I often wonder why the issues happen time and again with the cars. And why don't people write things down? Paper -never- forgets.
It seems like a huge gain would be had in quality and satisfaction if the builders adopted checklists, like those used in the flying world, to run to at every stage. Even experienced pilots still run down documented checklists for each flight.
The checklists don't change much from build to build, the principal items are always the same. I would think there should be 6-8 major "check points" in a build and if people took a day to stop, and inspect each of the major items and document their findings, I think it would be good for everyone.
Buyers would have interim updates (and photos ideally) to make progress payments against, technicians would have a review of where they are, and praise for their progress, as well as a list of things that need to be addressed at that stage. And the overall product quality would move forward.
I'm just guessing, but I have a hunch the boys in Vancouver probably have something like this already in place. It's not hard, a quick excel spreadsheet and then some laser printing and clipboards, and away you go. If you want to get fancy, you database it, web enable it and attach the digital photos so the buyer can check in without having to call and interrupt.
Does anyone know which builders employ people in dedicated QA roles?
I'm even betting there is a quasi-off the shelf package that could do this on the PC.
-Jeff
Jeff, your hunch about the "boys in Vancouver" (meaning Intermeccanica) is absolutely correct.
[I know I said I would not post here again, but I guess I just gotta do it.] I even made up an Excel sheet for John listing the things in my build. It is pretty clear he never looked at it more than once. I do not think this level of organization is in his make-up. He is very good at some things and not so good at others -- like most of us -- but has only himslef, so he has to do it all. Some stuff drops out. The QC business seems most lacking, which is too bad. He could stand to hire someone to run this part of the business, seems to me, and all hands would be happier, by far. IMHO.
Happily enjoying the cost of living in Dallas, I'm not the guy, but what he (and seemingly others in the industry with even longer wait times) needs is a professional Project Manager. I'm a certified PMP by profession which includes management of all aspects of a project... contracts, procurement, and build phases; resources, task assignments and status reporting; planning and executing communication and risk management; and certainly quality control. And you do that across multiple projects concurrently.
Whoever gets my business in the coming months is going to really like dealing with me :)
Anyway, seems like that skillset would add some value to the equation...
Whoever gets my business in the coming months is going to really like dealing with me :)
Anyway, seems like that skillset would add some value to the equation...
John Steele with a Project Manager...................
That's funny!
That's funny!
Yo, Chuck,
You are going to be, as they say, a tough customer. Good luck. We need to hear again from Tom. Perhaps we can assume that his absence means he's out driving. That would be good. As for me, I am still sorting things out, w/ fits of driving interspersed when I get the car back together after minor tear-downs. Chasing an oil leak now. I am still in nearly daily contact w/ JPS about this and that.
You are going to be, as they say, a tough customer. Good luck. We need to hear again from Tom. Perhaps we can assume that his absence means he's out driving. That would be good. As for me, I am still sorting things out, w/ fits of driving interspersed when I get the car back together after minor tear-downs. Chasing an oil leak now. I am still in nearly daily contact w/ JPS about this and that.
Sound the horns and fire the cannons!
....Tom DeWalt is poised as the Mr. October centerfold in Kit Car Builder magazine!
Well ok, it's his green machine that is featured on pages 34 through 37.... AND featured on the cover too ...Congrats!
....Tom DeWalt is poised as the Mr. October centerfold in Kit Car Builder magazine!
Well ok, it's his green machine that is featured on pages 34 through 37.... AND featured on the cover too ...Congrats!
Max's "Actual Mileage " is consistantly top notch reading !
Geeez,
I step away from here for a few days and all kinds of things happen. Missed the visit to Alan's place. Had no idea my car was on the JPS site. And now the car is in Kitcar Builder and I haven't yet seen it - oh well, why not wait for the magazine too . . . ;-)
I step away from here for a few days and all kinds of things happen. Missed the visit to Alan's place. Had no idea my car was on the JPS site. And now the car is in Kitcar Builder and I haven't yet seen it - oh well, why not wait for the magazine too . . . ;-)
Tom -- tell Angela that there's a Spyder that might be hers in it, and she'll buy three. That's what Kelly did last month ... lol
Latest news . . .
I have been quitely pushing JPS to help with a myriad of sorting issues. I have always believed you get farther with honey and did not want to bad mouth JPS.
John has been willing to do whatever it takes to make things right - he just needed to understand what that is . . . . Result is car is going back across country to be sorted out and will hopefully return in 30 days. We'll see. Stay tuned . . .
Biggest issue has been the lack of an oil breather on the 2332. Consensus is - it should have one. I have been experiencing serious oil blowing out of the dipstick since changing the oil from the original oil at 100 miles as recommended. Can't get that to stop. I have been using Brad Penn 30W.
All other issues have been relatively minor, but in aggregate a big pain in the a##!
Anyone considering a JPS Coupe please insist on an oil breather if you get a 2332cc, and don't take the car without 1000 miles on it. Make JPS sort it out before they ship it to you unless you live within driving distance of JPS. Otherwise it may spend a bit more time than you would like in your garage.
Love the car, just wish it had received better attention to detail & QC.
Sure wish Carey & SE did a coupe.
I have been quitely pushing JPS to help with a myriad of sorting issues. I have always believed you get farther with honey and did not want to bad mouth JPS.
John has been willing to do whatever it takes to make things right - he just needed to understand what that is . . . . Result is car is going back across country to be sorted out and will hopefully return in 30 days. We'll see. Stay tuned . . .
Biggest issue has been the lack of an oil breather on the 2332. Consensus is - it should have one. I have been experiencing serious oil blowing out of the dipstick since changing the oil from the original oil at 100 miles as recommended. Can't get that to stop. I have been using Brad Penn 30W.
All other issues have been relatively minor, but in aggregate a big pain in the a##!
Anyone considering a JPS Coupe please insist on an oil breather if you get a 2332cc, and don't take the car without 1000 miles on it. Make JPS sort it out before they ship it to you unless you live within driving distance of JPS. Otherwise it may spend a bit more time than you would like in your garage.
Love the car, just wish it had received better attention to detail & QC.
Sure wish Carey & SE did a coupe.
Aw Gee, Tom, shoulda shipped that sucker to Hbg. I'd just "hate" having that green jewel here for a good month of sortin'! :)
~WB
~WB
Tom,
Your ordeal is by no means over. Refer back to my post of a month ago.
Forewarned is forearmed.
Your ordeal is by no means over. Refer back to my post of a month ago.
Forewarned is forearmed.
Tom
excuse my ignorance
what is an oil breather and what does it do?
excuse my ignorance
what is an oil breather and what does it do?
Wow Stan, that's impressive. I guess the "been there done that" experience gets the credit. For a minute I thought you were psychic.
Tom, I'm sorry to see that it's turned out this way for you. Let's hope John gives your car the proper care and attention this time.
Tom, I'm sorry to see that it's turned out this way for you. Let's hope John gives your car the proper care and attention this time.
Tom, I'm sorry to hear that you're having such problems. I had a few with my Beck, but nothing so drastic, and it's a bit of a special case. I was able to resolve mine here at home. I'm sure John will fix yours as he's got to realize just how important a good outcome is - particularly given the publicity your car has received in this issue of Kit Car Builder.
One question - Is he paying for shipping across the country from PA to LA and back?
One question - Is he paying for shipping across the country from PA to LA and back?
Tom, there might be another option for you. Give me a call if the car hasn't shipped.
Well, geezie-peasey, fellas, where does that leave me? John is taking Tom's car back?? Holy Return-to-sender, Batman!! Wonder why he never offered that option to me? Instead, he offered up: "We have built a lot of these large engines and tried a bunch of stuff for venting, and could not tell the difference. What you have should be fine." I could go on about all the stuff John has said that turned out not to be true, or promises about this or that he never followed through on, but instead I'll just call him and wonder out loud what's up w/ all the attention Tom is getting, and nothing for me? On the other hand, I'm not shooting oil out the dip stick, or at least I don't think so. Also, I'm not anxious to send my car back and forth across the country, no matter whose paying. And also be out of luck for a month -- which of course is just a period of time that is being promised, vs. what actually will happen. This just keeps getting wierder and wieder . . . We should start a pool on the day Tom's car leaves his place and sell folks guesses for how many days until the car comes back.