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Terry:
That was one of the most insightful posts I've seen on here in MONTHS!
Thanks.....wish I could have made the point as well as that.
Gordon
OK, NOW you can end the thread.....
That was one of the most insightful posts I've seen on here in MONTHS!
Thanks.....wish I could have made the point as well as that.
Gordon
OK, NOW you can end the thread.....
Happy trails to you...Until we meet again..
Happy trails to you...Keep shining on til then....
Happy trails to you...Til we meet again.....
Happy trails to you...Keep shining on til then....
Happy trails to you...Til we meet again.....
HEY VINCE TRAIL THIS
OMG, that is Vince. This guy knows how to have fun, doesn't he.
Someone get the lights on the way out.....see you at Carlisle...
"And that's the way it is, January 16th 2009"
"And that's the way it is, January 16th 2009"
I am sure no one is listening any more, but whatthe f---
Warren: you do not have a proper grip on the situation, sorry to say.
Terry: Well said. The differences between you and Tom are subtle but important ones. Distance being one and a basic attitude difference being another. Tom and John quickly developed into oil and water --- just not a mix. Some personalities just don't work together, simple as that. You found a way to deal; you absorbed some hits, made a fuss on some others, and pressed on. Note: I own a JPS Speedster too, and have had more than a few disappointments w/ one thing or another, some big, some niggling, but all fall into the realm of something that should not have been and were clearly up to JPS to fix. By and large, we (John and I) have managed, but not always amicably. He has tried to pull some of the same "it's not ever my fault" crap w/ me too. As I said, I did the work and John sent parts, usually w/ out a lot of hassle. I knew from the get-go that I would be fixing stuff myself as I am sort-of a wrench, and don't mind doing and learning in the process. You have nailed JPS and his vagaries of personality and approach dead-on. After about one year, I figured I had just about finished w/ John and was on my own.
Tom: I for one find no problem w/ your telling the next chapter in the saga. It is interesting. Yes, we are all very tired of the ordeal, but one needs to see it through. Note to all: if it were not for JPS inate inability to just leave a thing be, we would have been done by now. But John absolutely has to have the last word, no matter what. Tom, by his own admission should have kept his mouth shut about the final fitments to get the car sold. I for one am not surprised at the subsequent reaction.
To the litiginous factions: get a grip. If there were to be any suing going on, it would be Dewalt vs. Steele. The other way 'round has no bearing.
gerd: give John my best. I am (sincerely) delighted to hear his business, Coupes and all, is doing well. He can and does make a beautiful car, and does so on an affordability business model. That's what got me into the fray: cool car, low price. I wish him all the best and no harm whatsoever.
Gordon: Howthef---are you?
Vince: What, no pictures? PICTURE THIS!!
To all the rest: hasta la vista -- click -- <-- that was the lights going out.
Warren: you do not have a proper grip on the situation, sorry to say.
Terry: Well said. The differences between you and Tom are subtle but important ones. Distance being one and a basic attitude difference being another. Tom and John quickly developed into oil and water --- just not a mix. Some personalities just don't work together, simple as that. You found a way to deal; you absorbed some hits, made a fuss on some others, and pressed on. Note: I own a JPS Speedster too, and have had more than a few disappointments w/ one thing or another, some big, some niggling, but all fall into the realm of something that should not have been and were clearly up to JPS to fix. By and large, we (John and I) have managed, but not always amicably. He has tried to pull some of the same "it's not ever my fault" crap w/ me too. As I said, I did the work and John sent parts, usually w/ out a lot of hassle. I knew from the get-go that I would be fixing stuff myself as I am sort-of a wrench, and don't mind doing and learning in the process. You have nailed JPS and his vagaries of personality and approach dead-on. After about one year, I figured I had just about finished w/ John and was on my own.
Tom: I for one find no problem w/ your telling the next chapter in the saga. It is interesting. Yes, we are all very tired of the ordeal, but one needs to see it through. Note to all: if it were not for JPS inate inability to just leave a thing be, we would have been done by now. But John absolutely has to have the last word, no matter what. Tom, by his own admission should have kept his mouth shut about the final fitments to get the car sold. I for one am not surprised at the subsequent reaction.
To the litiginous factions: get a grip. If there were to be any suing going on, it would be Dewalt vs. Steele. The other way 'round has no bearing.
gerd: give John my best. I am (sincerely) delighted to hear his business, Coupes and all, is doing well. He can and does make a beautiful car, and does so on an affordability business model. That's what got me into the fray: cool car, low price. I wish him all the best and no harm whatsoever.
Gordon: Howthef---are you?
Vince: What, no pictures? PICTURE THIS!!
To all the rest: hasta la vista -- click -- <-- that was the lights going out.
Oh Kelly, I do have a grip on the situation and have had it since early on. You just don't agree with it. But that's ok, I respect your opinion. Please do the same with mine.
I dropped into JPS today and had a wonderful time. He was very nice to me and explained everything in tons of detail. There was 3 coupes and a few speedsters in various stages (even an EV) and he offered a test drive. I was on limited time so I will return for one and more info. I did bring this thread up with him and well... None the less I really liked what I saw and felt comfortable moving forward with a purchase from him.
I have been doing a bit of lurking on this and the spyder forums before I pull the trigger on anything so I really appreciate all the info but as with anything you need to read between the lines on some issues and find out what works for you.
I would love to buy an IM but I keep scratching my head on what I get for the other 25k... It seems to be a name brand. I also would love to get an SAS but not sure about the wait times. So as of now I think I am leaning towards JPS or Beck. I've had long discussions on the phone with most if not all the major makers so I hope with all the internet and phone research I'm fully loaded to make a good choice!
Thanks for all the information as with my story it helped me in my search for a speedster... or maybe a Spyder ;)
I have been doing a bit of lurking on this and the spyder forums before I pull the trigger on anything so I really appreciate all the info but as with anything you need to read between the lines on some issues and find out what works for you.
I would love to buy an IM but I keep scratching my head on what I get for the other 25k... It seems to be a name brand. I also would love to get an SAS but not sure about the wait times. So as of now I think I am leaning towards JPS or Beck. I've had long discussions on the phone with most if not all the major makers so I hope with all the internet and phone research I'm fully loaded to make a good choice!
Thanks for all the information as with my story it helped me in my search for a speedster... or maybe a Spyder ;)
Robert,
Before you pull on the trigger on either one (speedster or spyder) I suggest you get to a show and check them out. Either Knotts or the Morro Bay gig. I've met John and I've seen his cars, he's a nice guy and his cars are BEAUTIFUL, but if you're going to spend the money on a new one at least SEE the differences. I mean no disrespect in any way but an IM is NOT a name brand. And I'm not talking about an old clunker like mine, I'm talking about the newer ones, they're a completely different car. Now depending on what you're looking for will determine if IM is THAT much different from what you want. If you're just looking for an air cooled weekend car than you're probably correct, it's likely it's not worth the difference. But even if that's all you want I still think it would be worth your while to see, touch and sit in the different makes. Most people on this site would probably even let you drive theirs if you ask.
So if you haven't already I would get your hands on the different makes. Or at the very least you can PM owners on this site and get their takes on the cars they drive and the service they got (get) from their builders.
I'm not saying anything other than really really really do your reasearch and SEE the cars. I am NOT saying don't buy a JPS. There are enough examples of people buying these cars only to find out that they could have gotten something "better" somewhere else if they'd only looked.
Regardless of who and what you choose you're in the right place once you get it. Enjoy!
Before you pull on the trigger on either one (speedster or spyder) I suggest you get to a show and check them out. Either Knotts or the Morro Bay gig. I've met John and I've seen his cars, he's a nice guy and his cars are BEAUTIFUL, but if you're going to spend the money on a new one at least SEE the differences. I mean no disrespect in any way but an IM is NOT a name brand. And I'm not talking about an old clunker like mine, I'm talking about the newer ones, they're a completely different car. Now depending on what you're looking for will determine if IM is THAT much different from what you want. If you're just looking for an air cooled weekend car than you're probably correct, it's likely it's not worth the difference. But even if that's all you want I still think it would be worth your while to see, touch and sit in the different makes. Most people on this site would probably even let you drive theirs if you ask.
So if you haven't already I would get your hands on the different makes. Or at the very least you can PM owners on this site and get their takes on the cars they drive and the service they got (get) from their builders.
I'm not saying anything other than really really really do your reasearch and SEE the cars. I am NOT saying don't buy a JPS. There are enough examples of people buying these cars only to find out that they could have gotten something "better" somewhere else if they'd only looked.
Regardless of who and what you choose you're in the right place once you get it. Enjoy!
Thanks... I will take your advice.
Hey Robert,
Welcome to the madness. You have one advantage that a lot of people don't. You are close to North Hollywood. When my coupe was built, I visited him almost every weekend to some aggravation of my dear wife. John always welcomes me during the visit. However, as what has been said here before, you need to know what to expect. The car now is so much better than when I first got it. With the help of John, the car has been improved over time and even now, it still needs some improvements. However, at this time I am happy with the way it drives and run. I am currently trying to work with him on the very limited wheel travel on the rear wheel, but I believe it will be taken care eventually.
Anyway, good luck, ask a lot of questions on this board and keep us informed on what you decided. Just start a new thread so this one can go down on the list.
Eddy
Welcome to the madness. You have one advantage that a lot of people don't. You are close to North Hollywood. When my coupe was built, I visited him almost every weekend to some aggravation of my dear wife. John always welcomes me during the visit. However, as what has been said here before, you need to know what to expect. The car now is so much better than when I first got it. With the help of John, the car has been improved over time and even now, it still needs some improvements. However, at this time I am happy with the way it drives and run. I am currently trying to work with him on the very limited wheel travel on the rear wheel, but I believe it will be taken care eventually.
Anyway, good luck, ask a lot of questions on this board and keep us informed on what you decided. Just start a new thread so this one can go down on the list.
Eddy
JPS hmmmm
sounds familiar
sounds familiar
Robert,
You have an advantage by being near to JPS to get things "adjusted" as they arise and they will.
Best to shop around, check the pricing, quality, build time lines and warranty. Perhaps check with Kirk at Vintage Speedsters before comitting. ~Alan
You have an advantage by being near to JPS to get things "adjusted" as they arise and they will.
Best to shop around, check the pricing, quality, build time lines and warranty. Perhaps check with Kirk at Vintage Speedsters before comitting. ~Alan
Alan is giving you some very fine info (the only info he deals in!)and at least check Kirk's operation out. Kirk will work with you to provide whatever you want--certain paint and quality level, install any engine of your choice, any accessories you can get anywhere else, but in addition, wonderful service after you take it home.
I didn't buy directly from Kirk because I was undeucated and should have done some research before I jumped in to the madness. I found my car in Monroe, LA with just 700 miles on it and know now it was sold due to issues that can't be easily corrected in tiny Monroe---simple things to, like balancing wide 5s. And the original owner got it new from Automotive Legends--a VS reseller. Even though I was not the original owner--really the 3rd owner counting AL, but Kirk and Horace have been great and now I have a wonderful, issue-free car that gives me so much pleasure. I know I was just lucky to get a Vintage with the poor research I did.
--Just my 2 cents and there are definitely good cars from all builders
but from my "post purchase research" I believe the two winners in the service after the sale category are Vintage and IM. --One man's experience and your mileage may vary!---Jack
I didn't buy directly from Kirk because I was undeucated and should have done some research before I jumped in to the madness. I found my car in Monroe, LA with just 700 miles on it and know now it was sold due to issues that can't be easily corrected in tiny Monroe---simple things to, like balancing wide 5s. And the original owner got it new from Automotive Legends--a VS reseller. Even though I was not the original owner--really the 3rd owner counting AL, but Kirk and Horace have been great and now I have a wonderful, issue-free car that gives me so much pleasure. I know I was just lucky to get a Vintage with the poor research I did.
--Just my 2 cents and there are definitely good cars from all builders
but from my "post purchase research" I believe the two winners in the service after the sale category are Vintage and IM. --One man's experience and your mileage may vary!---Jack
Robert,
If you can afford the extra $25k and you don't mind working out the registration issues then you really owe it to yourself to check out an IM. Yeah, they're that good.
Come up to Morro Bay and check them out. there will be a fine representation of all makes.
You can take my JPS out for a spin.
If you can afford the extra $25k and you don't mind working out the registration issues then you really owe it to yourself to check out an IM. Yeah, they're that good.
Come up to Morro Bay and check them out. there will be a fine representation of all makes.
You can take my JPS out for a spin.
Robert, Henry at IM has a California registered Roadster for sale on the IM Website. A lot of value for the price. Check it out.
Robert,
I spoke to Henry yesterday and he told me that he has a couple of pre-owned cars for sale that he has not put on the web site yet. I didn't ask what they are but if you are looking for something very nice and top drawer, give Henry a call.
The slate grey roadster currently on his site is a real stunning looking car. If it is registered as an SB100 California car you will be able to register it with out difficulty. At it's asking price it is a full on car that would cost about 8-10 K more than a full boat JPS -no matter what John tells you. A big plus is that it is most likely sorted out.
If you were up in the Sacramento area I'd love to show you my IM and let you give it a good drive. If you call Henry, I'm sure he could give you a name in your area.
I spoke to Henry yesterday and he told me that he has a couple of pre-owned cars for sale that he has not put on the web site yet. I didn't ask what they are but if you are looking for something very nice and top drawer, give Henry a call.
The slate grey roadster currently on his site is a real stunning looking car. If it is registered as an SB100 California car you will be able to register it with out difficulty. At it's asking price it is a full on car that would cost about 8-10 K more than a full boat JPS -no matter what John tells you. A big plus is that it is most likely sorted out.
If you were up in the Sacramento area I'd love to show you my IM and let you give it a good drive. If you call Henry, I'm sure he could give you a name in your area.
Robert, these last posts have touched on my recommendation, which is to look at previously owned Speedster/Roadster/Spyders from any of the builders. You live in an area loaded with prospects. I began with a used Speedster, learned a lot from a fairly well sorted car and eventually stepped up for a new built-to-order IM. The education with the pre-owned Speedster was invaluable to me, I learned that I preferred a Roadster plus numerous other features that Henry built into my new car.
The used car sold for close to what I paid, 4 years and many happy miles later. Naturally you expect to pay for maintenance and some upgrades on a used car but consider it part of the education in ownership of this type of specialty car. A great way to start IMHO.
Good luck with your search.
P.S. It would be wise to begin a new thread (as already suggested) so we can follow your progress.
The used car sold for close to what I paid, 4 years and many happy miles later. Naturally you expect to pay for maintenance and some upgrades on a used car but consider it part of the education in ownership of this type of specialty car. A great way to start IMHO.
Good luck with your search.
P.S. It would be wise to begin a new thread (as already suggested) so we can follow your progress.
Robert - Unless you are so in a hurry you can't wait until April for the Morro Bay gig, it could be a major mistake. I strongly suggest you get there and look at at least 25 different cars. Having owned two of these cars, I can tell you that it will save you money and grief. There will not only be different cars, but different engines. I think anyone will give you a ride. I will in my mine. Take your time with this and know exactly what you want.
John Steele sucks!!! AAaaaarrrggghhh!
Would you like some cheeze with that whine
Hey Robert....welcome to SOC! You're fairly close to me. Let me know if you want to do coffee one Saturday morning and I'll give you the IM tour.