I've never been a proponent of "coddling" the builders. In fact, I very much believe in everything you said (well, maybe I draw the line at TC being "colorful" - he dresses totally in black) and I feel that if someone pays twice what they might for a "production" car from a major auto maker they should at least get the same level of quality from a custom builder - certainly not a car with safety-related things falling off (like steering wheels and rear control arms) or misplaced trim, or adhesive smears.
Special Edition (Carey), IM (Henry), VS (Kirk) and SAS (Steve) all produce exceptional cars out of their shops and jump on anything that the customer finds that needs to be addressed - exactly what we all would expect from a repudable builder.
What we've all seen and read about from Thunder Ranch and JPS leave a LOT to be desired by the general Speedster-buying public and maybe we all need to talk with our wallets. You show me quality and service, I'll show you money. You show me junk and indifference, I walk. Simple as that. And make it public so others can avoid getting sub-standard quality and service.
I know damn well that if ANYTHING leaves my shop it is safe, uses the best parts I can find and is assembled as perfectly as I can manage. To bad I can't say the same for some other shops.
All I tried to do was get the two parties together to resolve the problems without making the whole situation a public forum for everyone who had an "opinion" and it looks like neither side took the spirit of that and owned it, so I'm done getting involved.
Peace, Out!
gn
Being your car is that NEW. you definately need to carry it back for a through checking out with instruction to have every bolt under the car especialy the engine mounts and front and rear suppencion re-torqued with a strong gripe on saftey .
You seem to have legit concerns with the builder, send a registered letter with return reciept requested stating what you want done to comply with the contractual agreement you have (or should have)and that your concerns fall well into a safety & liability catagories.
No matter what, as the vehicle's owner -driver, you need to make the car safe and avoid all known liability issues.
Hence, get things in motion now, roll the inop speedster out onto the side of road and have a AAA card holder call AAA..... presto have it dropped at your garage aka Peek Performance and have Dave to correct the faults.. Easy ~ peasy.
No matter what, as the vehicle's owner -driver, you need to make the car safe and avoid all known liability issues.
Hence, get things in motion now, roll the inop speedster out onto the side of road and have a AAA card holder call AAA..... presto have it dropped at your garage aka Peek Performance and have Dave to correct the faults.. Easy ~ peasy.
"Well, I tried to diffuse a situation that looked like it was DeWalt and Steele all over again and I thought we could do better this time.
That didn't work."
Gordon is BY FAR a much better man than I am.
"And all the while, Tom Canty is happy to shoot his mouth off while contributing nothing to getting the situation rectified."
See above admission.
That said, I'm a firm believer (read; lazy boy) in Public Protest, AND it seems that my shooting my mouth off once has prompted a reasonable amount of protest and discussion once again. Frankly we were all in the dark and fairly frustrated. I kinda think that any extra information on this is helpful to everyone, until all of this, I though that TR was the BALLS! Plus, it's a good healthy chance to vent! Guys LOVE to vent, otherwise why would they scream at a TV set . . .
So, that's not all THAT bad, is it? I did SOMETHING, didn't I? OK, so I was in my socks when I did it, so I wasn't REALLY out there in the trenches, but still . . .
Third and fourth and fifth chapters of my autobiography:
"In the Dark and Fairly Frustrated."
"Adventures in Socks"
"Screaming at the TV.
Chapter one is, "Tits are Like Tires." and chapter two is, "I blew Larry Niven." a story for another time . . . .
That didn't work."
Gordon is BY FAR a much better man than I am.
"And all the while, Tom Canty is happy to shoot his mouth off while contributing nothing to getting the situation rectified."
See above admission.
That said, I'm a firm believer (read; lazy boy) in Public Protest, AND it seems that my shooting my mouth off once has prompted a reasonable amount of protest and discussion once again. Frankly we were all in the dark and fairly frustrated. I kinda think that any extra information on this is helpful to everyone, until all of this, I though that TR was the BALLS! Plus, it's a good healthy chance to vent! Guys LOVE to vent, otherwise why would they scream at a TV set . . .
So, that's not all THAT bad, is it? I did SOMETHING, didn't I? OK, so I was in my socks when I did it, so I wasn't REALLY out there in the trenches, but still . . .
Third and fourth and fifth chapters of my autobiography:
"In the Dark and Fairly Frustrated."
"Adventures in Socks"
"Screaming at the TV.
Chapter one is, "Tits are Like Tires." and chapter two is, "I blew Larry Niven." a story for another time . . . .
My car in fact HAS been sitting in my garage for about a month. Just wanted to clear things up as to why.
I have contacted PEEK on several occasions since speaking with Gordon, Kelly, Mickey, Alan, and Cory. Initially I asked if Thunder Ranch/Tom had been in touch with them about getting my car in there. They had not. I called two other times to figure out when they would be able to tow my speedster to the shop. FYI, Peek is about 45 minutes away heading 95 South then the Beltway in DC. It
I have contacted PEEK on several occasions since speaking with Gordon, Kelly, Mickey, Alan, and Cory. Initially I asked if Thunder Ranch/Tom had been in touch with them about getting my car in there. They had not. I called two other times to figure out when they would be able to tow my speedster to the shop. FYI, Peek is about 45 minutes away heading 95 South then the Beltway in DC. It
Yes you do have a lajit concern try to play nice and go through proper channels this kinda stuff Just happens I wouldn't be mean to the builder.
But if he wants to get ugly,, contact your State Attorney Generals office.
That is playing very hard ball. I don't like to do that, But its well with in your rights
But if he wants to get ugly,, contact your State Attorney Generals office.
That is playing very hard ball. I don't like to do that, But its well with in your rights
I still want to know how tits are like tires!
Your gonna have to buy the book!
Tits and Tires?? Hmmm, lesee: "Neither work very well when flat." Or maybe: "The rounder the better?" Anyway, the suggestion to get a friend w/ AAA card (premiere version) to have the car towed to Peeks is perfect. WIsh I'd thought of that. The next thing from Paul I want to hear is how he managed to do that and the car is at Peeks. Also, the idea of a registered letter to TR, w/ RR, is now due. Time to go on record and leave a paper trail -- one besides all these e-mails, he-said--he-said, etc.
As I look back to the posting by TR wherein most if not all of the trouble here (according to Tom) was somehow Paul's fault because he (Tom) thinks that he (Paul) is a jerk (or words to that effect) just fries my chops. Like Mickey said: it does not matter if Paul really IS a jerk (I am not saying he is), he IS the customer. OK, OK, I know dealing w/ the public can be a serious PITA and will try the patience of Job, but this Teflon, Tricky Dick sort of behavior ("It is always somebody else's fault.") did not wash w/ JPS and the Green Coupe, and doesn't wash here either.
I say get thread up on Vender Specific, and let TR have it w/ both barrels.
As I look back to the posting by TR wherein most if not all of the trouble here (according to Tom) was somehow Paul's fault because he (Tom) thinks that he (Paul) is a jerk (or words to that effect) just fries my chops. Like Mickey said: it does not matter if Paul really IS a jerk (I am not saying he is), he IS the customer. OK, OK, I know dealing w/ the public can be a serious PITA and will try the patience of Job, but this Teflon, Tricky Dick sort of behavior ("It is always somebody else's fault.") did not wash w/ JPS and the Green Coupe, and doesn't wash here either.
I say get thread up on Vender Specific, and let TR have it w/ both barrels.
"I still want to know how tits are like tires!"
You have to measure both of them several different ways in order to figure out the actual size. Can't just go on in there looking for a 15 inch tire or a 36 inch bust for that matter; it's the other measurements that make ALL the difference.
You have to measure both of them several different ways in order to figure out the actual size. Can't just go on in there looking for a 15 inch tire or a 36 inch bust for that matter; it's the other measurements that make ALL the difference.
I aways use my hat size.....
As the old saying go, "Anything more than a hatful is wasted."
That would make my hat size a DDD...
I think you're being conservative on your measurements, Jim...
What she lacks in chest, is made up in zest....and that's the truth!
Wow,
I have been following this thread and the other one where the builder replies to Paul and it is mind boggling!
Costs $30,000 large, is brand new, even test driven and the builder can't provide a well put together car. These are not hi-tech cars please! With what I've been reading i would not get a TR or JPS as a turnkey (used and sorted out would be ok)
I have been a custom home builder all my life and its not that hard to do things right. And if things are done wrong you fix it and fix it fast! Do it because your reputation depends on it.
Paul I agree its time to start a thread on the vendor specific forum and bitch to high heaven. Its the only way you will be heard IMO. When people google thunder ranch it will link to the SOC.
But First send a registered letter to TR outlining what you want (Safety Check? plus?) Be the squeaky wheel, call them and let them know you have sent the letter outlining what you want and that you want a prompt reply. Gordon made some advance calls but you will have to keep it going to "Get er done"
What a hassle, but you need to do it.
Best of luck and keep us updated.
Dave
I have been following this thread and the other one where the builder replies to Paul and it is mind boggling!
Costs $30,000 large, is brand new, even test driven and the builder can't provide a well put together car. These are not hi-tech cars please! With what I've been reading i would not get a TR or JPS as a turnkey (used and sorted out would be ok)
I have been a custom home builder all my life and its not that hard to do things right. And if things are done wrong you fix it and fix it fast! Do it because your reputation depends on it.
Paul I agree its time to start a thread on the vendor specific forum and bitch to high heaven. Its the only way you will be heard IMO. When people google thunder ranch it will link to the SOC.
But First send a registered letter to TR outlining what you want (Safety Check? plus?) Be the squeaky wheel, call them and let them know you have sent the letter outlining what you want and that you want a prompt reply. Gordon made some advance calls but you will have to keep it going to "Get er done"
What a hassle, but you need to do it.
Best of luck and keep us updated.
Dave
If you want to be heard, post in Anything Goes.
That way you'll have exposure with the Spyder group.
That way you'll have exposure with the Spyder group.
Great advice. Thank you all. Will get the ball rolling ASAP.
paul
paul
Paul - What a B***h to have to go through all these shenanigans when all you wanted to do was drive the car you ordered and waited for. I hope that it all gets sorted out and that you're back on the road enjoying your Speedy!! Chin Up, my friend!!
Humm!!! tit's on tires I've seen those before .
I've also seen nipples on hubcaps.. Hummmm!!!!!!!!
I've also seen nipples on hubcaps.. Hummmm!!!!!!!!
Hey Paul, make sure you print out all those emails, yours and Tom's. e-mails are legal documents(i.e. admissable in court).
My GF used them on a house-fire claim to force the adjuster to pay what he first agreed to. She didn't have to go to court, but did spend $1500 to retain an attorney, which seemed to solve things pretty quickly. He then tried to backpedal and deny, etc. She won, via hard copies of emails.
Hire an attorney, then Tom knows he can't keep putting you off.
My GF used them on a house-fire claim to force the adjuster to pay what he first agreed to. She didn't have to go to court, but did spend $1500 to retain an attorney, which seemed to solve things pretty quickly. He then tried to backpedal and deny, etc. She won, via hard copies of emails.
Hire an attorney, then Tom knows he can't keep putting you off.
Paul,
On another thread it was mentioned you werer using Metric Autohaus to work on your car. If so, can you commnet on results? I need engine work and am looking for a place relatively close to home.
On another thread it was mentioned you werer using Metric Autohaus to work on your car. If so, can you commnet on results? I need engine work and am looking for a place relatively close to home.
Bruce,
Rob and Heath over at Metric were very helpful in trying to get me back on the road. I have not had any problems with any of the work they did on my car.
I did not have any engine work done by Metric, but feel confident in telling you they are knowledgeable and will absolutely stand behind there work. Give them a call. If you head over there let me know, Ill swing by and say hello. I enjoy dropping in and seeing what projects they have in the shop.
P
Rob and Heath over at Metric were very helpful in trying to get me back on the road. I have not had any problems with any of the work they did on my car.
I did not have any engine work done by Metric, but feel confident in telling you they are knowledgeable and will absolutely stand behind there work. Give them a call. If you head over there let me know, Ill swing by and say hello. I enjoy dropping in and seeing what projects they have in the shop.
P
Paul,
I'm just wondering how things are going. Have not heard any news lately. Did you get the bolt put back on and all the others checked and double checked? How about a status report on your TR and if it is coming together like it needs to.
Kelly
I'm just wondering how things are going. Have not heard any news lately. Did you get the bolt put back on and all the others checked and double checked? How about a status report on your TR and if it is coming together like it needs to.
Kelly
Kelly, thanks for checking in. Not much to report, I have not had PEEK go through and do the work on the car to get it on the road safely. It is in the garage under blankets for the winter.
P
P
That means it's a great time to have it done. Don't wait until Spring when everybody wants their cars fixed "right now"!
Don't just drop the ball, to do nothing is the worst thing you can do....
I agree with the Alan, don't let is slide. Keep up the pressure and get er done.
Shoddy work and short memory's go hand in hand. Take a page from Tom D's green coupe ordeal and continue to be a squeaky wheel.
it will be better for you if you resolve this quickly.
Good luck,
Dave
Shoddy work and short memory's go hand in hand. Take a page from Tom D's green coupe ordeal and continue to be a squeaky wheel.
it will be better for you if you resolve this quickly.
Good luck,
Dave
While we're on the subject of winter storage here are a couple of reminders:
- place a few loaded mousetraps near the car and check them regularly, those critters can make a mess of your interior.
- cover your exhaust tip(s) with something to avoid the little fellows from building a nest in your muffler or elsewhere. For example, I just stretch a rubber glove over the outlet.
- Put some gas preservatve (i.e. Sta-bil) in your last fill-up.
Others?
- place a few loaded mousetraps near the car and check them regularly, those critters can make a mess of your interior.
- cover your exhaust tip(s) with something to avoid the little fellows from building a nest in your muffler or elsewhere. For example, I just stretch a rubber glove over the outlet.
- Put some gas preservatve (i.e. Sta-bil) in your last fill-up.
Others?
Drive it!
Put dryer sheets in the interior instead of mothballs, and move your car once every few weeks to prevent flatspots on the tires.
Drive It!
Oh....and don't forget Sta-Bil in the gas tank. Run it around the block after adding Sta-Bil to the tank to get it up into the carb bowls, too.
Oh....and don't forget Sta-Bil in the gas tank. Run it around the block after adding Sta-Bil to the tank to get it up into the carb bowls, too.
I've been told by someone I trust that if you put the shavings of Irish Spring soap in and around your car the rats/mice will steer clear.
Your car will smell better, too.
Your car will smell better, too.
Cats are damned effective. Of course, some people don't like pussy.