VS purchase

Anyone had any dealings with Cliff at Arizona Specialist? This board has been so helpful in my search--but now I'm afraid to jump.

JKL

John; go directly to the source, Kirk at Vintage Speedsters. Why go through a middle man and pay more? In the end, Kirk is the one to deal with in case of warranty issues, etc. I did all that research and ended up buying direct. Good Luck!

Ricardo, Thanks for the input--I know you are right. But this Guy has the colors and options I would buy. I know, once I have made the decision I have the "wants NOW'. JKL

Patience John. We have all had the "gotta have it now" fever. Do yourself a favor and read lots of stuff here and talk to people before you buy.

Good Luck

Troy, thanks for the smart words. I have been a lurker on this board for over a year. Don't know if everyone knows how many people one simple post may effect. Limited by budget I believe this is not a snap decision. My heart is burried--cannot leave that out of the equasion. JKL

John,
I was in the same boat a year ago in fact I asked almost the same question about these guys in Az. They imply that they make the cars but in fact are selling cars made by Vintage. There are some great cars for sale here on this site. Take a look at the one listed by David Salvato. Or even better come on down to Knotts next month. Talk to the builders, talk face to face with other owners. I know a month when your heart is burning for a speedster is like an eternity but you can make it.

Troy

John,as everyone has said,Patience,It will take you only a few weeks to get a new car from VS.For the extra money you will save plus the ability to get exactly what you want,make the call to VS or you can call John Steel at JPS in North Hollywood.Take the time to do it right the first time,I am now upgrading my car because I wanted it now instead of doing my homework....

amen to that!!
ed

I was in love (lust) with a girl that went from Virginia to Illinois state normal collage. I stayed home and went to American U.
I hitch-hiked out to see her semester break 1963. Coldest winter they had had in 50 years. -30 with 25mph winds. Coldest weather I've ever been in. But not as cold as this gal's heart. Take your time.
ed

John,
When I was shopping for my purchase, the last few months, I called the guy in AZ. If he's the same guy who constantly puts vehicles on eBay, then it the same guy. I asked allot of questions of him and I didn't get a good rub at all. Was out of brochures, didn't have any info per say, couldn't answer all of the questions you would think a "builder" would know. I called around to several other builders and they sounded allot more knowledgeable that the AZ guy. I questioned him as to why the same vehicle pictures, going back a year or more, he said they were different cars, funny the same serial numbers matched? Go to the source and then make your decisions. Pat's 2cents worth. It is a huge leap of faith, and feeling comfortable with the source makes it a little more easier to take. Email some of the guys/gals on the site and you'll probable get some good advice, that's what I did, and so far things are moving along quite nicely.

,Pat

Thanks all for taking the time. Guess its slow down John!! Will call VS today. JKL

John; on the average a VS takes 4 weeks to get built from the time you order it to your specs. The rest is the shipping time to your chosen destination. In my case it took less than two months to get here (about 7 weeks). It was well worth the wait. If you decide on ordering direct from VS I have some recommendations; stay with the 4.12 tranny unless you're getting a huge powerplant, go with the wide five wheels (for more authentic look), go with the front disc brakes and if you have some extra money, get the engine built to your specs/needs by a reputable engine builder such as Pat Downs at CB Performance or Jake Raby at Raby's Aircooled Technology.

Do try and make Knotts. Not only will you see the various cars and their makers, you'll see options you may not have thought of as well as how the cars hold up after a year, two or more. I think that is important stuff in hindsight...
ImpatientPaul

Hey as a PS...If you go custom on your engine (highly recommended as Vintage is still using those grenade from Mexico engines), Ricardo's timeline takes on new life and you definitely better research the additional components you may need to go along with bigger motors.

Try to "add" to the confusion - Bottomline for me is the integrity of the person I am doing business with. I purchased my Speedster as a turnkey from VS. From the day I ordered until pick up was about 6 weeks.
Most important for me - was no question was a "dumb" question, I would call, Kirk was always available and I might add patient enough to answer many a dumb question. Another facet - I agree with previous comments; why deal with a "middleman" when you can go direct???? additionally, they are close by for me.
VS is simply the best!

Once again the people on this board have come thru. My Thanks to all. Would give anything to make Knotts. Would cost me two grand and just set the car back again. Talked to VS and the direct purchase savings does not meet the additional trucking costs. I have a 55Chevy with a 555cu bbc. No real horsepower cravings for the VS. Will go with a basic 1915. Please keep the suggestions coming. I appreciate. JKL

John, make certain that you are clear on the procedures for dealing with any warranty related issues which may come up. We have a board member on the east coast who experienced terrible problems getting the issues he had with his car resolved; he wound up being out of pocket for hundreds of dollars. After reading his reports, I would pay the shipping charges for fear of experiencing something similar, but then I do not know anything about the particular reseller you are dealing with.
just my 2 kroner
John H