32 Ford "tweaks" and a few mods

[62ChevyII]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Cars are only fun when you're doing it for your own personal satisfaction.

Can identify with that statement.

All the challenges have forced us to know a lot more about this car stuff than we would have. Plus we may be able to earn an on-line master's degree from just this thread!

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by 62ChevyII

Can identify with that statement.

All the challenges have forced us to know a lot more about this car stuff than we would have. Plus we may be able to earn an on-line master's degree from just this thread!

Class dismissed!

[GregWeld]

I decided, after the clutch or something in the drivetrain "let go" on Sunday morning -- that the car should just go back to them and let them fix it. Why should I pay top dollar and then do all the work - AND let them "off the hook" for their BS.... So the car was delivered by me this morning.

They were paid IN FULL when I picked it up... I since put a stop payment on the check - a pretty good one - and they'll get the dough when I think the car is ready to be "finalized". The longer it takes to finish the work - the longer it will be before they're paid. I think that is more than fair considering that all the other work was paid for WELL in advance - so they were working on a "credit balance" for the entire build except this last bit. No car - no pay.

Not sure what happened with the drivetrain -- I heard a loud "POP" -- and then nothing - no forward or backward movement - no grinding - no clanging - no dripping - no movement. Put it in gear - you can let out the clutch at idle and it will BARELY move forward on it's own. It's not making a single sound that would say "OH CRAP! SOMETHING JUST BROKE". Go figure. Not my job to figure it out is kinda what I'm thinking. The throwout bearing was squealing - so maybe it finally ate itself.

I asked them to take the stupid StarDrive out (this was my idea to put in) and replace it with a good old fashioned KEY. The StarDrive is more than useless.... anyone wants one - speak up and I'll send it to ya.

Also - the exhaust continues to fall off it's perch - it's a real simple fix by extending the bushings it's riding on - so that's no biggie.... but the chrome continues to come off the drivers half shaft -- and the rear continues to puke grease...

Our beloved Mister Tim Bruning solved the issue we were having with the 8 stack not wanting to idle down - so kudos to him for that! The EZ EFI is all tuned in and works like a charm!

I am still in love with the level of fit and finish - it's just superb....

Funny though === Santa Barbara I got an "honorable mention" in what was about a 4 car field . Saturday I went to a small (208 cars) parking lot show (I hate them but my buddies all wanted to see the car)... and I got........ ZIP.... and trust me - the field was so average I walked the show in about half an hour... Nothing - nada - zip... so apparently there is something about the car that people don't like - or don't see - or maybe because it's just "another red '32". The few - VERY FEW - people that took time to look - went nuts over all the little stuff - but that was dang few people. I don't give two hoots about that -- it just struck me as odd. My buddy Bruce Leven (google his name and you'll see a stellar car guy with a long history of racing and car "stuff") LOVED it -- and given his collection of 30+ top notch cars - that was all I needed.

[jocko124]

I'm in Portland...what are you asking for the StarDrive Greg?

[96z28ss]

What is it about the star drive? Does it just not work like its supposed to?

[96z28ss]

Originally Posted by jocko124

I'm in Portland...what are you asking for the StarDrive Greg?

LOL, I bet if you ask the guy that is working on your car, to install it. He'll tell you he wants nothing to do with it!

[GregWeld]

Oh this is going to be "one of those cars"....

I've written that I stopped payment on the final check - and I TOLD the shop that immediately - and also said that when the issues were resolved I would release funds just as immediately. I have lots of problems - but one of them isn't paying.

So after a couple of emails -- my listing what I wanted REPAIRED - and what I wanted DONE (and willing to pay for - no issues there at all)... I took the car back to the shop as they agreed to repair the issues -- and frankly they should be happy to do more billable work as well... they knew at this time that the stop payment was in.

This morning I drop the car off -- the rear end turns out to be broken and I have cut and pasted the email -- edited, from Steve regarding the rear end.

QUOTE:

The reason your Roadster will not move is because the spline has twisted
and the shaft has snapped in the stub axle. That must have been one serious
burn out. Both stub axle assemblies will be sent back to Kugel, examined and
repaired and reassembled there and then returned to us. At this point that
failure appears to have had nothing to do with the throw out bearing.

END QUOTE:

There was NO BURNOUT.... that would have been much more fun I can assure you of that.

I have no issues with this -- my response is that if they think I broke the rear end - just get it fixed and I'll be happy to pay for that - that I didn't want that to hold up getting the car done.

MY RESPONSE via EMAIL

QUOTE:

If you think I broke the rear end - I will pay for any and all charges for it's repair.
I don't want that to hang up the repairs of the car.
The Throwout bearing is another matter. That's been wrong from the get go.


END QUOTE:


But here's the kicker....

He wants me to pay for 16K of the 19K final bill BEFORE he starts work -- or, in a threatening manner, he says they're not starting to work on the car.

Can I tell ya something? <my infamous line to Cris Gonzo>

The very last thing a business wants to do is to threaten me. As I explained it nicely in my response. If you'd like to start a pissing contest - let me know I'll forward the name of my attorney. As I also stated - I have other hot rods to drive - I have more money than god - and I am "willing". Well... that, and I'm pissed off, and stubborn too...

So here's my response - verbatim:


QUOTE:

Instead of trying threatening tactics with me. You're far far ahead just getting the work done and getting paid.
Sometimes you just have to park you're ego. I have other hot rods to drive and more money than god. The only guy that will win this battle us<SIC> me. I have time I have cash I am willing.

Just fix it - fix it RIGHT and wash your hands of it. You'll sleep better.

If the throw out bearing problem is discovered. I can wire 15k In the morning... It's up to you.

END QUOTE:

Then I added this in another email because it came to me that this is probably part of some of the issues the shop may be having... if they're having issues at all -- just sayin'...


QUOTE from another emailed response:

BTW - you're pissed off at the CUSTOMER for refusing to accept defective work. Maybe you should be pissed off at your shop that did the work?? I don't remember building the car. I did PAY someone to do that. So far it's been on two tow trucks and I've had to fix several different issues.

So kudos on your customer service. It explains why you're down to 5 or 6 guys.

END QUOTE:


Now == there is no denying that I'm a certified bungholio... but you also have to know me -- and know that when I'm saying many things on here as well as these kinds of emails -- that I have a HUGE smile on my face. Yes they have a name for guys like me - I'm the first one to tell you that I'm a big one (I don't have a big one but act like I am a big one!)... So I'm just trying to set the picture here.

Anyway -- we'll see what happens. Two guys with big egos fighting over their toys -- not a happy ending. Someone wins - someone looses. Either way I'm fine with jumping in. Some guys are just like that.

I pay faster than anyone on the planet - I make up my mind - I'm extremely "decisive" so I'm never the hang up.... but with that comes a price - that price is "you have to deliver". The product has to be as stated, or as agreed, if not, we have a problem. I'll kiss a guy in broad daylight and sing his praises publicly... or not.

So this could end with a whimper -- or it could end sometime about 2 years from now. It's up to them. They have the car... I have my check book. I'm still out cruising around.

BTW -- I never once mentioned anything about them reimbursing me for the tow truck or any parts or ANYTHING from the Santa Barbara trip - that ain't how I roll.... I just suck it up - and go on about my biz.... so I'm not that crappy customer. Dude! Nobody is easier to get along with than me. But ya gotta do it RIGHT and you gotta do what you say you're going to do - because that how I do my end of things. I expect the same in return.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Oh this is going to be "one of those cars"....

I've written that I stopped payment on the final check - and I TOLD the shop that immediately - and also said that when the issues were resolved I would release funds just as immediately. I have lots of problems - but one of them isn't paying.

So after a couple of emails -- my listing what I wanted REPAIRED - and what I wanted DONE (and willing to pay for - no issues there at all)... I took the car back to the shop as they agreed to repair the issues -- and frankly they should be happy to do more billable work as well... they knew at this time that the stop payment was in.

This morning I drop the car off -- the rear end turns out to be broken and I have cut and pasted the email -- edited, from Steve regarding the rear end.

QUOTE:

The reason your Roadster will not move is because the spline has twisted
and the shaft has snapped in the stub axle. That must have been one serious
burn out. Both stub axle assemblies will be sent back to Kugel, examined and
repaired and reassembled there and then returned to us. At this point that
failure appears to have had nothing to do with the throw out bearing.

END QUOTE:

There was NO BURNOUT.... that would have been much more fun I can assure you of that.

I have no issues with this -- my response is that if they think I broke the rear end - just get it fixed and I'll be happy to pay for that - that I didn't want that to hold up getting the car done.

MY RESPONSE via EMAIL

QUOTE:

If you think I broke the rear end - I will pay for any and all charges for it's repair.
I don't want that to hang up the repairs of the car.
The Throwout bearing is another matter. That's been wrong from the get go.


END QUOTE:


But here's the kicker....

He wants me to pay for 16K of the 19K final bill BEFORE he starts work -- or, in a threatening manner, he says they're not starting to work on the car.

Can I tell ya something? <my infamous line to Cris Gonzo>

The very last thing a business wants to do is to threaten me. As I explained it nicely in my response. If you'd like to start a pissing contest - let me know I'll forward the name of my attorney. As I also stated - I have other hot rods to drive - I have more money than god - and I am "willing". Well... that, and I'm pissed off, and stubborn too...

So here's my response - verbatim:


QUOTE:

Instead of trying threatening tactics with me. You're far far ahead just getting the work done and getting paid.
Sometimes you just have to park you're ego. I have other hot rods to drive and more money than god. The only guy that will win this battle us<SIC> me. I have time I have cash I am willing.

Just fix it - fix it RIGHT and wash your hands of it. You'll sleep better.

If the throw out bearing problem is discovered. I can wire 15k In the morning... It's up to you.

END QUOTE:

Then I added this in another email because it came to me that this is probably part of some of the issues the shop may be having... if they're having issues at all -- just sayin'...


QUOTE from another emailed response:

BTW - you're pissed off at the CUSTOMER for refusing to accept defective work. Maybe you should be pissed off at your shop that did the work?? I don't remember building the car. I did PAY someone to do that. So far it's been on two tow trucks and I've had to fix several different issues.

So kudos on your customer service. It explains why you're down to 5 or 6 guys.

END QUOTE:


Now == there is no denying that I'm a certified bungholio... but you also have to know me -- and know that when I'm saying many things on here as well as these kinds of emails -- that I have a HUGE smile on my face. Yes they have a name for guys like me - I'm the first one to tell you that I'm a big one (I don't have a big one but act like I am a big one!)... So I'm just trying to set the picture here.

Anyway -- we'll see what happens. Two guys with big egos fighting over their toys -- not a happy ending. Someone wins - someone looses. Either way I'm fine with jumping in. Some guys are just like that.

I pay faster than anyone on the planet - I make up my mind - I'm extremely "decisive" so I'm never the hang up.... but with that comes a price - that price is "you have to deliver". The product has to be as stated, or as agreed, if not, we have a problem. I'll kiss a guy in broad daylight and sing his praises publicly... or not.

So this could end with a whimper -- or it could end sometime about 2 years from now. It's up to them. They have the car... I have my check book. I'm still out cruising around.

BTW -- I never once mentioned anything about them reimbursing me for the tow truck or any parts or ANYTHING from the Santa Barbara trip - that ain't how I roll.... I just suck it up - and go on about my biz.... so I'm not that crappy customer. Dude! Nobody is easier to get along with than me. But ya gotta do it RIGHT and you gotta do what you say you're going to do - because that how I do my end of things. I expect the same in return.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

you're the man Greg!

[Spiffav8]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Oh this is going to be "one of those cars"....

I've written that I stopped payment on the final check - and I TOLD the shop that immediately - and also said that when the issues were resolved I would release funds just as immediately. I have lots of problems - but one of them isn't paying.

So after a couple of emails -- my listing what I wanted REPAIRED - and what I wanted DONE (and willing to pay for - no issues there at all)... I took the car back to the shop as they agreed to repair the issues -- and frankly they should be happy to do more billable work as well... they knew at this time that the stop payment was in.

This morning I drop the car off -- the rear end turns out to be broken and I have cut and pasted the email -- edited, from Steve regarding the rear end.

QUOTE:

The reason your Roadster will not move is because the spline has twisted
and the shaft has snapped in the stub axle. That must have been one serious
burn out. Both stub axle assemblies will be sent back to Kugel, examined and
repaired and reassembled there and then returned to us. At this point that
failure appears to have had nothing to do with the throw out bearing.

END QUOTE:

There was NO BURNOUT.... that would have been much more fun I can assure you of that.

I have no issues with this -- my response is that if they think I broke the rear end - just get it fixed and I'll be happy to pay for that - that I didn't want that to hold up getting the car done.

MY RESPONSE via EMAIL

QUOTE:

If you think I broke the rear end - I will pay for any and all charges for it's repair.
I don't want that to hang up the repairs of the car.
The Throwout bearing is another matter. That's been wrong from the get go.


END QUOTE:


But here's the kicker....

He wants me to pay for 16K of the 19K final bill BEFORE he starts work -- or, in a threatening manner, he says they're not starting to work on the car.

Can I tell ya something? <my infamous line to Cris Gonzo>

The very last thing a business wants to do is to threaten me. As I explained it nicely in my response. If you'd like to start a pissing contest - let me know I'll forward the name of my attorney. As I also stated - I have other hot rods to drive - I have more money than god - and I am "willing". Well... that, and I'm pissed off, and stubborn too...

So here's my response - verbatim:


QUOTE:

Instead of trying threatening tactics with me. You're far far ahead just getting the work done and getting paid.
Sometimes you just have to park you're ego. I have other hot rods to drive and more money than god. The only guy that will win this battle us<SIC> me. I have time I have cash I am willing.

Just fix it - fix it RIGHT and wash your hands of it. You'll sleep better.

If the throw out bearing problem is discovered. I can wire 15k In the morning... It's up to you.

END QUOTE:

Then I added this in another email because it came to me that this is probably part of some of the issues the shop may be having... if they're having issues at all -- just sayin'...


QUOTE from another emailed response:

BTW - you're pissed off at the CUSTOMER for refusing to accept defective work. Maybe you should be pissed off at your shop that did the work?? I don't remember building the car. I did PAY someone to do that. So far it's been on two tow trucks and I've had to fix several different issues.

So kudos on your customer service. It explains why you're down to 5 or 6 guys.

END QUOTE:


Now == there is no denying that I'm a certified bungholio... but you also have to know me -- and know that when I'm saying many things on here as well as these kinds of emails -- that I have a HUGE smile on my face. Yes they have a name for guys like me - I'm the first one to tell you that I'm a big one (I don't have a big one but act like I am a big one!)... So I'm just trying to set the picture here.

Anyway -- we'll see what happens. Two guys with big egos fighting over their toys -- not a happy ending. Someone wins - someone looses. Either way I'm fine with jumping in. Some guys are just like that.

I pay faster than anyone on the planet - I make up my mind - I'm extremely "decisive" so I'm never the hang up.... but with that comes a price - that price is "you have to deliver". The product has to be as stated, or as agreed, if not, we have a problem. I'll kiss a guy in broad daylight and sing his praises publicly... or not.

So this could end with a whimper -- or it could end sometime about 2 years from now. It's up to them. They have the car... I have my check book. I'm still out cruising around.

BTW -- I never once mentioned anything about them reimbursing me for the tow truck or any parts or ANYTHING from the Santa Barbara trip - that ain't how I roll.... I just suck it up - and go on about my biz.... so I'm not that crappy customer. Dude! Nobody is easier to get along with than me. But ya gotta do it RIGHT and you gotta do what you say you're going to do - because that how I do my end of things. I expect the same in return.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Greg...I love you. LMAO

[fleetus macmullitz]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I have more money than god...

Not even close.

Revelations 21

The 12 gates are 12 pearls; each individual gate was made of a single pearl. The broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass...