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#1
09-18-2012, 06:49 PM
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My neighbors 'new' 70 SS convertible.
I mentioned in the Frankenmuth thread that my neighbor was having a SS clone built. It was originally supposed to be done in May, just arrived Friday. I feel so bad for this guy, there are so many things wrong with this car. He went to see it last Monday, out of state and okayed the deal and they delivered it Friday.
Car was idling at 1,200 RPM, guy claimed the engine was still tight, ZZ454 crate engine, and the idle needed to be up so when the AC was kicked on it wouldn't kill the engine, Vintage Air system. He played with the idle a little but it would stall if he tried to bring the rpms down at all. Bogged in neutral if you hit the gas. I adjusted the carb a little today and brought the idle down to 750 and no bog. RPMs drop a little with AC on but still idles nice. I'll check the timing and throw a vacuum gauge on later to adjust the carb better, it still runs hot at idle. All the bolts under the hood are silver, not chrome, looks like they're plated. You know, all the bolts that should be black oxide. They jump right out and not in a nice way. Steering shaft, front sway bar, hood latch, rear control arms are all painted a silver/gray color. Just looks all wrong. Rear taillight lens look to be original with half the silver striping worn off. Convertible top doesn't come down properly, side rails are not in a straight line when the top is down so the windows won't seal up. The door windows overlap the chrome strip at the top of the quarter windows and barely touch the rubber seal at the bottom. Better not get caught in the rain. Guy claimed it was due to the after market power window stuff, tough, make it right or don't offer it as an option. The dash pad must be missing the spring clips that hold it down to the metal frame below, You can see right under the pad when looking through the windshield. I could go on but I'll stop now. I just wish he had asked me to go check this car out before he got it. I know he paid a fortune and I know these guys saw him coming. I won't mention any names but if anyone is thinking of having a car restored, PM me so you don't get hooked up with these guys. BTW, my neighbor talked to Chuck Hanson and he claimed these guys do nice work. Maybe they do nice work if you really know Chevelles, my neighbor doesn't. Worst part, all my neighbor can say about the owner is 'What a nice guy.' 
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#2
09-18-2012, 08:14 PM
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Hank, I feel for the guy. But I will say that I thought the same way as him before I started talking to and seeing some of the beautiful cars out there. I think that many people "take the word" of shops that are "recommended" by other car guys.
This guy is lucky to have you for a neighbor, and a car guy.
__________________
Get in, sit down, shut up, hold on...cause Ms Grumpy is driving ! For the audio geek try: www.audiokarma.org
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#3
09-18-2012, 08:28 PM
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It is tough because everything is so subjective. What might be perfect to one might have noticeable and obvious flaws to another.
__________________
Eric 496 cu. in. "cruiser" Assembled & tuned by Mo's Speed Shop - Dallas, GA
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#4
09-18-2012, 10:40 PM
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Sorry to hear that. To many people get taken by some that think they know how to build a chevelle.
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Ray 1970 SS Chevelle Van Nuys Built
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#5
09-19-2012, 07:22 AM
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They did a nice job on the frame and sheet metal. Paint is nice except for a couple of small flaws. Most of the issues are minor details I think a restoration shop would pay attention too. Thing is I checked their website. They have pics of cars during the restoration and I didn't see some of the flaws on those cars that are on my neighbors. Like the rear control arms were painted black not silver/grey like his. The front sway bars were painted with a 'cast' paint which looks more correct than the silver/grey he got, even has the factory tags.
Like I said, I think they saw him coming and could tell he doesn't know what's correct and what's not so they cut corners. They didn't cut those corners on the other cars. Oh well, if he's happy that's all that counts. I'm not going to say anything about what I see, I just hope he doesn't go to a cruise-in and have somebody start tearing his car apart. I think that would really burst his bubble, then he'd be pissed instead of happy with his new car. Overall it's a nice looking car, I'd love to have it. I'm just pissed they didn't go that extra step and make it right for him. I really believe they took advantage of him and it makes me mad.
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#6
09-19-2012, 01:42 PM
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Quote:
__________________
Ric Beckman  1969 Chevelle SS396 1972 Camaro SS350
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#7
09-19-2012, 06:02 PM
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I'm not too worried about it Ric. Ray may tell me what he see's but I don't think he'd say anything to Darryl, unless of course he asked Ray. Don't think he knows enough to even ask.
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#8
09-19-2012, 08:19 PM
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I think if I was this guy. Even with the excitement of finally getting my car. I would appreciate someone telling me the things that this shop did not do correctly. It is soon enough after getting the car that maybe the shop could correct it.
__________________
Get in, sit down, shut up, hold on...cause Ms Grumpy is driving ! For the audio geek try: www.audiokarma.org
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#9
09-20-2012, 07:40 AM
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Quote:
I don't want to say anything, he might think I'm trashing his car or the fact that he should have known better. He really should have had another pair of eyes with him when he went to look at it.
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#10
09-20-2012, 08:18 AM
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Someone will say something sooner or later. Let them be the bearer of bad news.
__________________
Ray 1970 SS Chevelle Van Nuys Built
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