best and worst venders?

[joe_schindler]

I can call out there and get Jim on the phone any time I want.

I haven’t talked to Jim in years; but he often took the time to answer my questions and give me what always turned out to be good advice.

FYI they arent in the Buick business anymore so thats probably why you have trouble getting him on the phone.

Yes; I knew that they dropped their Buick products and have moved on to supercharging Fords and Jeeps (that was my quip about he won’t talk to the Buick types anymore). Last time I called; and it's been several years; I was looking for some replacement parts (rockers or something small like that). Jim told me that it was all gone; and he couldn’t help me anymore; then hung up. That was the last time I called.

 

[Mike Licht]

FULL THROTTLE - I spent most of my money here and regret it. Sorry Mike, but you can be a real D!ck and you always sound annoyed when helping someone. The parts are good, the shipping is fast, I just don't like Mike's customer service on the phone.
Mostly everybody else loves him. Deal with him internet only and you'll be happy.

(it felt good to let that out, I can now that I'm getting rid of my car! LOL)

Don't apologize, sounds like I need to apologize. Sorry if I came across that way. I have had some tough personal issues in the last couple years with sick family that is still going on (now my mom) but that is no excuse. I don't need to let my problems become your problems. Some times if I answer the same question for the 20th time on the same day I am sure i am not as nice the 20th time as the 1st but again that is not your issue. Never wait to let something like that out either, if I am a jerk on the phone just let me know. I don't hold a grudge about stuff like that if it is true. Thanks for the business in any event, I am glad at least the parts and shipping were good.
Mike
To the other folks who posted thanks for the nice words, and I can get Jim Bell any time too. Just not about Buick stuff :biggrin:

 

[ttaowner]

i have ordered a couple times from full throttle and no problems at all !fast shipping as well!

jack cotton i have spent thousands there and i really like his ball breaking ways and he will take the time to explain things and kinda make you feel like family.

kirban i have orederd from them and no problems.

i have bought hr parts motor mounts and alky control kits through
jack cotton i can tell you the both make a great products but never dealt directly with them.

dave husek builds trannys on here but i sold him some parts to fix his project and he was great to deal with .

 

[nullrout]

Only Bad experiences:
gbodyparts, 2 orders, both nightmares, never again

Agree 100%

2 orders totaling almost a grand...waited MONTHS on parts. Everytime the question was asked the answer was "should ship out next week". That gets old after waiting almost 6 months to get, in my opinion, an inferior part.

Somebody said before that we just have to have patience with "bad" vendors...that's crap. If someone is running a business they are making money. If they aren't making money then they should quit. Yeah it sucks when we lose vendors but I'm not kissing anyone's @$$ when I'm giving them money. When they start paying me I'll start kissing...

The guys I've dealt with that will see my dollars again are:
RJC, Russ Meritt, Brian Hofer, and Full Throttle.

 

[DJ Red Barron]

Don't apologize, sounds like I need to apologize. Sorry if I came across that way. I have had some tough personal issues in the last couple years with sick family that is still going on (now my mom) but that is no excuse. I don't need to let my problems become your problems. Some times if I answer the same question for the 20th time on the same day I am sure i am not as nice the 20th time as the 1st but again that is not your issue. Never wait to let something like that out either, if I am a jerk on the phone just let me know. I don't hold a grudge about stuff like that if it is true. Thanks for the business in any event, I am glad at least the parts and shipping were good.
Mike
To the other folks who posted thanks for the nice words, and I can get Jim Bell any time too. Just not about Buick stuff :biggrin:

To man up and apologize shows that, IMO, you're a stand-up guy. +1 to you, sir.

 

[Hartline Perf.]

Hartline Performance, Kirbans, Gbody parts, RJC, Full Throttle. Ive always had great experiences with everyone of these vendors. Even back in the day Poston was good too.

Speaking of great customer service, I recently ordered a PTC 10" 2800 stall from Holly and Cal at Hartline Perf. My debit card has a daily limit of $300, so I said I would send a check in the mail. I called Holly she placed the order and before I knew it I had a torque converter on my doorstep that I haven't paid for yet! I called her and she said no problem just get a check in the mail when you can! She wasn't worried about it. This day and age that is totally awesome they place alot of trust with us in the Buick community. Needless to say I airmailed them the check for the converter overnight.

I can't say enough about Cal and Holly @ Hartline performance.

Craig,
Thank you very much for your business and your kind words. We strive to provide the Best Customer Service. There used to be a day when you could trust ALL customers, but those days have been changed by a few that neglected to pay. We have found that MOST of the Buick Community are Top Notch Customers, which makes us Proud to be a Vendor for the Buick Community!!
I hope you are Very Happy with your New PTC converter!!!
Any questions or concerns, you can give us a call at 321-722-1563

Also,Thank you to everyone else that posted kind words about us!

Thank you again,
Holly Hartline
Hartline Performance

 

[DailyDrifter]

Jack Cotton is a very nice guy, He does make you feel like your part of the family. Very helpful and a true class act all the way, the kind of guy you wouldnt mind drinking with and having a good time.

Although I havent bought anything from Hartline Performance (yet), When I had some questions Cal was a great help, even when I told him I didnt buy my XFI from him.

 

[Lee_Burough]

To man up (Mike Licht) and apologize shows that, IMO, you're a stand-up guy. +1 to you, sir.

+2....Always a class act from Mike and his family at Full Throttle!

In my view, Mike is up there with Mosher and Keller and Razor when it comes to advice and making their 'knowledge base' available to this cranky old man....Mike has always been first class in service and communication with me.

 

[SCOOBY DOO]

Two thumbs up to:

TR CUSTOM AUTO PARTS
FULL THROTTLE
JACK COTTON
KIRBANS

 

[SGRIM]

I have bought from just about every vendor listed on this forum.

They all treated me nice before I bought the board so I know they are real...

Sometimes problems with a vendor can be a two way street. Some customers can be real a-holes:biggrin:

If I did not have good confidence in the vendors here they would not be advertising here...

 

[SS/GNX]

Don't apologize, sounds like I need to apologize. Sorry if I came across that way. I have had some tough personal issues in the last couple years with sick family that is still going on (now my mom) but that is no excuse. I don't need to let my problems become your problems. Some times if I answer the same question for the 20th time on the same day I am sure i am not as nice the 20th time as the 1st but again that is not your issue. Never wait to let something like that out either, if I am a jerk on the phone just let me know. I don't hold a grudge about stuff like that if it is true. Thanks for the business in any event, I am glad at least the parts and shipping were good.
Mike
To the other folks who posted thanks for the nice words, and I can get Jim Bell any time too. Just not about Buick stuff :biggrin:

Apology excepted, many people wouldn't have the stones to apologize.

 

[Mark Parks]

Mike Montes is another GREAT vendor. An example on the metric lug nuts some vendors want $5-6 A PIECE!!! I got 2 sets for $60 DELIVERED!!!!!!!

 

[Turbo Indian]

happy with...


Holly Hartline (my favorite)
Jack Cotton
Jason RJC
Scott GNS Performance
John Caspers
Vince Janis Transmissions

 

[Whut]

This is all personal, how I was treated, what was done for me, everything about my transactions with vendors.

Dennis Kirban - easy to work with, a little spendy but he has the stuff nobody else does so he can make the price. Overall, not bad at all.

Jack Cotton - easy to work with, a little slow in the shipping realm but overall I got my stuff. He lost an order once, made up for it by overnighting my stuff and including a shirt.

Mike Licht (Full Throttle) - easy to work with, stand up guy, warrantied a MAFTPro I bought from him to the guy buying it from me. Instead of just taking a sale he told the guy how I took care of stuff and was confident enough with that, he just said if anything happened to the box he would fix it for free. Threw in a custom chip for the guy for nothing as well.

Cal Hartline - Every time I call them I either get what I need or they point me in the right direction. Cals dedication to us Buick guys pretty much trumps anyone elses. I dont know how he stays married, he is always working on tunes or cars. The last woman I had while I was building my car got so jealous of the time I spent on it I had to let her walk.

Brian (gbodyparts) - Never a problem for me. I need something, I call, he has it, I get it. Simple and to the point.

Jason (RJC) - Never a problem here either. The work his shop does in research for us should keep them on the front line. I have only bought a boost plate from him but that was easy enough.

Jay Frick (jaysgn) - Not sure if he is a vendor here but if he is, he has some hard to find stuff and good prices. The way he packs things for shipping makes me think he used to build caskets in another life. Every time I call he answers, easy to work with, knows exactly what he has and doesnt try to rip anyone off.

Mark Hueffman (buickgn.com) - quick turnaround, quick shipping, and easy enough to deal with that a five year old girl can place an order and not screw up.

If I had to talk about problems with shipping and/or actually getting the parts it would all fall on members selling stuff personally. Some of our members really need to learn how to complete a transaction.

 

[Turbo1dr]

I've only had a problem with two vendors. ATR and another vendor.

The "other vendor" (that's highly praised) charged my credit card and didn't deliver the parts. I waited 2 months for them. Nothing but empty promises.

Fast forward (maybe) two years later... I called them again to order a part and I was told they would have to go check inventory and would get back up with me. I'm still waiting on that call...it's been about a month. Maybe they have my name on a "DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH..."...dunno.

If it's my fault then FINE...put me on that list but if it's YOUR fault...don't make promises you can't keep and then take it personal. Try to correct it the next time so both of us will be happy!

I won't say names except for ATR... since they are out of business.

 

[27Skulls]

I've only had a problem with two vendors. ATR and another vendor.

The "other vendor" (that's highly praised) charged my credit card and didn't deliver the parts. I waited 2 months for them. Nothing but empty promises.

Fast forward (maybe) two years later... I called them again to order a part and I was told they would have to go check inventory and would get back up with me. I'm still waiting on that call...it's been about a month. Maybe they have my name on a "DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH..."...dunno.

If it's my fault then FINE...put me on that list but if it's YOUR fault...don't make promises you can't keep and then take it personal. Try to correct it the next time so both of us will be happy!

I won't say names except for ATR... since they are out of business.

At this point of the discussion, you would be quite justified to say who the vendor was. No harm done. Maybe some of us can share the same grief.

 

["Turbo-T"]

Chances are the "other" vendor Turbo1Dr is not wanting to post their name here is because they are perhaps a supporting vendor here and doesn't want it to be though of as vendor bashing.

 

[Turbo1dr]

At this point of the discussion, you would be quite justified to say who the vendor was. No harm done. Maybe some of us can share the same grief.

No. The Buick community is too small for me to name names. All the vendors are watching this thread.

BUT...I'll tell you who I've had great service from:
*Hartline Performance - SUPERIOR SUPPORT! My XFI was shipped out to me without paying them first! That's what I call TRUST between two people! My personal check and their product "crossed paths".
*Full Throttle Speed - ALWAYS got superior service from them even when Modern Muscle was around! Fast shipping! I've probably bought more from them than any other vendors COMBINED!
*Caspers Electronics - Nice electronics, easy to install. I did have one item that caused a problem...easily fixed by me and I didn't have to call them about it....simple human error.
*TA Performance - Hard to find custom made parts. They will have what you are looking for when it comes to mechanical engines! Fast shipping!
*Turbo Regal Custom Parts - Quality dress up items and easy to order web site. They ask you everything first directly on the web site so if you get your order and it's wrong...it's probably because you didn't check the right box.
*CKPerformance - I get what I order...fast... every time and I like the way it works!
*Kirban Performance Products - Not so performance oriented but does sell a lot of "needed" items for the TR community. Fast shipping!
*HRPartsNStuff - Ordered once and got what I ordered. Worked as advertised but made the ride harsh...
*Precision Turbo - A MAJOR company that caters to the TR community with updated turbo's all the time! THANKS for your support!

THANKS for EVERYONE's SUPPORT!

 

[27Skulls]

No. The Buick community is too small for me to name names. All the vendors are watching this thread.

BUT...I'll tell you who I've had great service from:
*Hartline Performance - SUPERIOR SUPPORT! My XFI was shipped out to me without paying them first! That's what I call TRUST between two people! My personal check and their product "crossed paths".
*Full Throttle Speed - ALWAYS got superior service from them even when Modern Muscle was around! Fast shipping!
*Caspers Electronics - Nice electronics, easy to install. I did have one item that caused a problem...easily fixed by me and I didn't have to call them about it....simple human error.
*TA Performance - Hard to find custom made parts. They will have what you are looking for when it comes to mechanical engines! Fast shipping!
*Turbo Regal Custom Parts - Quality dress up items and easy to order web site. They ask you everything first directly on the web site so if you get your order and it's wrong...it's probably because you didn't check the right box.
*CKPerformance - I get what I order...fast... every time and I like the way it works!
*Kirban Performance Products - Not so performance oriented but does sell a lot of "needed" items for the TR community. Fast shipping!
*HRPartsNStuff - Ordered once and got what I ordered. Worked as advertised but made the ride harsh...
*Precision Turbo - A MAJOR company that caters to the TR community with updated turbo's all the time! THANKS for your support!

THANKS for EVERYONE's SUPPORT!

Accepted. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything!

 

[need boost]

Brian at Gbody has always taken good care of me
Mark at Turbo Regal Custom parts has awesome stuff and when I got it in one was bent, he shot me out another one right NOW . Awesome customer service
Brian Hofer His trannys are the man
Dan at DLS worked with me on my engine parts and helped me get what I needed without spending money where I didn't need it at
Thats all that I have personally done buiness with but there are a lot of great vendors on here.
Hartline has nothing but great reviews and I want to get down there to have my car tuned one day
Jack Cotton is a good fellow and really knows his buicks to