Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

[Jack H.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

You're dealing with a real specialty/niche market item here...

For those who challenged what I said (telling the expert how to do his job), hey, back off! That's my take.

The guy's in a specialty/niche market area and he can be as arrogant as he wants to be; it's his business. He can choose to deal with who he wants to and NO he doesn't have to hand hold and counsel customers...

BUT, he sure can pay the consequences many of you allude to for his actions (loss of business). That's his problem. And, the way things are in this niche/specialty business (expanding as Chevelle, Camaro, MoPar and Ford enthusiasts join the 'correct/dated factory original' craze essentially pioneered by NCRS), he may never see the impact...

Bottom line, sometimes the lone wolf/specialty 'technician' has an ego situation which is why he's in a low volume niche instead of climbing the ladder to the top of a 'General Motors' type corporation.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Chris, I think your polite request was perfectly reasonable, and I think the rebuilder's rude response was totally uncalled for.

I agree totally. When people are that sensitive and irritable, there's usually some kind of physical or psychological condition/stress going on outside of the business relationship. Of course, there are also individuals that are just mean ol' SOBs, but they are generally consistent in that behavior.

I got into a similar deal with a well known Quadrajet carb restorer years ago. It had been a pretty long time since I sent the carb off, and I keep checking with them regularly when to expect the carb...not that I desparately needed the carb, but just to make sure it didn't get lost.

Well, one day I calls, and this guy snat*hes up the phone, answering with "WHO IS THIS!!!". After an increasing heated interrogation, and him hanging up violently, I figured I wasn't going to get my rare, dated Carter Quad back. Finally, I managed to get in contact with his son who also worked in the business, and he walked the carb through to shipping. I always suspected that the guy had some concerns about his wife's faithfulness and thought I was her Lothorio (from half a continent away?). I just wanted my carb back.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Jack,
You are right, you have the right to express your opinion and I agree with the expert and arrogance part.

He may be good at fan clutches but is an expert at arrogance.

I do work for people and am proud to be on the other end of the pendulum. Maybe he wants to get out of the business?

DOM

[Mark D.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

I wonder if Vinny is a US Airways reservations agent moonlighting as a fan clutch restorer.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

I wonder if Vinny is a US Airways reservations agent moonlighting as a fan clutch restorer.

No, sounds like a chief pilot I worked for.

DOM

[Chuck S.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

I wonder if Vinny is a US Airways reservations agent moonlighting as a fan clutch restorer.

I ran into a ticket counter guy like that once in OKC, only he was worse. It was a while back though...He worked for an airline called Braniff. You remember Braniff don't you Mark?

[Mark D.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Gotta a lot of buds that were with Braniff til the last day. Very sad.

[Scott S.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Mark, Unfortunately, I only do 1963-7 Tubs, Lids, heater and defroster boxes.
If you have some deep scratches they can be sanded out starting with 600 then gradually going to 1200 wet.
I must apologize that my scope is so limited in the hobby. Now if you want to go on one of our 11 NCRS Road Tours in 2011, I can put on my National Road Tour salesperson's hat.

[Mark D.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

I'm just giggin ya, buddy. You sent me an email explaining how even a dope like me can get the job done. I appreciate it.

Mark

[Scott S.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Mark, I just gaped out. We just completed the Electronic Registration for our Regional. See the new sticky. We would love all the TDB members to attend.
Scott

[Mark D.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

With great personal sacrifice (I'm rooming with Berge...he snores) I just used the on-line form and signed up. Works pretty slick.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

I did too.

However, I'm taking my wife.

[Chris E.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Chris, You are a gentleman, we sat together with your Dad
(the original owner of the '67) at the Heartland Regional last year.
I hope that my tire tub customers and are treated in a fair and
professional manner.
All the best, CU in Novi.
Scott

Thanks for the kind words Scott, I remember you well. My dad and I had a great time in Des Moines. He already has his calendar blocked for Joplin and Novi this year. Can't wait to get the car out on the Milford Proving Grounds.

And thanks to everyone else for their responses. I really struggled with whether or not I should post this, but I thought in the end that I should. I wanted other people to be aware of what I went through as part of their decision making process. My aim is not to run him out of business. I still believe he does quality work. I, however, will be getting my fan clutch restored elsewhere.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Gee you guys found out the secret hotel, eh? I guess the Canuks don't want me up there.

[Larry T.]

Re: Fan clutch rebuild - suggestions on a THIRD source?

Did you contact Dan from the Driveline ad? I do not know him, I was just curious if that is the route you are going. If so please post something if you have a positive experience. One day I will be looking for this job to be done as well. Thanks and good luck.