Introduction

[Eckler's]

Hey all,

My name is Trevor and I work with Eckler's Industries, specifically MAC's Auto Parts. Anyway, I'm here to try to help answer any of your questions or concerns so by all means feel free to shoot me a message if anything comes up.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

This oughtta be good!


.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

On second thought, although some of my experiences with Mac's , --and their manufacturing side (Specialized & Cartouche) have been 'less than stellar' in the past, I will definitely give you the benefit of the doubt in this since you have come trying to be of assistance.

May I ask what your background is pertaining to Model-A restoration and/or repair of them? Why I am asking is, if I were to inquire as to what I would need to do to one of your 1928 steering wheels to make it fit correctly, is this something you would have first-hand knowledge on what I would need to do? Maybe the same question in other areas such as if I were to ask you about seat fabric for a 1930 Sport Coupe, --and more specifically how close is it to original material, is this something you could help me answer accurately? Thanks, and welcome to Fordbarn!

[Rowdy]

Much like Brent I am glad you are here to help. I have only had one experiece with Mac's and it was not good. Think I will keep doing business with Bert's for the foreseeable future. Thanks Rod

[wrndln]

Like Rowdy (Rod) and Brent, I haven't had a good experience with Mac's. Twice, at different times (about a year a part) I have ask the person on the phone at Mac's who makes the part I am inquiring about - both were sheetmetal items. In a condescending voice, both times the person stated Mac's does not divulge there suppliers. The reason I ask is I have had several bad experiences with Howell's in TX items - poorly made and ill fitting parts. Needless to say, I didn't purchase the items from Mac's. Since Mac's did not provide their suppliers like Bratton's, Bert's and some other parts suppliers will do if ask, I have not been a Mac's customer since. This is my experience with Mac's and maybe things have changed since it has been a few years since my inquiries, but I will never know if Mac's had changed, as I am happy with other parts supplier that are more user friendly.
Rusty Nelson

[eagle]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have ordered from Macs for over 10 years, both model T and A. Never once had a problem with anything. Usually the best prices too. Great catalog.

[Eckler's]

Hey all,
Thanks for the welcome.

Brent: In regards to my personal experience, I've been around Fords for a while and I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on what makes them tick as well as restoration solutions. If you have any specific questions regarding parts or restoration, feel free to shoot me a message any time and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I'm available.

To Rowdy and Wrndln: I apologize for your bad experience, and while I can't undo what other people have done or said, I will try to do my best to remedy the situation and provide as much help as is possible.

Again, thank you for your responses and I look forward to interacting with all of you in the future.

[Tom Cavallaro]

Still waiting for the call back on a right side lamp arm that I bought at Macs....it was shaped wrong...pointing down too much....bought another at Snyders, and it's perfect! I asked Macs to put the right next to the left to see if they could see a difference and get back to me, just in case I got some odd duck they weren't aware of.....never happened......

[caboose]

Now that you guys mentioned it:
When I started working on A's a few years ago, I bought exclusively from Mac's. As a result of a few problems (no need for details), I now buy from Snyder's and Mike's.

[Rowdy]

Please elaborate on your defination of "Been Around". Do you mean hads dirty and mind twisted trying to get them fixed or walking around them at car shows?? No ill will intended, just curous. Thanks Rod

[Tom Wesenberg]

There won't be enough left of this poor horse to make a tube of glue.

[ModelAMike1930]

I have had good luck ordering from Mac's. I like the fact that I can use paypal, their shipping and part quality has been good so far..

[TinCup]

Like lambs to the wolves. Good luck!

[asapguy]

Is the parent company Eckler's Ind. the same company I used to get Corvette parts from years ago??

[caboose]

Yes.

[Y-Blockhead]

As a relatively new Model A enthusiast I have been trying most of the well known Model A Vendors to get a feel for them and to be perfectly honest there isn't one of the major players that I HAVE NOT had a problem with in some way besides MAC's.

My only complaint I have with MAC's (so far) is their shipping charges seem to be higher than some of the others.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

On second thought, although some of my experiences with Mac's , --and their manufacturing side (Specialized & Cartouche) have been 'less than stellar' in the past, I will definitely give you the benefit of the doubt in this since you have come trying to be of assistance.

May I ask what your background is pertaining to Model-A restoration and/or repair of them? Why I am asking is, if I were to inquire as to what I would need to do to one of your 1928 steering wheels to make it fit correctly, is this something you would have first-hand knowledge on what I would need to do? Maybe the same question in other areas such as if I were to ask you about seat fabric for a 1930 Sport Coupe, --and more specifically how close is it to original material, is this something you could help me answer accurately? Thanks, and welcome to Fordbarn!

there you go again, asking relevant questions lol

[tbirdtbird]

Greetings!

1. a better starting question is where are you on the ladder at Ecklers? If the bottom rung....well.....if you are a manager of some type, that is a different ball game. If we do not know the answer to this question then I submit we are wasting our time and typing fingers

2. Are you only gonna respond to PMs? If so, by not sharing with the rest of us how you have resolved issues, is not gonna build up any confidence.

we had one post here a while back from someone with the handle 'egge'
There was no acknowledgement of just where he was in the Egge corporate structure (if he even was), and no answers were forthcoming of some good questions asked of him. So, in other words, why did he bother to post? And these were common sense questions, not even critical, since few if any have had trouble with the real Egge

3. and yes, if you are unwilling to divulge your sources, then best of luck to you, since all the other suppliers do, and it is no skin off your teeth if you are using reputable suppliers to tell us that

[CarlG]

While Snyders does not typically list their sources in their catalog, they have always given me their source when asked. Never got a straight answer from Macs.

[heneste]

Being in Canada, the one big issue many people have had is when you go to order many parts at once and they get shipped in more than one order so the shipping costs inflate your budget. The responses provided were that the parts were stored in different warehouses and that was the reason for the multiple shipments.
Would it be possible to co-ordinate orders better in the future so one order=one shipment?

[Ford1931]

I think your shipping costs are high. Do you feel you have to profit on shipping? Have you looked into one rate boxes?

[Fred K-OR]

Two or three years ago I did order a number of parts from MAC'S and did get good results from them. But have not order lately since they were purchased by current company.

But when using them: 1) great catalog-could find almost anything I needed. 2) when I ordered, they almost always had the parts in stock.(better than a left coast supplier)

So I am not a good judge of their current abilities but in the past they have worked out OK for me.

Welcome Eckler and hope you can help people on this site work with your company. Good luck with your efforts-time will tell!

[eagle]

I don't suppose it will take long for some grumpy old farts to drive off what could be a good source here on the barn.

[C26Pinelake]

If nothing else he has offered to help and resolve problems and I personally commend him and think he should be given a fair chance ! He can't cure the mistakes from the past so we should start afresh today. Will there be experts on the site that know more than him, of course there will. An automatic transmission specialist knows more about transmissions than the parts guy at the wholesaler that he orders his parts from. Let's be fair and give him a chance !
Wayne!

[caboose]

Originally Posted by eagle

I don't suppose it will take long for some grumpy old farts to drive off what could be a good source here on the barn.

No one calls me grumpy except my child bride!

Guess I'll sing a different tune:

Woke up this morning feelin' fine
There's something special on my mind
There's a new barner in the neighborhood, whoa yeah
Something tells me I'm into something good

Apologies to Herman and the Hermits.

[George Miller]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have not ordered from Mack,s after Eckler's have taken over. But I have gotten parts for my 56 chev, and 66 vette from Eckler's. there service was good.
I think we should give them a chance.

[Mitch//pa]

Welcome Trevor,
and thanks for coming here to offer assistance, as there has been many negative issues posted in the past about Macs including by myself. i think it would be helpful to post your position and contact info within the company. i tried calling Macs twice talked to different people and no one heard of you, so then i did the dial by name directory and that was unsuccessful also.
thanks

[fredski]

I ordered exclusively from macs,starting my restoration and 4or 5
Orders, until one time they did not acknowledge my order by
Internet as they had done in the past.
I phoned days later to ask why and must have got some one who
Had a bad day and did not get much response.

Since then I tried snyders and also find them helpful when ordering.
Also they go to Hersey and can order a head a pick up there saving
Shipping charges to Canada.

Have use ecklers for corvette parts ( no problems)

Fredski

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Welcome Trevor,
and thanks for coming here to offer assistance, as there has been many negative issues posted in the past about Macs including by myself. i think it would be helpful to post your position and contact info within the company. i tried calling Macs twice and talked to different people and no one heard of you so then i did the dial by name directory and that was unsuccessful also.
thanks

Hmmmm... Makes one wonder what is really happening here.

No answer yet on my other thread addressed directly to him this morning.

And I am a grumpy old fart sometimes, but with age I've also learned to be skeptical, especially of people and offers on the interwebs.

[mshmodela]

I buy most of my parts from Snyder's but some from Macs, I will say Mac's catalog are the very best. No bad experiences from Macs on what I've bought from them.

[tbirdtbird]

"i tried calling Macs twice and talked to different people and no one heard of you so then i did the dial by name directory and that was unsuccessful also."

[jkcrosson]

Interesting.

[31 Model A]

I wear my Grumpy Old Fart badge with pride!!!! I have worked hard all my life looking FWD to having the Grumpy Old Fart title and no one will take either my whitewalls or my title from me!!!!! Ba Hum Bug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, I have done all my ordering from Snyder's. No problems and have no reason to go to other places.....yet!!!!!

[rusty12]

Hello Trevor- Thanks for being brave and making an introduction. For the record, I have recently made a couple of orders from Mac's/Ecklers and have been very pleased with the parts and the customer service. Best wishes on your new job. Don't let a few grumpy old men ruin what may be a great job opportunity for you.

[Mike V. Florida]

Well this is a step in the right direction for Mac's.

Trevor, do a search for "macs" on this forum and read all about your companies customer service and shipping. This will give you the background you need to properly understand the comments you will now read.

[Rowdy]

Not yet a Grumpy Old Fart. Rod

[Fred K-OR]

He has posted basically the same message on the V8 and Model T forum. So he may be busy.

[31Abone]

Slower than January molasses..I stopped using Mac's... 30 days for stuff to arrive ? I use Snyders parts here before I hangup the phone almost..Calif

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

He has posted basically the same message on the V8 and Model T forum. So he may be busy.

He's only posted a total of 7 times total so far:
T = 1
A = 2
EV8 = 3
LV8 = 1

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by eagle

I don't suppose it will take long for some grumpy old farts to drive off what could be a good source here on the barn.

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

If nothing else he has offered to help and resolve problems and I personally commend him and think he should be given a fair chance ! He can't cure the mistakes from the past so we should start afresh today. Will there be experts on the site that know more than him, of course there will. An automatic transmission specialist knows more about transmissions than the parts guy at the wholesaler that he orders his parts from. Let's be fair and give him a chance !
Wayne!

I personally will give Trevor the benefit of the doubt HOWEVER I will also say I want to know the person I am speaking with truly does have experience on the Model-A, ...not just been around Fords. Therefore I feel my question to Trevor is valid.

I realize that this company is under new management but IMHO my skepticism stems from this. In the past Macs has employed the least knowledgeable Model-A people of any dealers in the industry. Take a moment to consider other Model-A dealers and their knowledge-base of Model-A repair. Walt Bratton has restored Model-A's, and Jeff Kichline too. Don Snyder & Tom Jordan know the industry well. Steve Becker is a 2nd generation car restorer that knows the Model-A inside & out. Mike Butcher or Sammie Gutherie the same. My point is all these people have a huge amount of first-hand experience in restoring & repairing a Model-A. Trevor stated he wants to be able to answer "any questions or concerns" that I have, ...and I want to be able to trust what he is telling me will be accurate. Think about it, when you scan the list of the other names mentioned above, why after receiving advice from those people do you have total confidence in what they have shared with you?

So Trevor, I will rephrase my question again. I realize you said you know what makes them tick and you have restoration solutions, ...but is this knowledge you have based on actually working on Model-As, --and if so, exactly what have you done on a Model-A? Have you fully restored a Model-A from A to Z yourself??, If not, that is perfectly acceptable in my eyes and you should not be offended by my asking this. Again, there is plenty of past history here spoken by many who have voiced their displeasure. Maybe Ecklers can correct many of the problems associated with Macs and Specialized. Hopefully you are the one that will do it!!

.

[jkassay]

Spent thousands with Mac's never had a problem, Good service, quick delivery. Will keep giving them my business. I like their web site, easy to use and first class.

[1931 flamingo]

3 pages already......
Paul in CT

[tbirdtbird]

and the company never heard of him....

[CWilson]

http://youtu.be/8s6lCCHL3_k

[ericr]

this is off topic, but don't you guys think that a unique business of selling Model "A" parts is only going to work well when you have what is essentially like a family business to include guys who have themselves, or their families, collected and restored these cars themselves and have a love for them? Trying to run it like a "normal" business from pure profit motives, with employee turnover, disinterest and lack of knowledge, will not win friends and influence people.

[rusty12]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I think it is great to see a young person like Trevor taking interest in the collector car hobby and choosing to make a career out of it. I'd rather deal with a forward thinking company that promotes young people than a company that is relying on older folks to pass the torch. I wonder how many of these smaller "mom and pop" vendors will survive in years to come? Trevor is certainly young and will have a lot to learn, but the fact that he took time to introduce himself on this forum to this den of wolves shows he is willing to learn not only about the products but also customer service. I'll continue to give Ecklers/Mac's my business.

[Rowdy]

Looks like he is more of an office type pitch man than someone we would actually get on the phone or be able to ask a tech question specific to Model A's. I was hopeful that they might have actually known A's well. Rod

[Y-Blockhead]

Looks like Trevor visited all the Forums on The Ford Barn this morning, not just this one.

[gz]

Originally Posted by rusty12

I think it is great to see a young person like Trevor taking interest in the collector car hobby and choosing to make a career out of it. I'd rather deal with a forward thinking company that promotes young people than a company that is relying on older folks to pass the torch. I wonder how many of these smaller "mom and pop" vendors will survive in years to come? Trevor is certainly young and will have a lot to learn, but the fact that he took time to introduce himself on this forum to this den of wolves shows he is willing to learn not only about the products but also customer service. I'll continue to give Ecklers/Mac's my business.

I agree 100 percent. Nice to see younger people working in this hobby. The naysayers on this thread are the likely the same ones that complain that there are no younger people in the hobby and worry about who will take care of their cars when they die.

When I was i high school and probably younger than Trevor, a small car museum in Costa Mesa, California, hired me to work part time during the summers. The owner was a man who also built drove race cars in earlier years. Some of you may have even heard of him. Briggs Cunningham, or Mr. "C" as we called him, often took time out from his busy schedule to recognize my minimal accomplishments and encouraged me to pursue my passion and interest for vintage automobiles. I'm glad he did. And I'm glad Ecklers/Macs is doing the same for Trevor and hopefully other young men and women. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

By the way, I have also bought parts from Mac's for the last three decades and have also never had a problem with their parts or service.

[31 Model A]

He's no doubt a new sales rep for the company and he's out introducing himself to everyone on all the forums.

I doubt very much he has the knowledge that so many here have about As and what makes them tick.

I believe he might be a good go between customers and the head office when customer service continues to be substandard........IMO.

Any kid has to start somewhere.....

I was once into customer sales and my contact was the telephone, this was way before any internet, I had to do the same thing he's doing. I lasted six months..................

[700rpm]

Since Mac's is now part of a larger company, Trevor would go a long way to improving his and their credibility by providing contact info so we could in fact "shoot him a question." His response as well as his response time will define the value of the source.

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

Please elaborate on your defination of "Been Around". Do you mean hads dirty and mind twisted trying to get them fixed or walking around them at car shows?? No ill will intended, just curous. Thanks Rod

I've had my hand dirty in many builds, not just Ford related. But then again I'm by no means more experienced than a lot of you guys.

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by Ford1931

I think your shipping costs are high. Do you feel you have to profit on shipping? Have you looked into one rate boxes?

In theory the one rate box would be great, but with the thousands of parts we sale some items wouldn't fit in a one rate box.

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

Greetings!

1. a better starting question is where are you on the ladder at Ecklers? If the bottom rung....well.....if you are a manager of some type, that is a different ball game. If we do not know the answer to this question then I submit we are wasting our time and typing fingers

2. Are you only gonna respond to PMs? If so, by not sharing with the rest of us how you have resolved issues, is not gonna build up any confidence.

we had one post here a while back from someone with the handle 'egge'
There was no acknowledgement of just where he was in the Egge corporate structure (if he even was), and no answers were forthcoming of some good questions asked of him. So, in other words, why did he bother to post? And these were common sense questions, not even critical, since few if any have had trouble with the real Egge

3. and yes, if you are unwilling to divulge your sources, then best of luck to you, since all the other suppliers do, and it is no skin off your teeth if you are using reputable suppliers to tell us that

I'm not on the "bottom rung". I'm in the marketing department here. But over the years I've worked in sales and the tech department with Eckler's. I also have the ability to get things moving much faster if their is any problem.

As far as answering PM's that will up to the customer if they want to resolve the issue public on the forum. So I will leave that up to the customer.

Sales reps are told not to divulge the manufacture per company policy. So to that I have no real answer to why that is. But there is ways I can get around that if you would like. PM me with questions on that end.

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Welcome Trevor,
and thanks for coming here to offer assistance, as there has been many negative issues posted in the past about Macs including by myself. i think it would be helpful to post your position and contact info within the company. i tried calling Macs twice talked to different people and no one heard of you, so then i did the dial by name directory and that was unsuccessful also.
thanks

I do not have an outside phone extension, there for I do not show up on our phone queue. We have 2 facilities one in New York and the other in Florida. A lot of the sales reps and customer service reps don't even know we are here sometimes.

[Eckler's]

Hey guys this is Scott. I’m the forum manager here at Eckler’s/Mac’s. And I will be working side by side with Trevor here on Ford Barn to fix any problems you guys may have. Also I will be here to try to fix any broken relationship that might be out there. With Trevor doing a ton of other things here with our company I will be the main go between from here on out. When we signed up we had no idea of the response we would get. So that being said please direct any questions to me.

So a little about my background. I have worked many years with Eckler’s. I started at the bottom of the company just like anyone else. Started as a seasonal sales rep, moved to full time shortly thereafter. After a couple years of sales I got the opportunity to move to the Tech department. After working in tech for many years I decided to move to the Marketing/Promotions department.And here I am today.I’ve had my hand in many builds over the years from Ford, Chevy, Cadillac and Mopar. I might not know the answer to every question you guys might ask but I work to find that answer in a timely manner. I look forward to working with you guys on any issues you may have. If you would like to email me direct please do so. My email is [email protected]


Thanks,
Scott

[CT AV8]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

3 pages already......
Paul in CT

AND a new "main go between"......

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by CT AV8

AND a new "main go between"......

Just another person here to help.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Eckler's

Hey guys this is Scott. I’m the forum manager here at Eckler’s/Mac’s. And I will be working side by side with Trevor here on Ford Barn to fix any problems you guys may have. Also I will be here to try to fix any broken relationship that might be out there. With Trevor doing a ton of other things here with our company I will be the main go between from here on out. When we signed up we had no idea of the response we would get. So that being said please direct any questions to me.

So a little about my background. I have worked many years with Eckler’s. I started at the bottom of the company just like anyone else. Started as a seasonal sales rep, moved to full time shortly thereafter. After a couple years of sales I got the opportunity to move to the Tech department. After working in tech for many years I decided to move to the Marketing/Promotions department.And here I am today.I’ve had my hand in many builds over the years from Ford, Chevy, Cadillac and Mopar. I might not know the answer to every question you guys might ask but I work to find that answer in a timely manner. I look forward to working with you guys on any issues you may have. If you would like to email me direct please do so. My email is [email protected]


Thanks,
Scott

Hi Scott;
As I mentioned above, many of your competitors have a vast amount of first-hand knowledge of the very vehicle inwhich they are selling parts for. For a company such as Ecklers which is trying to (re)gain some credibility in the market of which you are selling/manufacturing parts for, wouldn't it be prudent for Ecklers to hire an employee or two that truly has first-hand experience with the model of vehicle to service your customer?

Let me tell you why I am saying this. On the main Eckler's website, there is a comment about y'all have 50 years in the Restoration business, ...and there is even make a comment how y'all invented Restoration. ( http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/about-us ) While I will call that a total BS statement, it goes on to say that Ecklers has "experts" that not only know about the parts, but that y'all check out a part to not only ensure it fits, but that it is as good or better than the original. Unfortunately, from most people's experiences with Macs and Specialized in the past, nothing could be further from the truth with regard to Model-A parts!! Quite frankly, it would appear this same marketing mindset from the GM side has spilled over into the Vintage Ford parts side of your company. Should we not be concerned? .

.



.

[Classiccanuck]

Hey Trevor, you have a long road ahead of you, if you are trying to change Mac's image you have a lot of "mopping up" to do, then begin with "Customer Service".

[Y-Blockhead]

It is interesting how the different Forums responded to this thread. Here we have ~60 replies (so far), some good, some bad.

On the late V-8 Forum ('54+) there are "0" responses so the thread has been basically ignored as SPAM...

[Rowdy]

I think this is largely due to the quality of the parts they offer for each era. The Flathead guys seem to get a better quality of parts from them. Their main compaint s seem to be aboput shipping time and cost, where the parts they offer for the A era cars are of lesser quality than offered by most vendors along with the shipping cost and customer service. I do think Ecklers would be wise to address the quality concerns first and foremost and a little more efort from the shipping dept. to do their best to find a better rate for shipping, Each order is different and it only takes a couple of seconds to size up an order and make a quick decesion as to what is cheaper and faster for each. I have been doing this for over 12 years and it is not rocket science. All it takes is a small amount of actually giving a shit about reputation and the cutomer in general. Rod

[Charlville]

Hats off for offering assistance, constructive criticism would be useful, hopefully everyone won't pile on?

[BlueSunoco]

One thing I admire about the Model A Ford aftermarket parts customers is, they won't take 'Close-to-original' as gospel. It had better be pretty darn good or else

These guys will hold your feet to the fire you'd better be able to deliver or else.Evidently Corvette people will accept less than ideal parts

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

...where the parts they offer for the A era cars are of lesser quality... Rod

Unfortunately I am finding that to be true with ALL the vendors.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Unfortunately I am finding that to be true with ALL the vendors.

To a certain extent you are very correct however I am not sure ALL vendors is an accurate statement. Breaking it down, ALL vendors must buy parts from someone, -and Ecklers/Macs has a wholesale division that manufacturers parts too. On a few items they manufacture, they are the only ones who offer a reproduction item, yet on many items they are one of at least two manufacturers. There are many smaller vendors that are dealers for MACs, therefore this would align with your thinking that many dealers have inferior parts. On the other hand, there are some vendors who choose to sell the best available. That is why I feel it is important to have a relationship with your parts dealer who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics. To some, the fit, accuracy, operation, and aesthetics are not as important to them as the costs are.

[Y-Blockhead]

You're right, I agree with what your saying. Maybe I should change that to ALL vendors I've dealt with? Who SHOULD I trust? I have had issues with most of the major player's parts and/or service.

When I order a part from one of the vendors that supposedly "who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics" and receive a piece that is finished like this and the threaded holes are so bad that I have to retap them, then it makes me hesitant to order from that parts "dealer who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics" again. Understand what I mean?

Not trying to start an argument, just stating the facts as I see and experienced them.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

You're right, I agree with what your saying. Maybe I should change that to ALL vendors I've dealt with? Who SHOULD I trust? I have had issues with most of the major player's parts and/or service.

When I order a part from one of the vendors that supposedly "who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics" and receive a piece that is finished like this and the threaded holes are so bad that I have to retap them, then it makes me hesitant to order from that parts "dealer who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics" again. Understand what I mean?

Not trying to start an argument, just stating the facts as I see and experienced them.

No one can expect a vendor that does not manufacture his own parts to check each and everyone of the parts he receives for stock. With that did you contact the vendor and let him know of the problem? How many people here just accept what we are given and never make our concerns known to the vendor. I can guarantee there are vendors out there that will stop selling a part if each and every one is a piece of shit.

As for Mac's, I wish them luck and can only assume that the reason they are here is to try to improve poor sales in the newly acquired Ford division.

Good luck to them and to us.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

With that did you contact the vendor and let him know of the problem?

Yes, They checked their stock and offered to re-tap another and send it even tho the finish is still crap. Hecho en Chine. As was quoted above "A vendor who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics".

I am very reluctant to order from this vendor again and probably won't.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Yes, They checked their stock and offered to re-tap another and send it even tho the finish is still crap. Hecho en Chine. As was quoted above "A vendor who knows Model-As and the parts they sell so they can advise you of what to expect regarding fit, accuracy, and aesthetics".

I am very reluctant to order from this vendor again and probably won't.

Of course not!! the first thing out of their mouths should have been," I'm so sorry let me check the rest of our stock." Then it should have been, "It appears that all the units we received are in the same condition, I'm going to contact the manufacturer to try to get it solved. Would you like us to place one on back order for you, or offer you a refund on the part you now have?"

If it were my business!

[inex01]

Having two Model As I have spent over 20K in the last few years and use Brattons exclusively. They are only 18 miles from my home and have established a super relationship with them. Walt, Jeff and both Tom's are always there when I have a question about installing anything and if I need to return or exchange it is never a problem. There parts are USA made and they make sure the parts that they sell are to Fords specifications.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Hi Scott;
As I mentioned above, many of your competitors have a vast amount of first-hand knowledge of the very vehicle inwhich they are selling parts for. For a company such as Ecklers which is trying to (re)gain some credibility in the market of which you are selling/manufacturing parts for, wouldn't it be prudent for Ecklers to hire an employee or two that truly has first-hand experience with the model of vehicle to service your customer?

Let me tell you why I am saying this. On the main Eckler's website, there is a comment about y'all have 50 years in the Restoration business, ...and there is even make a comment how y'all invented Restoration. ( http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/about-us ) While I will call that a total BS statement, it goes on to say that Ecklers has "experts" that not only know about the parts, but that y'all check out a part to not only ensure it fits, but that it is as good or better than the original. Unfortunately, from most people's experiences with Macs and Specialized in the past, nothing could be further from the truth with regard to Model-A parts!! Quite frankly, it would appear this same marketing mindset from the GM side has spilled over into the Vintage Ford parts side of your company. Should we not be concerned? .

.youy are quite correct



.

you are 110% correct, but in most businesses nowadays, isn't what you write about the sign of the times? everyone from supermarkets to the post office to banks to car parts stores, on and on, tries to get by with fewer employees than they should have. I don't remember such a situation back in the '50s and '60s.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by ericr

you are 110% correct, but in most businesses nowadays, isn't what you write about the sign of the times? everyone from supermarkets to the post office to banks to car parts stores, on and on, tries to get by with fewer employees than they should have. I don't remember such a situation back in the '50s and '60s.

I agree, ...but selling Model-A parts is typically done to a more conservative crowd that has high ethics and moral standards that John Q Public. Writings that are misleading or deceitful may be accepted as the norm by a more liberalistic crowd, I am not so sure the acceptance is so widespread by the typical Model-A owner.

Fewer employees are one thing and I am sure there are many companies that choose to adopt that strategy however it can play against a company too. In the case of the big box store in my town, if both competing stores choose to hire unknowledgeable employees about their products, I am kinda stuck and both are back on an even keel. In the case of Model-A parts sales, most would agree that Macs/Ecklers is not very high on the list of knowledgeable/service-oriented dealers. Therefore many would agree they need to look for ways to bring up their ratings, ...and IMHO they should start by adding folks that know what they are talking about. When that happens, they may very well realize how inferior many of their parts are and choose to raise their standards.

[Mikeinnj]

Originally Posted by eagle

i don't suppose it will take long for some grumpy old farts to drive off what could be a good source here on the barn.

D i t t o !

[fredski]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

One thing I admire about the Model A Ford aftermarket parts customers is, they won't take 'Close-to-original' as gospel. It had better be pretty darn good or else

These guys will hold your feet to the fire you'd better be able to deliver or else.Evidently Corvette people will accept less than ideal parts

corvette people will eccept less than ideal parts.

not so .

do you own a corvette????
\

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by fredski

corvette people will eccept less than ideal parts.

not so .

do you own a corvette????
\

+2
Had my 66 vette 45 years best car I ever owned. Over 200,000 miles engine has never been overhauled. I would not except poor parts for it or my Model A,s or my 56 chev or any other car I own.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I agree, ...but selling Model-A parts is typically done to a more conservative crowd that has high ethics and moral standards that John Q Public. Writings that are misleading or deceitful may be accepted as the norm by a more liberalistic crowd, I am not so sure the acceptance is so widespread by the typical Model-A owner.

Fewer employees are one thing and I am sure there are many companies that choose to adopt that strategy however it can play against a company too. In the case of the big box store in my town, if both competing stores choose to hire unknowledgeable employees about their products, I am kinda stuck and both are back on an even keel. In the case of Model-A parts sales, most would agree that Macs/Ecklers is not very high on the list of knowledgeable/service-oriented dealers. Therefore many would agree they need to look for ways to bring up their ratings, ...and IMHO they should start by adding folks that know what they are talking about. When that happens, they may very well realize how inferior many of their parts are and choose to raise their standards.

Sorry to break stereotype, but I am one of the most liberal guys you'll ever meet, and yet somehow I manage to have high ethics and moral standards, and a very critical eye for quality. Don't believe everything you think!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Sorry to break stereotype, but I am one of the most liberal guys you'll ever meet, and yet somehow I manage to have high ethics and moral standards, and a very critical eye for quality. Don't believe everything you think!

Ray, with all due respect to your literalistic view, define the word " may " please!

[V8COOPMAN]

Copied and pasted below is an interesting post over on the Model A Forum from TWO YEARS AGO! Obviously, not a new problem. How long does it generally take for improvements to begin taking effect? DD

" 01-22-2013, 12:57 PM #17 Darlene
Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 11


Re: Where is your allegiance?
Below is a response from Matt Jordan, CEO of Eckler Industries;
posted by Darlene Waldmiller, Marketing Manager at MAC’s:

We appreciate the candid feedback from everyone. This helps us prioritize and focus our efforts at making MAC’s a better company. We’re working hard to put into place new systems and procedures that will speed up shipping and improve service levels. While I can’t promise that the transition will be without snags or hitches, I can promise that we are focused on driving improvement. I hope that those who are satisfied with MAC’s performance will find their service much better, and those that have not had a good experience will give us the opportunity to show what we can do over the coming months.

Thank you again for your honest feedback – we sincerely hope to use this to make for a better customer experience.

Regards,

Matt D. Jordan
CEO, Eckler Industries, Inc.

[Fred K-OR]

Where is this going------again????????

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Where is this going------again????????

Dog here,
CAN'T BELIEVE that I/WE read this WHOLE thing, AGAIN! Sounds like some NEW HONCHOS are goin' to try to BOOST SALES, again! Wunder if they get DOGGIE TREATS?? LOL
I "think" most parts are sold because someone gave them a POSITIVE report on QUALITY & PROPER FIT & good customer support from a supplier that knows what he's/she's talking about!
SHIPPING costs, etc, will soon be forgotten, BUT that TACKY, ILL FITTING part will be hangin' there, FOREVER! Pay attention to creditable posters, they'll tell you where the GOOD stuff is! It's NOT ALL found at one supplier. Like thet armoured cable & kknition switch thet Mitch//pa sent us from TAMS! AND, them STAINLESS door locks for Vermin, from BRATTONS, & the price was REASONABLE!
Buster T.

[WestCoast]

I shouldn't say any thing, but I posted on another forum that I didn't think Trevor would last long, seems I was right, now its Scotts turn, I wonder if he has any authority to fix any thing, I sure hope so, we need more than just lip service