Original Parts Group [Archive] - PY Online Forums - Bringing the Pontiac Hobby Together

Rocco Testa

01-21-2000, 04:43 AM

I order spark plug wire holders for a 65 389,eng. They listed them as chrome, everbody else was selling zink plated ones for less, so I order the chrome ones plus a few more parts. I get the shipment in there the same zink plate eveyone else was selling for less. I call up, I tell them I'm sending them back and what happened to the other parts I ordered, Oh they not in stock yet, as we get them we will ship them out. That was the last time I ordered from them. Then every time they ship a part, you pay shipping and handing on each part. They wont hold the order until all the parts are in stock and charge one fee for shipping it all at once. Perforeance Years has almost always been the best for me. Thanks guys.and the girls taking the phone orders.

Charlie Huntington

01-29-2000, 09:23 AM

I called on some rugs. Their Customer Service help on the phone left a lot to be desired. I didn't order.

------------------
Check out my homepage at http://barney.wcupa.edu/~badgoat

Old Man Taylor

01-30-2000, 02:08 AM

I have seldom had an order fulfilled correctly by them. For small stuff I just accept it, but I had to return my seat covers when they sent the ones for a Chevelle instead of a GTO.

buzzojoe

12-17-2002, 04:47 PM

I ordered a fiberglass repro front valance panel for my 68 GTO from OPGI.
When it arrived and I opened it I IMMEDIATELY freaked out over the TERRIBLE quality of it!
The outside had not been trimmed and it looked like a CHEEA-VALANCE! NONE of the holes for the parking lights, etc. had been cut out, it was so warped that it didn't even come close to fitting, and there were several big cracks in it. They were willing to take it back but they had charged me $50.00 for shipping and wanted another $50.00 in shipping to take it back (although the actual shipping charges paid by them were MUCH less.
SO I would have paid like $100.00 in shipping charges to return a completely defective $160.00 part. After a few more phone calls with no satisfaction I stuck it in the rafters of the garage and will just try to sell it at a swap meet in the spring.
I also ordered an arm rest base at the same time from them. They shipped a base that was a completely different color than my interior. Not just a poor match, a completely different color. Not only that but the base had been shipped with NO packing material in a box sealed with large metal staples. The loose armrest bouncing around in the box got thoroughly trashed by the staples. I called them about it and they sent me out a new armrest base. AGAIN the wrong color for my interior and AGAIN shipped loose and unprotected in the same type of box so it ALSO got trashed.
I finally just shook my head and threw both armrests in the dumpster with my OPGI catalog!
I would have ordered the stuff from PY but PY only sells the armrest bases by the pair, and the valvnce was $100.00 less from OPGI. NOW I know why!!! THey must have been buying the rejected ones from Ames and PY!
The OPGI customer service people were extremely rude, and when I tried to go "up the ladder" in authority I got less and less help!
THEY SUCK!

Guy Mazza

01-08-2003, 06:54 AM

Final verdict: OPGI SUCKS! http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Got a call yesterday to inform me they were not going to refund me my $ for the bad (wrong) conv top they sent. The 1st guy I spoke with admitted they sent a 64-65 top for my 69 (their mistake) but refused to refund cause it was "dirty" and had "been installed" ...it wasnt. The 2nd guy claimed that ALL tops were small and needed to be "stretched" on http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif. What an idiot! This thing was too short by 2" left & right (total 4") Anyway stay away from these idiots. Now I hope American Express is on my side for this. At least they are suspending charge, till "further investigation"

You know why they call it "PMS"? Because "Mad Cow Disease" was taken

65gtony

02-02-2003, 10:06 PM

I bought some stuff from OPG for my '65 GTO Conv. I was a little disappointed with the quality of some of the parts (particularly upholstery and chrome parts). Prices are cheap, now I know why. Though I must say, they have a really sharp looking catalog - wish I could say the same about my interior.

shark landis

02-25-2003, 07:48 AM

We had purchased tons of parts for several ongoing restorations, two '69 GTO ragtops, one '69 Judge and a '64 Pro-streeter. Of course, we shopped around and ultimately used several vendors, OPG being one of them. As others refused to deal on certain charges, we ordered three radiators, two gas tanks and several incidental items. With their points system, we totaled about four hundred dollars in discounts, which pleases me. Granted, not everything was totally perfect, it almost NEVER is! But I experienced no catastrophic problems as mentioned in this post and plan to do business with these folks again. As a sales/tech rep for Jeg's High Performance, I get to see both sides of the business. I don't discredit any stories I've heard here, but I also know what I know and a company with such a track record in all probability would have folded by now. I could point out flagrant deceptive practices by "legit" businesses in our hobby, but having been scolded for sharing my thoughts on subjects that I found offensive, I'll refrain from any negative comments, no matter how obviously true they be. Anyway, most of them have been touched upon by others. As I have stated, they are obvious. Ron.

Tony

03-15-2003, 06:18 AM

OPG has an attractive cataloge and pricing. The advertising and marketing will always get your attention. I have ordered from them and experienced the same problems. The convertible top was 4" short, the interior quality is poor, they send Chevy or Olds parts and then argue that point. The the shipping charge tactics, what are we stupid. Then the customer service, forget about it. You can go to UPS.COM and get all the tracking info you need. Then as they tell you you return package is lost you can tell them who signed for it and when it arrived. I can go on. Performance Years is the best way to go.

shark landis

03-15-2003, 06:57 AM

I'm sure OPG has its drawbacks, but compare some prices on obviously similar items. Lets say disc brake bacing plates, what, about 40 bucks cheaper than anyone else? They seem to have trouble with fabrics, I try to use PUI interiors exclusively. Haven't done a conv. top yet, that's next. Again I'm needing about three more gas tanks and at least two more radiators plus one complete interior and an extra headliner. I'll be shopping around again, but odds are I'll give OPG my business, as nobody would match prices on their " Be Cool" radiators without a "Be Cool" part number, and I believe that I heard lauhgter when I asked about free shipping on these items. Ron

buzzojoe

03-15-2003, 07:37 AM

My experience with them is that the "sale" prices in their catalog have always expired when I call them. Plus the quality of MANY of their parts appears to be very poor compared to PY, Ames, and others.
When I was looking for a fiberglass front valance for my 68, OPG's price was $70.00 less than anyone else. When I called the other places and asked them about a price match they all said that they couldn't match the price because the OPG valance panels were junk. I didn't believe them. Until I got the panel from OPG. It was worse than junk. Junk usually was decent at some point in it's existance. The panel that I received was not correctly shaped (no way it could EVER be bolted on). It had NONE of the holes cut out for the openings, parking lights, or bolts, it had big cracks in it, and the edges looked like an old straw hat with loose strands hanging off.
They had charged me about $50.00 for shipping (cost them about $10.00). After fighting with them for 2 weeks they said that I could return it if I agreed to pay a restocking fee, the original shipping charge, AND an additional shipping charge of the same amount to send it back!
I would have been out $80.00 just in shipping OVERCHARGES, let alone legitimate shipping charges! I trashed it. This is just the last of the problems that I had with them.
Do what you want, but they will never get any money from me again!

f-bodynut

03-15-2003, 08:29 AM

The bitterness of poor quality and service remain long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. Unfortunately most consumers these days shop on price alone and quality and service is an afterthought when something goes wrong. How much do you save when you have to buy something twice and deal with the aggravation? There is a name for those types of consumers, WAL-MART SHOPPERS!

shark landis

03-17-2003, 06:57 PM

The "buyer beware" rule definitely applies, but some parts obviously come from the same supplies or are of equal or better quality. My gas tanks came with the necks intact, welded and plated. My radiators were "Be Cool" brand..top notch. My backing plates looked identical to ones that I had paid nearly double for in another catalog. No excuse for that, in my book. Small pieces and detail parts...ditto. I still can't understand why I only hear complaints here, as I deal with GTO enthusiasts on a National level and could understand if I randomly heard other complaints. As I said, I have one more large order to do here shortly, a couple of more gas tanks an two wire harnesses, which the last ones were drop-shipped from M&H, the best in the business from my experience. I would buy direct from them as I have in the past, but all things considered, shipping and discount points, it was cheaper through OPG. I trust folks 'till they give me a reason not to. I'll keep you posted. Ron.

buzzojoe

03-18-2003, 04:46 AM

SO they might sell a few of the same parts for less.
But their packaging is CRAP, their customer service is non-existant, and their website is worthless and basically non-working. In my experiences with them I got the same $30.00 part for $3.00 less than at PY. But they sent the wrong color part and didn't package it correctly. It got destroyed in shipping and they never took care of it. So I didn't save $3.00, I LOST $27.00!
If you love them so much you should be using THEIR forum, not the one here supported by PY.
Oh, wait a minute OPG doesn't HAVE a forum, do they?!?! That would cost money and then they would probably have to raise their prices...

shark landis

03-18-2003, 05:12 AM

I was on THIS forum because they asked for honest input, which I gave. I didn't realize that it had to be one-sided as well as close minded, or small minded , whichever fits your application. I found that you can only bash the folks that are not popular on this site, but I didn't realize that nothing good was to be said about anyone but Chris. Again, if OPG is so bad, they won't be around for long. Meanwhile, I'll take full advantage of their lower prices and free shipping on parts that apply. As I also stated, I support all vendors in this hobby, unless you are one, then it would be all but one. Are you "officially" throwing me off the site? Sounded pretty belligerent, there "buzzy". If PY is your life and better than everyone else is to you , why do you even concern yourself with any other vendors, especially OPG? As for your snide remarks, you probably shouldn't go into a battle of wits unarmed. Really profound stuff, there. Ron.

shark landis

03-18-2003, 05:12 AM

ScottN

03-18-2003, 06:12 PM

I have to agree with Ron.
The administrators asked for "good or bad" experiences. Ron was just stating he has had good luck with OPG. There's no need to bash him for it.

I myself have never dealt with OPG but I have bought parts from PY, Ames, Year One and several smaller guys. Spreading the wealth keeps the hobby going. I have met Chris Casperson and Steve Ames and they are both good people who have done a lot for our hobby.

One other thing...
I don't understand why every thread has to turn into a pissing contest. http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

just my .02

buzzojoe

03-18-2003, 06:43 PM

I agree that I was a little too strong in my statements. I REALLY just don't want anyone else to get ripped off by OPG like I did!
I'm not talking about a $10.00 part that wasn't perfect.
And being a business owner myself, I have a negative reaction to any situation where people don't realize the value of things beyond saving a few bucks.
There is a guy in my area who sells new, name brand power tools out of his garage. I don't know how or where he gets them, but people buy them and then complain that places like Home Depot are ripping people off by charging more then this guy selling them out of his garage. They don't appreciate the costs involved with keeping a store open, and they still expect Home Depot to be there if they have a warranty issue or need a spare part for these tools at 8:00AM on Sunday morning.
I'm just glad that not everyone looks for strictly the cheapest price, because there are a LOT of people in this world who are willing to work just as hard as me every day for a lot less money.

shark landis

03-18-2003, 08:58 PM

I can relate on that aspect as well, as I work for a national performance parts house and constantly get people wanting to price-match some website trying to sell them a blower or something for a few bucks less. I pose the same questions to them. "What if it breaks?" I've got another one here on the shelf to send out as a replacement. Odds are, they wouldn't even be able to contact the seller. And as for giving my credit card # to someone of already questionable credentials, as in "Where did the parts come from?", forget it. We've caught people filling our dumpster with new parts, then arranging with the trash guy to dump it at a predetermined location for later pick-up, so nothing surprises me. I'm not defending anyone, merely stating my own observations. I'm very unforgiving myself when someone burns me, and it does happen. I usually am pretty civil about giving ample opportunity for redemption, but once I see no effort on their part, I get hostile. I guess I'm from the old school where you treated others as you would want to be treated. Now, things are a little more "cut-throat" you might say. There's room for everyone, as the automobile related hobby is like no other. We sell nothing at Jeg's that anyone absolutely needs, yet my phone rings for eight hours straight, every day! I'm sure it's the same at Summit, as I can't even get thru to price-match. Treating folks right almost guarantees your success, and I can't imagine a business doing otherwise and staying alive. Competition should keep everyone honest. I guess we'll see. Ron.

gto_guy

03-19-2003, 10:03 AM

I ordered a set of sunvisor supports from them.Just to try them out because I had never ordered from them before.I put them on and they wouldn`t even hold the sunvisor in the up position.I really tightened down on the screws and got one of them to hold just barely and the other one broke from me tightening it down.I called and they said they would send me another and I could just throw the old one away.Same thing it wouldn`t hold.I ended up having to wrap the end with tape and then putting it in the support and it still doesn`t hold like the factory ones.It just barely stays up.I won`t buy anything else from them.

www.cardomain.com/id/gto_guy (http://www.cardomain.com/id/gto_guy)

carbking

03-19-2003, 10:17 AM

Two order attempts:

First - part mis-advertised and returned. Refund issued after 3 telephone calls, but slowly. Shipping was not refunded.
Second - part on permanent??? backorder. After 3 months I canceled.

Both attempts several years ago. Have not attempted any orders since.

Jon.

Good carburetion is fuelish hot air.

beerwolf66tc

03-19-2003, 12:59 PM

About three years ago, I ordered a dash pad, armrest pads & bases, and a ignition lock bezel removal tool from OPG.

1)the dash pad had no provisions for the retaining clips and did'nt fit well.

2)the armrest pads were made of plastic rather than the original vinyl and padding, and did'nt fit well.

3)the bezel tool was the incorrect type and would not line up against the notches in the bezel.

4)I found the customer service to be indifferent.

Needless to say, I do not order from them anymore.

Ditchsurfer

05-10-2003, 04:19 AM

I recently ordered outside door handles from OPG and recieved them two weeks later handles were excellent wrapped in styrofoam wrap inside a plastic sealed bag surrounded by lots of newspaper in a box that was taped. also after my neighbor spent over twenty dollars on window cranks from OPG, I found them at NAPA and Autozone for 5.99 for the black and clear handle

gtoman67

05-16-2003, 05:19 AM

as with the other posts from pontiac hobbyist who have had bad experiences I placed an order with opg when I first started my project about three years ago. approx 1000.00 to start they back-ordered about 90% then after about to months of waiting they started piece-mealing this stuff and nailing me for the shipping. I had good luck with Items such as wiring which comes from other manufacturers but was not happy with the trim items I have learned since then to deal with co,s such as PY and AMES I have never been dissapointed with any of their products and have alway,s been dealt with very profesionally not to mention I always get my parts fast.

shark landis

05-23-2003, 08:40 AM

I paid good money to PY for "Pontiac Rally II charcoal" paint, received Auto Zone Truck and Van paint, but paid at least twice as much. They all do that. I expressed my dissatisfaction to Chris and was told"that's as close as we can get." Seems a couple of years back, Bob's Pontiac parts had an exact match that came in their own cans. I took first palce at the GTOAA Nat's with that paint on the wheels. Wonder what happened to ol' Bob, anyway. My point is, there is a learning curve for all involed in this hobby. I don't believe for a minute that any one company presumes to flourish by intentionally ripping people off. The folks at OPG just handed over a check for two-grand to sponsor the drag races at this year's GTO Nat's, so just show up and you can get some of your money back, if you're quick enough!I still can't understand all of the negative experences relayed here and I have been lucky enough to have had nothing but good dealings with them. Believe me, that is not how my luck runs. Anyway, I belive that if you ask to speak to Colin Date at OPG, he would want to hear of your experinces, good or bad, as I can assure you that the folks running any busines will take your gripes much more seriously than any employee. If I have questions or concerns with Ames or PY, I have the common courtesy to confront Steve or Chris, and not just go to some public forum and bash them. I seem to get better results that way. But that's just me. Ron

Ccass

05-23-2003, 09:28 AM

Hey Ron, That Van & Truck paint was duplicolor and we haven't carried that in 12 years. Are you sure you purchased from us and not Ames. He carries that Duplicolor paint and swears by it. In fact, if I can find it, I'm going to start carrying it again. lmk.

---------------------------
Fool around, Get hurt, don't come crying to me.

shark landis

05-23-2003, 11:34 AM

Chris, you may be right, and I wasn't slamming anyone, just trying to make a point. In this hobby, you need to shop around. I have always had excellent service from both you and Steve and appreciate the fact that you both specialize in Pontiacs. That in and of itself speaks volumns. Sorry if I misspoke, but again, it wasn't a put-down. Ron

Ron

05-23-2003, 02:02 PM

A coupla of years back. Bobs Pontiac Parts has not been around for 10 years or so.

Regarding PY, Ames, etc and charging as you said twice as much for paint. Well if you knew where to purchase it in the first place you should have purchased it there, but you didn't. You paid for not only the paint but someone to research it, come up with the correct paint, and to keep it in stock. In the end you got a bargin.

OPG...no one has anything to say good about OPG except Shark Landis and he got $2,000 for a race from them. HUMMMMMMMMM!!! OPG is in my back yard, I tried them, will never do it again, would not recommend them to anyone, except Shark Landis.

Sounds fishy!!

Ron

http://pontiacdragdays.com/GTO4RON.jpg

[This message was edited by Ron on May 23, 2003 at 05:12 PM.]

Old Man Taylor

05-23-2003, 03:30 PM

OPG is also right in my back yard. I have also used them and I have also had trouble with them. I would not buy anything from it unless they were the only source for a specific part. When I had my El Camino, I also had trouble with those parts from OPG.

http://www.jimspontiac.homestead.com/Index.html

http://kurtsplates.homestead.com/files/jimplate.jpg

Ccass

05-23-2003, 08:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shark landis:
Chris, you may be right, and I wasn't slamming anyone, just trying to make a point. In this hobby, you need to shop around. I have always had excellent service from both you and Steve and appreciate the fact that you both specialize in Pontiacs. That in and of itself speaks volumns. Sorry if I misspoke, but again, it wasn't a put-down. Ron<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

no offense taken. It's just been a hot topic around the office and I'm gathering info and opinions. Sorry for the thread jack.

---------------------------
Fool around, Get hurt, don't come crying to me.

buzzojoe

05-24-2003, 02:20 AM

Hey "Shark"!
If you are in so tight with the OPG guys and think that they really are concerned about customer service and all, why don't you ask that Colin Date guy to call or email me?!?! My phone number is 269-684-6020, fax 269-684-6185. email is [email protected].
When the last deal with them went sour for me I called at LEAST 10 times trying to get in touch with someone in upper management who would at least talk to me. I was always told that no one was available but that they had my number and would call me. NEVER HAPPENED!
From my point of view, they are selling some real junk parts. Then when they get called out on it they either duck out completely on admitting that they have a problem, or create a situation where they make it so restrictive (costly) to return a part that the customer just gives up. In my case I bought a $169.00 front valance. It was JUNK. I mean completely unusable! I can send you pictures of it as proof! They charged me about $50.00 shipping when it cost them about $12.00 to ship it (it had the amount on the shipping company label). When I wanted to return it they wanted a 25% restocking fee, PLUS they wanted me to pay them the same amount for return shipping that I had to pay originally! It's still in the loft of my garage as a constant reminder NEVER to buy from them again, and also to make sure to tell everyone else to keep away from them also!! I would LOVE to talk to this Colin guy and work something out.

shark landis

05-24-2003, 06:25 PM

No need to send ME any pictures. I don't work for OPG, don't care who buys what where. I've had good luck with OPG and if I have a problem, I'm a big boy and I'll take care of it myself. I continue to support PY and Ames because they have been instrumental in the success of my past projects and I know I can count on their expertice, but I still shop around. I deal with crybabies every day at work. That is how m/o works.We pay shipping to you, you pay shipping back. If you come in the store and get the wrong part, we are NOT going to send a CAB to BRING YOUR DUMB ASS BACK! You get back to the store and we'll handle the problem. Legit problems get proper attention, but the only company I know of that pays shipping both ways is Year One, and I don't know how they do it. Also, if you think OPG donated 2k for ANYTHING I did or said, I appreciate your high opinion of my word, but also sympathize for your ignorance. Again, buy what you want, where you want. Don't shop around, cheat yourself. I can't tell you how much I don't care. I don' blame anyone for not giving their business to anyone that gave them a raw deal, but in my 18 yrs in this hobby, I've had tremendously good luck with most vendors. I know where to go for what I need. No need for me to bash anyone. Sorry about your luck and please excuse me for offering up the honest f/b that was originally requested. I guess I should have known better by now. My bad. Good luck to you. Ron Landis.

Ron

05-24-2003, 10:07 PM

Congratulations to you Landis. You are the NUMBER 2 reason why I DON'T do business with Jegs anymore.

Ron

http://pontiacdragdays.com/GTO4RON.jpg

buzzojoe

05-25-2003, 10:50 AM

Ok, Landis.
Let me get this straight.
You say that this Colin guy that you know at OPG would be interested in knowing about any customer service problems. I tried at LEAST 10 times to call them. He was never available, but they promised that he would call me back which he never did. So I ask you to ask him to call me if he is really concerned about things, and you say that I'm a "crybaby" and
and not a "big boy" like you?
And on my deal I paid them $50.00 shipping TO ME when the actual shipping cost to them was only about $12.00!!!! And they would'nt let me ship it back to them myself. They said that they wanted to do a "call tag" to have it picked up and then charge me ANOTHER $50.00 for the return shipping!!!!
The part was COMPLETELY unusable!!!
It was a valance for a 68 GTO.
NONE of the openings were cut out. It was NOT trimmed or finished in any way! The edges looked like the brim of an old straw hat! It also had several big cracks in it.
I honestly think that it was a reject or an unfinished prototype or something.
I tried to work with them to get it returned, but it's pretty hard to work with a place when the people on the phone claim that they can't do anything more than charge the standard re-stocking fees and shipping fees if I want to return it, and after 10 calls I still couldn't get in touch with anyone who DID HAVE the power to do anything about the problem!
I can't stop anyone from buying from them. I can only relate honestly my problems with them and hopefully prevent others from getting stung for hundreds of dollars!
If people want to buy from OPG after the warnings from myself and others, fine. But like my grandpa used to say, "It don't matter if you know what time the train is supposed to come, if you don't want to get hit by it, stay the hell off the tracks"!

shark landis

05-26-2003, 05:34 PM

The "crybabie" thing wasn't directed at you, just relating to people in general that won't try to resolve a matter on their own, regardless of where thre blame lies. I believe you have a legit claim and stated that I don't blame you for not doing business with them. I wouldn't either after what you say you've been put thru, and I do intended to aprise Colin of your issue. What he does or doesn't do is on him. As for the Jeg's comment, if I check our records, you probably didn't deal with us much anyway,if at all or you would know the advantages in doing so. Or are you the one who can't stand to wait while someone hunts for the part you think you need. Anyway, a ricer will probably take your place. And the beat goes on. Take care. Ron

buzzojoe

05-26-2003, 06:02 PM

I think that you are getting your people confused. I have never dealt with Jegs at all. No political statement there, I just have never have had a catalog to look through.
Do you own or work for Jegs?
I don't know who was slamming Jegs, and I'm not the impatient guy.
Please let me know what Colin says when you tell him about my bad deal.

shark landis

05-28-2003, 08:45 AM

The "Jeg's" reference was for Ron what's his name, always has something to add to other folks chats. Glad he doesn't use Jeg's, we've got plenty of those already and I can't help them. Takes too much time from good customers. Just assumed he was a buddy of yours. Anyway, my son is the one organizing the drags and I informed him of your issues. Please let me know if you get any response, good, bad or indifferent. If you want to e/m me, that's fine. I just don't watch this board much anymore. Just be grown up about it and see how Colin treats you. He expressed a genuine concern in improving his companies relations with the consumer, so I guess we'll see how sincere he really is. Thanx. Ron

'ol Pinion head

05-28-2003, 10:19 AM

Ron L,
If OPG was such an upstanding vendor why would they offer some vendor's POS fiberglass front valance in the 1st place? The piece is junk, & to even bend one person over over for such a piece, is a joke. I guess OPG being one of the few to offer this piece is considered a "service" http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Furthermore, for their company to whack a customer for more than double what is suitable for propper boxing & padding & UPS oversize shipping is just not right. BuzzoJoe has a reason to be pissed.

Event $$$$ sponsoring... A bunch of us could care less how much OPG or Y1 gives to some event, but I suppose that's the only way they can gain customers... Hell, I know I'd rather see the money being spent toward cranking out or sourcing some quality parts rather than to suck up to some car club. For many such quality concern reasons, I'll always spend my money with Casperson or Ames if I can't buy it for wholesale.

63 Pontiac

05-28-2003, 12:35 PM

Instead sponsoring an event how about refunding money for bogus parts?

shark landis

05-28-2003, 07:03 PM

Okay now its my turn! It seems every time my dad places a comment on this forum it is quickly followed by someone elses smart ass remark. Be the young age of soon to be 21, I find it funny to see such "adults" flaunt there ignorance in so many ways. About the fiberglass valance, being the GTO enthousiest that you all claim to be I would think with the use of a little common sense by youself would expect it to not directly bolt on a car. I will go as far as betting that no matter who makes a fiberglass part, some extra work is going to be needed to make it fit. For example when I purchased a fiberglass front end for my 64 GTO, from a well known manufacture, I spent nearly two weeks getting the fenders to fit properly. As for the guy who called OPG asking for "rugs" I believe I would have hung up. No GTO that I have been in has had a "rug" and I guarantee you won't find them in any restoration books. Being part of the the up comming GTO National Drags I have had my work cut out, as other club member have also. To begin Colon from OPG is not any relation, nor have we met face to face. But sense we are on the topic I will continue. As many of you don't know the reason behind OPG sponsorship. Out of room will continue on another reply, look below.

shark landis

05-28-2003, 07:14 PM

When our club was faced with a crises of gathering money for the GTO drags due to the withdraw of money from Jim Wangers I sat down one evening and began calling, after being declined by several corporations I lastly called original parts group who without hesitation offered to sponsor the GTO drags with a donation of $2,000. Jim Wangers has since been added to the list of sponsorships, but OPG is the main sponsor. I am not asking for a standing ovation, nor do I expect the formation of a fan club, but I do on the other hand think we should set aside our past faults with them and thank them for the support they gave us in time of need. It is companies like OPG who are going to keep the hobby alive for generaions to come. Hope to see you all at the 2003 GTO Nationals, maybe we can all have some fun and use the hobby for what it was intended to do.

buzzojoe

05-28-2003, 07:44 PM

I don't want to get into whatever wars you have with other people. I WILL, however take exception to your comments about my knowledge of fiberglass parts and GTO restoration. If you are 20 years old, I was putting fiberglass parts on cars 5 YEARS BEFORE YOU WERE BORN!
I know how fiberglass parts look and fit!
How can I get it through people's thick skulls that the part that I received is a complete REJECT? Now if you are telling me that a fiberglass valance isn't supposed to have ANY of the openings cut out or the edges finished, and is supposed to have big cracks in it along with areas where the matting is loose and uncovered, I guess that I could be wrong!
I really wish that I COULD go to the national drags so that I could put this junk valance on display with a big sign saying that it's the kind of quality part that can be expected from OPG!
Maybe I'll just get some posters or stickers made up and send them out to people!
Better yet I have some free webspace that I'm not using.
I can take some pictures of the valance this weekend and can make up a quick website about my experiences with OPG.
Bottom line is that all you and your dad do is make excuses for OPG, and tell everyone how concerned your imaginary friend Collin is about customer satisfaction. Well, my phone hasn't rang yet and I haven't received an email from him either. Yup, he's REALLY concerned!!!
And as far as your dad getting flamed every time he posts, you might want to READ what he posts and you would see why he gets the replies that he does! He posts stuff like " I don't want to slam Joe Blow, even if he is a complete idiot". Plus the fact that he posted a month or so ago that he wasn't going to post anymore on this forum. That lasted about 5 minutes! Not even long enough for the rest of us to stop clapping about it!
And finally, you might want to steal some of that OPG prize money and take some spelling and grammar lessons.

shark landis

05-28-2003, 08:08 PM

Like I said before, everybody has to be a smart ass,and to be honest yours is starting to smell. I wish you were able to make to the drags, because I would be curious to see what your car looks like, why did you purchase a fiberglass instead of the metal? OPG is in California and did't get a chance to call Colon, but I will do so tomarrow. And by the way if you have been installing fiberglass parts for 25 years, I would (using the common sense thing again) think you would have a reputable supplier by now, and would not have to deal with deal with companies such as OPG.

Ron

05-28-2003, 08:51 PM

Landis once again you are WRONG. Jim Wangers never, let me repeat it so you can clearly understand it, NEVER withdrew any money from the drag race. A obligation was made by Pontiac Enthusiast Magazine to provide money for the drag race. The NEW owners of the magazine made the decision not to honor that obligation. When Jim found out that Pontiac Enthusiast Magazine was not going to honor their obligation he entered into discussions to provide money to the drag race.

Landis, you really need to keep your nose out of things that do not concern you especially since you continue to have facts wrong. Along with that, I'm really tired of you continuing to bad mouth Jim Wangers that has contributed nothing but good to the Pontiac Hobby. Your family told you to keep your mouth shut but you just can't do it can you. You should heed your families advice, they are wise beyond their years.

Ron

http://pontiacdragdays.com/GTO4RON.jpg

buzzojoe

05-29-2003, 03:22 AM

If someone knows of a metal replacement valance panel for a 68 I would be THRILLED to buy one!
They make metal one's for 69's, but not for 68.
I have to admit that I got stung by OPG because I was trying to be a cheapskate.
I was ready to order one from PY for $250.00 when I got a postcard in the mail from OPG showing them on sale for $169.00! I was concerned because of other problems that I had with OPG, so I called Chris at PY and asked if they could lower their price at all. CHris said that he couldn't, so I bought the one from OPG. I figured it couldn't be THAT much different than the one's sold by Ames and PY or they couldn't sell it, right? WRONG!!! Let's face it, we are in a hobby where you can pay $400.00 for a set of 18 inch long, stainless door edge guards that would cost $10.00 if they were for a current production car. The fact that I "blew" $169.00 on this dumpster bait valance isn't going to break me. The reason that I don't get over it was the incredibly bad way that it was handled by OPG when I tried to get some resolution to the problem! I'd LOVE to get my money back from them so that I could buy a decent valance from PY or Ames. I ended up repairing my original one as best I could, but it's still not very good.
And as far as seeing a pic of my car, it's not done yet. If you want a picture of it sitting in my garage in pieces, let me know. And from my point of view, I don't see what a picture of someone's car could possible have to do with the fact that they were treated poorly by a supplier?

shark landis

05-29-2003, 05:17 AM

This one is for GTO Ron, Speaking of minding your own business. I recieved a phone call by the chairmen of the show stating that we needed a new sponsor for the GTO drags, after he spoke with Dave Anderson, I do not believe I "bashed" anyone, I meerly stated the facts. I do believe I know what talking about since I have been on the front line of this event since it was in the planning stages. As for liking Jim Wangers, I do not, but I do what have to, to help provide the best GTO nationals we can. I would be curious to know how you know so much about what actually happened, when I never rember you being part of the two hour long phone converstations trying to sort this mess out.
KEVIN

Ron

05-29-2003, 07:37 AM

Kevin/Ron..how many names do you have??

Fact is...Pontiac Enthusiast Magazine, under new owners, decided not to honor THEIR obilgation to the race. Jim had nothing to do with that decision..NOTHING. Kevin/Ron or whatever name you are using today, stated that Jim Wangers withdrew his money. He did not do that. That is a fact. Get the story correct and don't blast Jim for something he did not do.

Ron

http://pontiacdragdays.com/GTO4RON.jpg

David Holmberg

05-29-2003, 08:07 AM

Sounds to me that the Race Organization jumped the gun a little. I can understand that, after hearing that the New Owners of PE had declined to support the event.

However, It was Jim Wangers that made the Original offer and He should have been contacted. As I've never seen Mr. Wangers back away from a obligation.
Out of respect to Mr. Wangers he should have been contacted before jumping the gun.

As far as Ron's insight and thoughts on this matter, I'm sure he's 100% correct.

But I do understand the Events staff jumping to find another sponsor when they had thought they lost one.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/images/smilies/peelout.gif

Ron

05-29-2003, 08:40 AM

Kevin/Ron...here is where I'm coming from

It was stated that Jim withdrew funding, and that left the race in a bind. No qualifying statement as to why, only that the funding was withdrawn, like the money was taken away for some sinister reason.

Now this is like someone saying to you, Hey Landis, have you stopped beating your wife yet, and saying it in public. Later it is revealed that yes, you are beating your wife......at golf. After the fact, the whole story is known, but your reputation is tarnished.

See the difference. I probably should have made my thoughts a little clearer earlier on.

Ron

http://pontiacdragdays.com/GTO4RON.jpg

[This message was edited by Ron on May 29, 2003 at 12:00 PM.]

shark landis

05-29-2003, 11:51 AM

I'm Ron,my son "Shark", is Kevin .I'm the one with the big mouth that stated that I would stay off this forum. Kevin needs to keep a finger on the pulse of things as he is VP of the host club for this years Nat's. Jim Wangers did offer money, but requested most of it back to pay for hotel rooms for himself and Mr. Anderson, plus $500.00 he demanded to speak to his "fans". For that money you also get the opportinity to buy his book. I know, none of my concern, except that it is my dues being used to pay him and I've heard his presentation. Not worth the five beans to me. Hope that clears some things up, and now I will leave you to yourselves, as I promised earlier. Need to work on my spelling and such in case I run into another genius such as yourself, I'll not look so foolish. I wasn't told there would be a test on this. Ron

Brian Baker

05-29-2003, 01:23 PM

Please help me figure this out:

Person "A" (Jim Wangers) makes a financial obligation to sponsor an event through the magazine that he owns. Person "A" later sells magazine to person(s) "B". Person(s) "B" decide not to fulfill this obligation. How is this the fault of person "A"?

Additionally, how is it that Landis is able to share his logon with his son? Shouldn't sonny have his own logon? Isn't this a violation of board rules?

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/files/bbaker.jpg