Ken's Speed & Machine Shop, Inc.

[DiscoPonch]

Okay, I already know that I am going to get "least popular guy" award for posting a gripe about Pontiac Dude.

This isn't a big burn or a deal gone bad, it's an all-out complaint.

On May 10, I was swinging a Pontiac engine from my picker and was ready to mount up the transmission. I found that I needed a flywheel hub spacer so I jumped online and looked around. All links pointed to PONTIAC DUDE. In fact, threads regarding hub spacers (Wanted: Will pay $20 for hub spacer....) have Pontiac Dude chiming in that he has them ( P/N KSM-35789 ) on the shelf and ready to ship. His page confirmed (and still confirms) ITEM IN STOCK.

I know I can have one lathed out locally for what he was asking, but I'd rather see my money go where there's heart. Even though the part was in Florida and I'm all the way in the other corner in Washington State, I optimistically figured the most I'd be out is a few days' shipping. By late evening May 10, I paid and was hoping the spacer would hit transit the following day.

On May 12, I was notified by USPS that a Ship Label had been created with a tracking number and that I should expect an update soon.

Knowing shipping, I understand the difference between creating a shipment and shipping one. Somewhat displeased, I figured at best I had a label with my name on it that may not ship until May 13.

Then I waited.

And waited.

I kept checking the tracking number for an update.

May 19 my item was finally accepted for shipment.

Unless USPS moves in an unlikely-swift manner and my spacer arrives on Saturday May 21, then I will not receive it until Monday, May 23.

This is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable.

On May 12, I was led to believe that a shipment had been created with the intention to ship it. There was no further communication.

As it sits, I have an engine that is still hanging and will be hanging through another weekend.

I should have thrown a buddy a case of Schlitz and been done with this over a week ago.

I have no reason to be satisfied over waiting 8 days for someone find time to tool up an over-sized washer. I don't expect to be first in line for $30, but there is no excuse for not notifying me if the item was not in stock or not ready to ship.

Most likely I will end up having one made locally tomorrow, or if necessary just pick up the correct flywheel. Then whenever Pontiac Dude finally decides to deliver, I'll have something to put on my wall to remind me of him.

I'll be more than happy to update this post and eat every word of it if something good comes out of this. More than happy.

Otherwise, it's here for anyone else who decides to search the internet for a Pontiac flywheel spacer ring.

[DiscoPonch]

As promised, I would like to update this post to reflect the outcome.

While my source options were very limited for finding this ring, my biggest concern was timeliness--which is something that I understand can be beyond control at times. Considering the fact that I blew up a post without first contacting them, I would like to both apologize to and thank those who took the time to iron this out.

Within 24 hours of this post, I was contacted by KSMS with a complete refund for the purchase.

Furthermore, the part did arrive and the fit is of incredible quality. I would recommend this ring to anyone looking to solve their flywheel/crankshaft mounting dilemma. I would also not hesitate to return to KSMS for future purchases. Even simple parts like this can't be stamped out overseas without some gut expectation of mechanical failure, and I think it is important to thank and acknowledge Ken's Speed & Machine Shop for taking the time and energy to provide low-to-non-profit services like this.

It certainly doesn't help the cause when people are ungrateful, and for that reason I have sent a check back to KSMS by USPS to pay for the part, as it is of practical and valued use to me.

Thank you for taking the time to make sure even the smallest details are satisfactory and thank you for the service you provide,

Rob