Guys, We have talked it over here, and there has been very few complaints concerning any of the parts we have made for you guys. This 70 grill painting issue really troubles us. We did do the research on the paint, but the info was conflicting. Our main point of concern was the eggshell color, and in getting some pictures on that, one of the Pictures that JW sent us was shadowed in such a fashion that it appeared the bottom of the grill was black.. We trusted that picture and source for info, and actually had the grill painting changed at the last minute. Unfortunatly, that was just a shading issue, that was not clear. We have a number of NOS grills here, but the painting on them is "operator's choice" so we searched for info on the original ones. JW actually sent us the correct picture, but the shading of the camera led us to believe and have something done that was incorrect. We checked with him again, simply asking "that was how they were painted?".. he said yes, not knowing that we thought the bottom was black.. Once the issue came to light, we got back in contact with JW, and we figured out what had happened.. and JW graciously stepped up to repaint the grills that were already shipped. We supplied him with the paint to do it. Since TSP and TPP have an ongoing working relationship to get these parts done, it's not uncommon for the "info vendor" to correct little issues like this paint. We have no doubt in JW's ability to repaint these few incorrectly painted grills to a quality level equal to that of the correctly painted ones that we have in stock now. For those of you who had some issue with this, we offered to send a UPS call tag for return shipment to us, and to refund the entire purchase price of the grill. At that time, you would be able to buy a correctly painted one for the regular price,($499) or go buy the GSCA one (after painting and studs ($650??). This was our solution to that issue. In a project like this, the costs for us to take them all back, ship them back to the vendor, and replace them would have been substantial, and would have taken a big bite out the the "Buick budget" for development of new reproduction parts. I would say that you many not have seen the 70 455 Fan shroud that we are in the final stages of doing for maybe another year. Would have pushed rear outer wheel houses off longer yet.. All these things were factors in the discussion that went on, and reasons why we gladly accepted JW's offer to fix the small issue we had with paint. Yes, those of you who got that $399 grill will have to spend about $25 to ship it to Jim.. we shipped the grills according to the order in which the customer's placed the orders with us, and part of that order was filled, with the incorrectly painted grills. After the issue was uncovered, we did in fact incure substantial costs to repaint a whole bunch that were still at the manufacturer, to be able to complete that order with the correctly painted ones. The bigger issue for us right now is simple. If this is the way that the Buick community treats it's vendors, with all these negative posts, it's no wonder that you guys can't get stuff made. A small mistake was made, and we find it incredible that we see all these harsh posts in relation to what is a very minor inconvience for a few folks. We are currently reviewing our projected plans for the Buick community, in relation to new parts development, and while there are many parts on that list, we may very well simply let that market go to other venders. Unfortunately, knowing the business like we do, we don't believe there is any other vendor out there with the capital and resources and desire to do these small market segment parts. This will leave you guys high and dry again. The Fan shroud may be our last part for the Buicks. Business is business, but we are human too, and simply won't sit by here and let some of you rip us apart for making minor mistakes. We will just continue to reproduce hard to find stuff for the other GM A bodies, there are many, many larger markets to invest the capital in. We made the Buick parts we have so far, because we like the Buicks, but if this is the way it goes in this market, we would just as soon not be part of it.
Shane- We all applaude your efforts and we are thankful that you guys have stepped up to the plate. The majority of us VERY much appreciate what your doing for us. Dont let the few complainers get you down. Your never going to please everyone no matter what you do. Im sure this holds true for the GTO , 442, Chevelle guys as well. There's always a few squeakers inthe bunch. I cant believe that someone would actually complain about 25.00. Ive spent more on lunch. Its a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. Keep up the good work. I think I can speak for 99% of the community that we sincerely appreciate it. Im looking forward to seeing the 70 fan shrouds
Shane, I've found the internet to be a generally rude place to be. Some people feel insulated enough to write all sorts of inflamatory crap and think its there right to do so. Some just lack the social skills necessary to communicate effectively. At any rate, the written word is always harsh. Like driving your car there is one born every minute. :Comp: I don't have any interest in these parts but it sounds like an honest mistake was made and you did everything reasonable to try to correct it. Working hard on something that you thought would be appreciated and then being kicked for it, is a real blow. If its any consolation, there are good people out here who really need and sincerely appreciate the restoration parts. Ian
Hi Shane, every part I have seen produced by TPP for our cars has been first rate. One simple mistake and everyone freaks. I really don't see the big deal as its just paint. Repaint it guys!! Everyone wants perfection but they don't want to pay for it. Hell a few months ago these guys would be forced to pay 1000.00 for an old brittle piece of NOS plastic thats been scrubbing the inside of a box for 30+ years. And yes I put my money where my mouth is, 71 GS grille, engine harness, rear floorpan, all have been excellent. And decent prices too. The only issues I ever had were with generic parts you re-sell like the armrest pads. They were way off but you guys just sell them, you don't make them. Don't let it stop the progress.... Thanks Tim
11,000 members only a handfull of complaints. This board is approaching 11,000 members and there are only a handfull of complaints. Thanks again for the reproductions. I will again mention that TPP has a cowl screen for a 70GS/Skylark, I dont think most people realize that part is available... Try and not let the complaints get under your skin. Soon they will fade and the world once again will be a beautiful place. Bert
I just talked to The Parts Place on the phone (Shane??) He would not tell me his name? All I can say is he can stick the grill up his :moonu: for all I care. I will never by anything from the ever again. I will also spread all the bad business stories to everone I know. Great doing business. :af: A little compromise on his part would have helped instead of the attitude on the phone. Now I understand why other people have had problems with TPP before. There customer service is pitifull. Dustin
Pat, I will pay the cost to ship that grille to JW for repainting. It should be a simple matter, as long as you still have the original box/packing materials.
Shane - Please don't interpret the voices of two or three individuals as being representative of the Buick community as a whole. There will always be a couple of folks who you cannot satisfy for one reason or the other....no matter what solutions you would offer. TPP's supporters are a hundred fold the number of detractors. We appreciate all of the many parts you have made to this point, and the ones that you have on the drawing board for the future. Without TPP, we would not have access at all to many needed parts, or if they could be found used or NOS, we would still be paying ridiculously high prices. THANK YOU!!!!! :TU: Cole
Pat and Dustin: I didn't talk to you on the phone, but I heard... Here is the tracking number for the call tag for your grille: 1Z08186X2654591402 Please have your grille back in the box UPS will be by to pick it up in the next couple of days. Once it is back here we will give you full credit including the shipping. Sorry you are not happy with your grille, some people you just can't please, I guess. Good luck finding parts!
You are way too slow!!! I already have........ Hey did everyone check your tie down straps to make sure they are good??
Pat and Dustin: You are both important members here. I want to propose an alternative to the current situation. To make you guys whole and to resolve the issue I will pay the $25 each for both of you to send your grilles to Tri Shield for a partial repaint which I understand is all the capital outlay that is required to make the round trip. I say this in all seriousness as I hope we can put this glitch behind us and move on down the line.
Anybody want to contribute to pay for shipping? Perhaps we can compromise. I would guess there are not a huge number of people that insist on not having to pay for shipping. If we start a fund and gather contributions to pay for the shipping to get the grilles painted for the folks that are upset would that solve the problem? I will put up $20.00 in the name of peace and reproductions. If any of you folks think this will work, speak up. Who all wants to get the shipping paid for (both ways) speak up also maybe we can gather enough money to throw at this situation and solve this dilemma. Heck it would be worth $20.00 to me to get TPP to keep reproducing stuff. Peace! Bert
Hey I remember this picture, thanks for the confusion, maybe next time you clean it up before you help us out by posting the picture... very professional... Thanks Again :TU:
Great minds think alike... Jim I was drafting my brainstorm idea, and then when I posted it you had beat me to the punch with a similar proposal. Good Work. Bert
facts.. Here is what were talking about here folks.. From Pat's address to the shop here, UPS ground, insured for $500. 17.99 I pay the return shipping. I pay the labor to repaint. I must be missing something here... this makes no sense.. No one could possibly make this much fuss over $18.. ou:
To Everyone, If they would have made this correct to begin with! Everyone AND I MEAN EVERYONE would have been happy. Us select few that are getting hosed by this will band together. Whom ever is mad at me for making this a big issue. Put yourself in my shoes. Blame me for not getting wheelhouses, fan shrouds etc.. If you do so be it.. Everyone that offered shipping! The PROBLEM IS NOT THE SHIPPING. If they would have exchanged them with correctly painted ones all would have been solved. Why is this so hard for a select few? If us problem people a so few why not exchange them. Why do I have to pay 100$ more for TPP's mistake. Futhermore, people payed 399$ like me and are getting correctly painted ones. Is that fair? TPP are you a Member of the Better Business Bureau? Just curious? Dustin
Pat and Dustin, I'm not sure I understand. Let me get this right, You want your grille exchanged for a new one correctly painted? It doesn't matter if your's would be repainted at no charge. Have I got it right? Or is there more to it?
Mike.. please.. And while we are comparing vendors that sell on this site.. TPP is in fact a Premier contributor to V8 Buick. com, for 05 and 06. I must have missed your paypal, since for sure a classy guy like yourself wouldn't just use this website to sell his wares, and then not kick a little back for it's upkeep. Or would you o No:
