How come that kid from west coast isn't posting up a storm? I mean , when he sees any other thread to do with a V8 and one particular vendor we hear all sorts of things.
I guess a waterpump drive system in a fenderwell is a bad design ..but a Flywheel that has interference problems is Ok?
It's funny you see so many people with good ideas ..and west coast does have some nice stuff. They just need some pointers on how to run a business.
JM
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11:58 AM
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5559 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
Slammed just said what i was thinking. If you cant back your own products dont put down others. I have never considered purchasing from WCF because of rumors i heard about poor service. but when numerous people post on here about there problems with WCF i dont see why anyone would buy from them. Archie isnt the only one laughing...
Originally posted by Msaby: i was just about to order the poly trans mounts from wcf. oh boy now i am worried if i should. i may never get them or something. does any one know where i can get these mounts. thanks msaby
I ordered the mounts, asked if in stock and was told "Yup, on the shelf stock Item". I had a timeline I was trying to follow. 3 weeks later I got the mounts. I'm satisfied with the products I have received but the service is lacking at times.
I also used West Coast mounts on my car. I was pretty satisfied with the service i recieved. The mounts were a few weeks late but i was in no rush. I talked to Chris several times and he was more than willing to help me with my conversion. SO i still refer other customers to them but do warn them about the slow service. They do have some amazing products. And they are doin a great service keeping Fieros alive. And they are much cheaper than other Fiero companys.
Originally posted by Slammed Fiero: ..but a Flywheel that has interference problems...
Its not the flywheel that has the problem. Its the pressure plate.
I have talked with Chris West regarding this issue, and I am told that it will be worked on. I was also assured that all future customers will be made aware of the potential problem.
As for those who are waiting on action from Chris on outstanding issues, I suggest that you pick up the phone once again. He claims to be willing to work out the problems, we just need to keep on him so he follows through. We should have to do too much work on our part, but you must be willing to do what it takes.
Since we have some nice 3.8SC's on the forum. To those of you who built your cars , what wiring harness did you use?
(Wiring scares me)
I keep looking at every type of power plant available , and keep coming back to the 3.8SC. From what I have read it doesn't seem like too difficult a swap. (try putting a aluminum V8 in the back of a corvair and reverse the rotation of the engine..then we can talk difficult!
I didn't really mean to "bash" West coast , They have a lot of stuff I would personally buy. I was just trying to point out a few things.
With all the problems people are having with WCF I thought someone should point out an alternative for the 3800 conversions. I did mine with a ACE kit and everything went VERY smoothly and in a timely matter. Customer service was fantastic. Now for the downside. The kits are pretty pricey, but if you want it done with no hassles I guess thats the price you have to pay. I f you want a webpage address email, as I am not advertising for them, just letting everyone know that WCF isn't the only ones out there doing these conversions.
------------------ Purple 1988 GT NOS injected 3800 Series II V6 Best ET(75 shot)-13.21@102.13 mph w/o NOS 14.86@92.06mph
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11:43 PM
Oct 25th, 2001
Nashco Member
Posts: 4144 From: Portland, OR Registered: Dec 2000
Originally posted by Slammed Fiero: try putting a aluminum V8 in the back of a corvair and reverse the rotation of the engine..then we can talk difficult!
JM
What aluminum v8? I planned on using the 215 aluminum v8 in my VW, but opted out because I didn't want to ruin the motor..seemed to hard to come by/replace. I read that the reverse rotation can be a little tough to compensate for; did you use a kit from Kennedy Engineered Products, or the like? If you don't mind answering a few questions, I'd love to hear more offlist. PM me if you don't mind sharing...I always love to hear about new stuff Thanks!
Bryce 88 GT
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12:45 AM
BlackStang95 Member
Posts: 636 From: Virginia Beach, VA Registered: Oct 2001
Ok, this is my 2 cents, I'm new here, don't know much about west coast fiero or whatever's gone on here. But I know people wouldn't make up complaints about a company, particularly one of FEW (two?) companies that make the products they need. So their complaints are legitimate. You need to do what triad said to fix it. Another thing, I don't know what went on in the past with archie, but you need to know he is mr fiero, i dont even own one and i know he is the man, you will never be able to discredit him, and you will just destroy yourself in the process. Competition is good, and theres certainly room in the market place, but instead of bashing make your parts better or of a lower price. Another thing, you need to post here, post everything you do to satisfy these customers and you'll get your credibility back.
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02:25 AM
Msaby Member
Posts: 292 From: Allentown, PA 18104 Registered: Sep 2001
Originally posted by chester: I ordered the mounts, asked if in stock and was told "Yup, on the shelf stock Item". I had a timeline I was trying to follow. 3 weeks later I got the mounts. I'm satisfied with the products I have received but the service is lacking at times.
So what you are saying is just be willing to wait for the mounts.
Originally posted by Phil: I've had 2 McLeod clutches 1 rubbed and the other didn't. One thing about using the McLeod or Centerforce for that matter is that you sometimes have too much clutch throw from the Fiero setup.
I have been driving my car around trying to break in the clutch. I have determined that I too have too much throw. This was very apparent while trying to shift into 1st at the stop lights. I would sit with the clutch all the way on the floor amd in 1st, and the car would be rooling foward. I would slowly let out the clutch and I would stop. After letting the clutch out a little more, it would start to engage. I guess I will have to come up with a solution for this also.
As far as the breaking in goes, it slipped a lot at first. But after about 10-15 miles of stop sign to stop sign driving in the city one block at a time, a great improvement was noticed.
Jason
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10:43 PM
PFF
System Bot
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Why sure I would - I welded up a little U shaped hunk of steel and cable wraped it to the pedal support, now the push rod arm hits the stop. Or my other solution was to weld a nut to the pedal and screw in a bolt to hit the floor
[This message has been edited by Phil (edited 10-25-2001).]
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11:08 PM
Jan 17th, 2002
Eric_PA Member
Posts: 428 From: Hellertown, PA Registered: Jul 2000
Originally posted by Sleeper: sounds like a personal problem...or maybe you didn't read that their(WCF) more expensive clutches are not for daily drivers so of course they are gonna take a sh*t after three thousand miles of driving.
I was just reading the comments on the problems that people are having with WCF as a business owner my self I have to take the good with the bad,don't lie to your customerand your reputation is as good as yourlast f#@% up and Chris so much people can't be lying ,there is a problem some where in your organization so stop the BS and address the matter we are one big family and it takes a big man to admit I f @#%*+ up CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
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08:02 PM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
poblem he leaves me with the P.R. - And when I do what I think is necessary to restore a relationship with a customer it isn't always what he would do and often times I get chewed out.
This is getting old: Answering the phones while working on the cars while welding and fabricating the parts while taking care of the shipping while trying to salvage everything afetr a **** up.
I think I am gonna leave pops and head back to school, just tired of everything so ****ing tired
------------------ Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero www.cwestco.com 310-305-4111
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08:23 PM
STUK'N'80s Member
Posts: 342 From: Los Angeles, CA. USA Registered: Apr 2001
We at FIEROS WEST Fiero club support you and Chris's efforts 100% and you know that, so hang in there, and if anything cater to the fanatics out your way in California who have the logistic advantage to interact with you, on a more personal level. Shooot! you have helped me personally on several occasion's to get my ride to the level it's at. So try to help and assist those of us who understand what it takes to run such a business and have the patience as well. Trust me, you will have your hand's full with just local clientel.
i have to agree with both sides, if you make a mistake admit to it and take a kick in the a$$ however i find it harder and harder to find performance fiero parts and when people talk Sh!t about a product that doesnt work you guys think everything they do isnt worth crap. I have to understand that sometimes when you get busy you make mistakes, so i cant blame eric. My 2cents are give the guy a break J
------------------ 86 Black GT (95LT1 on the way)
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10:31 PM
Jan 18th, 2002
Bluemagic Member
Posts: 367 From: Miami,Fl.USA Registered: Feb 2001
Yo Eric and Chris check this out this is no time to quit or run away from this issue we all are not perfect Bill Clinton did not run away from his problem he stood fast and kicked the crap out of his accusers,American are a forgiving people and you will pass this one by don't be a woos just try to correct the glitch if it means designating some one to handle PR and sales.Catering just to your local clientel only limit your growth as a company in this day and age so even though this f#@+ is now clean the wound put a band aid on and hold your head high push your chest out start maching forward.
------------------ Keith 85 SE Fiero 4.9L Caddy 345hp
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09:30 AM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Chris West ( dad ) isn't running away - however I just want to leave all this Fiero stuff and go back to school. I have been dealing with all the crap for 2 years now. I've lost interest in the forum do to the trolls like Black Stang 95, and tired of answering emails about questions on products and pricing on our webpage when its right ****ing on the goddam page - it has gotten real old and real fast - going back to my Colorado K5 forum now, I'll drop in if I see anything that interests me
------------------ Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero www.cwestco.com 310-305-4111
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05:02 PM
PFF
System Bot
FieroGT87 Member
Posts: 3195 From: St. Louis, Mo, USA Registered: Jul 2001
WCF....all I can say is WOW. I'm a General Contractor in home construction..... and what I just read DOES NOT, I repeat DOES NOT gain you respect or new business. Very poor PR. We all F*** up once in a while. If you don't mess-up your not doing anything. But as a potential Client... you lost any business from me you might get. It's not from what other people said......it's how you handled it.
GT87 STL
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07:26 PM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Originally posted by FieroGT87: WCF....all I can say is WOW. I'm a General Contractor in home construction..... and what I just read DOES NOT, I repeat DOES NOT gain you respect or new business. Very poor PR. We all F*** up once in a while. If you don't mess-up your not doing anything. But as a potential Client... you lost any business from me you might get. It's not from what other people said......it's how you handled it.
GT87 STL
Please read this as me saying this from my perspective as a person, not as an employee of WCF. My reasons for wanting to leave is not related to buisness failure, my reasons are I my self, Eric Nelson, am just plain tired of everything
so like you say above, fine, don't want to buy our products fine - I'm not going to sit here and twist your arm to change your opinion. You have surmised what you think was the point of my repy, but obviously ( like all ) have taken it a different way.
Just tired of Fieros
Done.
------------------ Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero www.cwestco.com 310-305-4111
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07:46 PM
FIERO1985 Member
Posts: 801 From: Columbus Oh, USA Registered: Nov 2000
It is kind of sad to see fiero fab. companies get in argumnets so often. I have 50/50 feelings on this. I understand the stress of a buisness and even being an employee constantly answering. but that is your job. That is what pays the rent. I have only had one experience with WCF. I bought the flowmaster for my 85gt and the product was perfect and I think a 50$ hike in price for custom is not bad at all. Shipping and that BS was slow but they do good work in my opinion. I would like to see them continue to make new mods and put out high quality merch. I do know that every so often there is a flame towards WCF and they are defending there name because as Eric said PR is there buisiness. And the forum is home to alot of potential customers. I think putting these problems in open on the forum is wrong. but as a last resort in order to get **** right. YES post it. I would do the same. But over all I think WCF is trying hard but niether sides should vent frustration and anger. Especially WCF, I think they should look proffesional and just say hey, call us and we will settle this maturly, explain the progress and problem to the fiero forum and leave the thread.IMHO
My .02 cents Dan
------------------ 1985 GT V6 "LETS RACE"
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11:51 PM
Jan 19th, 2002
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
well - took a few more miligrams of Prozac and everythings cool now. I'm back in the game with a better attitude and ready to be of service
My first step of service and this is for all Fiero bretheren. Go to www.alldatopro.com - click on " I am a member "
username : cwest password : olive123
EDIT I have changed the password - if you want to use my account let me know and I will give you access
any and all technical information for any car imaginable from 1982 to this day. This is my account and want to share it with you guys as an appology for my ramblings - use the hell out of it guys
------------------ Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero www.cwestco.com 310-305-4111
[This message has been edited by West Coast Fiero (edited 01-19-2002).]
[This message has been edited by West Coast Fiero (edited 01-19-2002).]
hey wcf, just so you know the hyperlink isnt working its www.alldatapro.com and just so u know im glad your feeling better, go get a brewsky and kick you feet up and relax. Come down to san leandro and ill share a beer with you We'll talk about our chick stories,(no offense to all the very nice and beautiful female fiero owners) J
------------------ 86 Black GT (95LT1 on the way)
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01:54 AM
84fierotrevor Member
Posts: 4998 From: puyallup washington Registered: Oct 2001
shoot I really would like to go up to westcoastfiero with my fiero and have them do some work on it. But here is the thing. I have heard they did squoch a really really nice thing I guess they donated him a engine and had it towed over from where he lived and all! that's really amazing and I didn't even have a second thought not to go there. but then on the other hand I have heard quite a bit off bad stuff about them. I was also talking to another fiero enthusist I met (name withheld) I asked him if he had ever been to westcoast fiero and he said yes. so I asked what his opinion was on westcoast. He said they will take you what they can get you for and send you off. Now I really am debating on weather or not to go have them inspect my car. I went up there the other day before the barbaque. and they seemed like really really nice people. I didn't get to meet chris though. he was gone picking up his kid from school. now I don't know what to do
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03:11 AM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Originally posted by 84fierotrevor: shoot I really would like to go up to westcoastfiero with my fiero and have them do some work on it. But here is the thing. I have heard they did squoch a really really nice thing I guess they donated him a engine and had it towed over from where he lived and all! that's really amazing and I didn't even have a second thought not to go there. but then on the other hand I have heard quite a bit off bad stuff about them. I was also talking to another fiero enthusist I met (name withheld) I asked him if he had ever been to westcoast fiero and he said yes. so I asked what his opinion was on westcoast. He said they will take you what they can get you for and send you off. Now I really am debating on weather or not to go have them inspect my car. I went up there the other day before the barbaque. and they seemed like really really nice people. I didn't get to meet chris though. he was gone picking up his kid from school. now I don't know what to do
your choice, not going to twist your arm
------------------ Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero www.cwestco.com 310-305-4111
There is nothing in this world as stressful as the service industry.
Some people are just made for it, and others simply are not.
My advice, although I'm certain you could care less, is that you (and your potential customers) would both be better off if you found another line of work.
There will always be people who don't read the price on a webpage, there will always be 100Xs more inquiries than sales, there will always be people's BS to deal with. That's just life in the service industry.
You either thrive on "making it through" and helping people out, or you don't. Well, from what you've posted here (not just this thread)...you don't.
Not a flame, just trying to save a lot of people (including yourself) a lot of heartache later.
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12:24 PM
Jan 28th, 2002
Necromancer Member
Posts: 110 From: Beavercreek, OH, USA Registered: Sep 2000
Well, I've waded through 2 pages of this thread, but I am still left with some questions....
1) Is the clearance problem only with this particular clutch and the Getrag.
2) What are the other clutch options for the 3800/getrag swap. I hadnt really thought about it, I was planning to use the stock clutch setup when I do my swap.
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10:44 PM
Jan 29th, 2002
cadero2dmax Member
Posts: 1266 From: Brighton, CO Registered: Oct 2001
Just a quick note about the motor mounts. West Coast may be one of, if not THE only vendor with poly mounts.
But please check out this link for info about another type of mount - - http://www.8shark.com/ I e-mailed Gerald and asked if he could do motor mounts. I am sure he can, but will forward his response when I get it.
I have a theory. If a vendor's rep is criticized once, I think it is probably the customer. Multiple times, there must be something to their complaints. I just simply do not do business with that vendor.
There are alternates. For example,as several posts in this thread have indicated, WCF buys the clutch somewhere else, and a flywheel can be made (my Cadero is an example of a custom flywheel), etc.
Why would one want to torture themselves by trying to do business with a vendor with such a poor reputation? Maybe it is just the gambler in all of us.
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08:12 AM
PFF
System Bot
SteveJ Member
Posts: 805 From: Orchard Park, NY Registered: Feb 2001
Originally posted by SteveJ: Go back to page one of this thread about 1/2 way down.
that guy is a dork....i was there. he's blowing the story way out of portion. it didn't go down that way...i seen him posting the same b.s. on a yahoo club.
------------------
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08:56 PM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Mr. Rascoe, I am sorry but shipping is not refundable. Your shipping tags were paid for all ready when you called and cancelled your order.
quote
Originally posted by FastFieros:
Well, its time for me to inform the general Fiero community of a real Chris West problem in my opinion besides clutch clearence problems.
These facts are well documented I am about to state.
I called West Coast Fieros on September 9th. I ordered 3 poly mounts, one 3800SC flywheel and one clutch and pressure plate. I asked very specifically if these parts were on the shelf ready to ship. Chris indicated the clutch and pressure plate needed to be “picked up” as in he would drive across town and get the thing. I very specifically requested shipping as follows: Parts go out Tuesday ground shipping, Wednesday Blue label, Thursday ---- ????? Well lets say he insisted Thursday was not going to be a problem.
I waited until Thursday at 320pm my time (central) and called WCF. Chris answered. I ask 2 questions very specifically…… Did my parts ship…he said “no” ,,,, I then asked Do you have the parts…he said “no”. He then indicated but I have a voice mail light flashing and I bet it is the clutch guy telling me to come pick up the parts. Notice here he keeps saying he will pick up the parts….its important on this point.
Chris and I have some normal chat about flywheels since I had read about the .840 cut on F-Body flywheels. He them indicates that this is not enough for his pressure plates to clear the GETRAG trans. I asked what was he doing about this. He indicated that people would need to cut the transmission in the area of the problem, or cut the flywheel .030 and it would be a one time throw away use flywheel. OK, I thought…..how many of these are out there that people do not know about this problem.
Then I had my real problem with Chris. I canceled the other since 2 things. I asked him if I was charged for any of the items as of yet,,,,, he said “no”. I asked if the items would ship that day……he said “no”. I then canceled the order at 331pm Thursday. Now it gets interesting. Chris saids wait a minute. You hear this guy lean back in his chair and push the phone about a foot from his mouth and yell,,,,,, “Eric, you got any of those rasco parts back there??????????” you hear eric mumble something and Chris magically comes back to the phone and indicate these parts all the sudden appeared based on poor communication between him and eric. He then indicates “ball is in your court loyde, what you going to do?” I said I don’t play that game and canceled the order. Goodbye.
Well, that is pretty much the extent of that conversation that day. So guess what happens on 9/13 same day after the conversation. He bills my credit card for 899.21… See entry below:
09/13/2001 CHECKCARD 0912 WEST COAST FIERO MARINA DEL RACA 1000000190130275 $899.21-
Then on Saturday 9/14 he decides to credit my account back minus $28.21…
09/14/2001 CHECKCARD 0913 WEST COAST FIERO MARINA DEL RACA 1000000190130276 $871.00
So I wait until Tuesday 9/18 to find out the total transaction history and check my phone log online to see the time table: Here it is.
Monday 9/10 called and placed order 1015am central Thursday 9/13 called and canceled order that did not ship at 320pm central
Thursday 9/13 Chris bills me at 531pm central on my credit card. Friday 9/14 Chris credits the card minus the $28.21
I called 9/25……that heated conversation was like this.
I was billed for shipping of clutch parts and canceling the order that was never prepared nor packaged.
Now I told ole Chris of this timeline and he about choked on how to explain this other than he had some more poor communication with eric and others in the shop on billing. I told him I was not going broke over the 28.21 and he was not going to get rich over 28.21 but he sure didn’t need to bill me 2 hours after our conversation for 899.21 when all he needed to bill was 28.21 since no parts ever got packaged or shipped. He even indicated I would be getting my 28.21 back. You know what. Never did.
Now about this clutch clearance issue. In the mean time of all this money and shipping problem I got to know a guy in El Paso Texas that wanted to sell all his 3800 stuff which included the WCF framed flywheel and McLeod Clutch and disc set in 9 11/16th . I ask Jeff, did Chris West ever email or call about the clearance issue he found with his products. Jeff indicated Chris never attempted to inform him.
You just cant make long stories short in emails when it effects a whole community of a very tight knit group of people.
Please don’t slam Jason for this error in WCF’s not advising folks somehow of this problem. Chris managed to finally tell me on the phone when I indicated I would just take a 3800 manual Camaro flywheel and cut it to .840 .
I even told Chris the old Amway theory: I will tell 10 people and those 10 will tell 10 more and on the cycle went for Amway anyway. He said he could care less how many I told. Well, maybe 10 people will read this.
More people would speak up about Chris and other bad vendors if it did not effect there onlook from others. Look at all the California posts that are positive for WCF. Theres something wrong with this picture.
It’s a shame customer service and good will is not number one in every aspect of life.
Well, that’s my 28.21 on this subject. Guess I will be black balled now.
!! 
