I have ordered from Ecklers for years; always with prompt service and good parts.

Not this time!

I ordered what was supposed to be a "ACDelco" condenser and it turned out to be the exact same as one of those junky chin ones they sell on ebay.

Here is what the ad in the Ecklers catalog says. You will note that only the one for the 1968 is indicated as 'reproduction' I have a 1977; so the condenser they sent to me should have been an ACDelco part as stated in their ad.



And, here was what I got. It was damaged in shipment, so the paint on the coils was scrapped off revealing the inferior copper tubing--otherwise I may not have noticed:



Here is an image from a reproduction condenser found on ebay:



Now here is what Ecklers sent me; you will note it is identical to the ebay (reproduction!) condenser right down to the labeling:



Just for FYI, here is what the original (a real) ACDelco condenser looks like--this is my old one. You will note the solid aluminum tubing and sturdy construction--I surely don't see any flimsy copper tubing. This is ACDelco. I'm not replacing it because it's leaking, I'm replacing it because the fins got real beat up over the last 30 years.





This item was part of a $600+ order. I had also planned on giving them a $750+ order this Monday. But, I think I will wait and see how they respond to me about this matter. I will admit it looks pretty grim for Ecklers and me.


UPDATE: Ecklers sent me a new condenser and a return shipping label for the previous condenser coil.

The new one came in an ACDELCO box and was marked ACDELCO.

It is the same exact condenser coil however.

What I believe happened is that they sent me a 'returned' coil the first time. One that had been removed from it's orginal packaging--that's why it got damaged upon shipping--it wasn't nice and securely packaged like from the original manufacturer.

Anyhow, I will use this one--I wanna be finished and back on the road.

However, I can't help wondering what the difference between the 1968's "Reproduction" condenser vs. this ACDELCO (reproduction) condenser.

Oh well, Ecklers advertising was correct and they promptly took back the damaged unit and sent out the replacement.

They may be guilty of a lot of things, but in this case (and every other case I've dealt with them) they did ok by me.

 

It says AC DELCO right on the ad, directly under the photo.

Is there any other markings on it on where it was manufactured at?



kdf

 

This scares me because i just ordered a new evaporator and condensor from Ecklers

 

eklers Is Terrible !!!

and certainly not worthy of being capitalized, or bold !!

 

No markings of any kind except for the identical labeling as on the ebay reproduction condenser--no manufacturer is noted on it.

 

Get ready to send them back.

 

Check out their webpage. They CLEARLY state it's AC Delco

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1185

 

I can't wait to hear what they're gonna tell me tomorrow.

It's gonna be a whopper.

This sucks--I wanted to get the Vette done and back on the road by MLK weekend. Okay, I know I don't need the a/c right now, but I don't want to put the new core support in until the condenser is in.

 

Definately let us know what they tell you.

Thanks!

 

I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO TELL YA..........

...........THEY ARE GOING TO TELL YOU TO RETURN IT & CHARGE YOU FOR SHIPPING / EXTRA HANDLING BOTH WAYS, MAYBE A RESTOCKING FEE IF YOUR SO LUCKY & SMILE ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK !!

 

Ah, my mistake, but it looks just like the inferior copper condensor shown in the ebay pics and it states AC Delco. We'll see.

 

That's the reason I've never used Eckler's although I've been tempted to give them a try at on time or another. I have heard alot of negative reviews on them and that sends up a red flag to stay away from them and save myself a headache. I give most of my business to Zip, Corvette Central and the Last Detail and have been pretty happy with them so far.

 

You might be able to comb out the condenser fins like they do with home units. Hate to see you replace a functional original unit if it can be fixed up.

cc

 

hello all sorry to hear about that order. we just ordered a bunch of things from elcklers and had not any problems. i dont know maby its hit and miss

 

Take the original to a good radiator shop, they should be able to get the fins back in good working order.

tom...

 

I might just do that--thanks!

 

I too just ordered a lot of gear from them. My first time. I hope it turns out well.

 

I don't use Eckler's any more. They stuffed up the shipment twice and some of the parts were made in Taiwan when I specified US made only. Corvette Central, Dr Rebuild and Paragon Reproductions have been good to me. Probably Dr Rebuild have been the best in parts but Paragon in service.

Hello Ron,
I thought I gave you a prod on the suppliers.
Regards,
Chris

 

Here is what Ecklers said; I'm not sure I believe it or not. What's the common wisdom here say?

"...We buy this part directly from AC Delco.
AC Delco is constantly changing suppliers and manufactures and the parts in some cases are not always like they were originally, but this is it and all that is available.

Thank you
Tech Services..."

 

Great customer friendly reply - they did not offer to take it back ??? It's not as advertized and they should offer full refund and pay for shipping.