So Merlin...
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: So Merlin... (Aaron-74)
You know what the sad part is? Unlike many of my friends, the problem isn't cash. I simply can't get the engine shop to bust a move. I'm getting really frustrated. If I don't see something tangible in the next week or two, I'm looking for another shop. They are having some squabbles with the city about their parking lot space, but I just don't care. I want the frigging car done...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,563
Likes: 2
Re: So Merlin... (Merlin522)
What a pis*s*off!
I know the feeling---like they're doing you a FAVOR to take your money!
Wait six months from now; all these shops will be BEGGING for work, if they shut the oil spigot off in the mid-east. I've seen it happen before.
:yesnod: :yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod: :yesnod:
I know the feeling---like they're doing you a FAVOR to take your money!
Wait six months from now; all these shops will be BEGGING for work, if they shut the oil spigot off in the mid-east. I've seen it happen before.
:yesnod: :yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod: :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 3
From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: So Merlin... (Merlin522)
I've had that problem but to a less extent than you. The machine shop that was doing the work for my 383 originally said 1 month, then two months later it was two weeks, then 3 weeks later it was 1 week. I found myself "dropping by" the shop EVERY FREAK'N DAY, until it was finally done. Grand total...4 months for work that was supposed to be completed in 1. :mad
The problem is, it is a very delicate situation because you don't want to tick 'em off and get quick shoddy work. So even though I was really peaved, I always had to act like I was just a buddy dropping by to see how things were going, never "rushing" them, but just expressing an interest in when it would be done.
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 8:16 AM 11/14/2001]
The problem is, it is a very delicate situation because you don't want to tick 'em off and get quick shoddy work. So even though I was really peaved, I always had to act like I was just a buddy dropping by to see how things were going, never "rushing" them, but just expressing an interest in when it would be done.
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 8:16 AM 11/14/2001]
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Denville NJ
Re: So Merlin... (79MakoL82)
79mako, I have that EXACT situation with mine. I'm supposed to get it back today (again.. supposed... i was supposed to get it back on sat, and friday)
If its not done today i'm going to be so unbelievably pissed... I give him so much business... I'm actually swapping cars when this is done... They're putting on some performance crap for my ricer when I get the vette back... talk about cash flow...
Meanwhile, i'm going poor putting his kids through college and he can't push my car ahead of joe blow's honda when my car has been sitting there 2 months... (some of which wasn't his fault, but still)
If its not done today i'm going to be so unbelievably pissed... I give him so much business... I'm actually swapping cars when this is done... They're putting on some performance crap for my ricer when I get the vette back... talk about cash flow...
Meanwhile, i'm going poor putting his kids through college and he can't push my car ahead of joe blow's honda when my car has been sitting there 2 months... (some of which wasn't his fault, but still)
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
Likes: 3
From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: So Merlin... (79MakoL82)
I've had that problem but to a less extent than you. The machine shop that was doing the work for my 383 originally said 1 month, then two months later it was two weeks, then 3 weeks later it was 1 week. I found myself "dropping by" the shop EVERY FREAK'N DAY, until it was finally done. Grand total...4 months for work that was supposed to be completed in 1. :mad
The problem is, it is a very delicate situation because you don't want to tick 'em off and get quick shoddy work. So even though I was really peaved, I always had to act like I was just a buddy dropping by to see how things were going, never "rushing" them, but just expressing an interest in when it would be done.
The problem is, it is a very delicate situation because you don't want to tick 'em off and get quick shoddy work. So even though I was really peaved, I always had to act like I was just a buddy dropping by to see how things were going, never "rushing" them, but just expressing an interest in when it would be done.
If I had not waited for parts to be powder coated, or waged a battle with a carb, mine could have been done in about 1 1/2 days. It ended up taking 1 week, with 4 days waiting for parts to get coated.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against getting a motor built. I just dont like it when things draw out over several months.
And what Merlin is doing doesn't qualify for a swap. He is building and entire new breed of car from scratch and cash.
Good luck Merlin -- can't wait to see it running.
[Modified by BSeery, 6:49 PM 11/14/2001]
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Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: So Merlin... (Merlin522)
Merlin-Bring it over this afternoon and I will finish it up. :D :D Oh yea, thats 1500 miles, you better pack a lunch. Seriously, I've got a neighbor that has had his Tornio GT in the paint shop for almost a year. The motors just sittting there waiting to go in, etc. His logic behind the madness is that the guy is doing a great job and would hate to not give him the benefit of the doubt. ONE YEAR .......
You are probably stuggling with the same issue. He's done a great job so far, maybe one more month want hurt, logic. Give him a week and move on. Not that you asked for advise. :D
You are probably stuggling with the same issue. He's done a great job so far, maybe one more month want hurt, logic. Give him a week and move on. Not that you asked for advise. :D
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: So Merlin... (Merlin522)
Steve:
But Steve, it would take about 3 ZZ502 crate engines to equal the power that your engine will be putting out! :eek: You know what they say, "patience is a virtue". I would talk to your machine shop and give them a swift kick in the **** to get them hustling though. :) Hang in there Steve!
[Modified by bence13_33, 11:33 AM 11/17/2001]
BSeery - Honestly, if I had it to do again I probably would have just gone with the crate. I'd be out there driving now...
[Modified by bence13_33, 11:33 AM 11/17/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: So Merlin... (bence13_33)
Thanks guys. I spoke with Chris yesterday & told him that we need to get going. It's a fine line between being firm & being an butt. I know Chris will do it right & although things aren't progressing like I want, I know it will be done right the first time. Part of the delay isn't Chris's fault. Whipple supposedly did a mock-up using Zoop's parts & apparently the system didn't work right. Zoops is now using 2 idler arms instead of the one that they gave me. What a nightmare...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 0
Re: So Merlin... (Larry82)
Well Larry, My Vette's in the frame shop. I've got sandblasted A-Arms with VB poly bushings(bought the kit for the WHOLE car) for them to put in. There cutting out the whole front cross-member and pretty much welding in a new peice. So, Now I'll handle like a Vette should handle. And I am talking to my mom about getting a CompCams XE-262-H cam, Hedman Ceramic Headers, and DynoMax Race Magnum Bullet mufflers with 3 inch pipes for my car for X-mas. I've already got Crane Cams 1.56:1 roller rockers opening the valves. I've gotten an Edelbrock Performer Intake, and Edelbrock 600CFM Performer Carb. I've painted my engine bay, new radiator and water pump. New radiator suport. Eveything is new in my distributor. New accel plugs but i need new wires. Hopefully, IF I get the cam and all that for X-mas, I should be turning about 320HP and 395lbs-ft. I know that's not ANYTHING compared to Merlin. But hey, you have to start some where. After a while I'm going to invest in some TFS 23 heads and 1.6:1 blue anodized magnum roller rockers. And maybe a bigger cam with a 3.75 stroke crank with a 0.030 overbore.
