[Z06] What do you think about this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As we clearly, politely informed you via email- all of our differential strut kits are manufactured to be a matched set to the other related components in the kit, therefore, they are a 1:1 match, part-for-part. We never have to produce "replacement" components because in 3 years of production, there is nothing to "break" since it's installation is passive function.
We cannot just simply break out a few strut rods of a perfectly good kit, as that kit would then become useless to us and it coule not be sold to anyone else... This is a simple concept to understand and certainly does not constitute poor customer service on our part in any capacity what-so-ever.
Had it been us that lost the parts somewhere along the line, than we would have certainly ate the entire cost of another kit to take care of you, as it would have been our fault in the first place. However, in this case, it isn't our fault that the parts were lost from the negligence of 2 other shops that worked on your car and in our opinion, you should seek finacial restitution from them for losing parts you already paid for once before. They should be the one's covering the cost of another kit that you need.
Regards,
DTE
We cannot just simply break out a few strut rods of a perfectly good kit, as that kit would then become useless to us and it coule not be sold to anyone else... This is a simple concept to understand and certainly does not constitute poor customer service on our part in any capacity what-so-ever.
Had it been us that lost the parts somewhere along the line, than we would have certainly ate the entire cost of another kit to take care of you, as it would have been our fault in the first place. However, in this case, it isn't our fault that the parts were lost from the negligence of 2 other shops that worked on your car and in our opinion, you should seek finacial restitution from them for losing parts you already paid for once before. They should be the one's covering the cost of another kit that you need.
Regards,
DTE
BTW, this is one of the reasons I don't prefer anybody else working on my car either, including doing an oil change.
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Many of you folks are simply basing your conclusions on incorrect assumptions here from lack of knowledge of how production runs of this type are completed. We find it really interesting how many of you folks who don't even have a dog in this fight have come on here and jumped on the band-wagon by attacking us for this, when we didn't even lose the parts to begin with... We've done nothing wrong here.
Why the original poster hasn't gone after/bashed the other 2 shops for restitution instead of getting upset at us is way beyond us and then you folks stoop even further to under that level and begin attacking us about the issue when you don't know all of the details of either side, but decide that your $.02 means something here anyway.... Again, we've done nothing wrong and if you folks want to bash soneone, ask the original poster who the 2 negligent shops are to go after them, as they are the folks in the wrong and they should pay for their mistakes- not DTE.
We're not copping an attitude, we've been professional in discussion to date, thus, your opinion is certainly your opinion, but you're incorrect.
Once again, you miss-understand how the production of these components take place and as stated already, we don't have parts just "lying around"....
When we produce a run of kits, each component of that kit is produced in a 1:1 fashion, meaning that each part will mate to another related part in the kit to make it fit all together. Nothing is "mated" to another part, only matched part-for-part in the kit. In 3 years of production, we've never had a need or been asked to provide "replacement parts", as they do not "break" after installation, because they are passive in function once installed.
No, it is not and you also don't understand how machine set-up of a production run is completed. The prodction of a strut rod involves 3 seperate processes on 2 different machines and if we had to set up our machines to produce a very low volume of parts, 50 or less) the cost of those parts would be FARRR more costly than buying a whole kit- hence the reason we wouldn't do that.
Your assumptions are incorrect. We do not use "turn buckles" in the design of our differential struts and we implement very tight QC here thank you. Please see above replies on how we manufacture these parts to answer your second and third question/comments.
Regards,
DTE
Why the original poster hasn't gone after/bashed the other 2 shops for restitution instead of getting upset at us is way beyond us and then you folks stoop even further to under that level and begin attacking us about the issue when you don't know all of the details of either side, but decide that your $.02 means something here anyway.... Again, we've done nothing wrong and if you folks want to bash soneone, ask the original poster who the 2 negligent shops are to go after them, as they are the folks in the wrong and they should pay for their mistakes- not DTE.
Just an observation I don,t think DTE is going to impress many people with this attitude.You were not asking them to donate the damn things & would probably paid more than they were worth to keep from buying a whole kit. As my hero Dennis Miller says "thats just my opinion and I could be wrong"
i cant see how each kit would only fit to its self. im with you on this one. dynotech should be able to get you the part. im sure they piece these kits together from "pieces laying around". they shouldnt be responsible for the other shops neglegence but should help you out. i would def go with a diff vender next time.
When we produce a run of kits, each component of that kit is produced in a 1:1 fashion, meaning that each part will mate to another related part in the kit to make it fit all together. Nothing is "mated" to another part, only matched part-for-part in the kit. In 3 years of production, we've never had a need or been asked to provide "replacement parts", as they do not "break" after installation, because they are passive in function once installed.
I agree U LUZ should try to track down the guilty shop and make them pay. But I don't agree that it is necessary to buy the whole kit if DTE makes all the parts in house. Just make 3 additional strut rods. Simple right?
IM assuming its a turbuckle w/ threaded heim joints but I need to see it. I guess there is no QC if a part has to be matched one to one. How can one tolerance be off far enough to affect another enough to have to custom make it to that piece. Its a fricking brace. A bunch of rigidly mounted pieces to a diff that does not change in side diff to diff..
Regards,
DTE
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Many of you folks are simply basing your conclusions on incorrect assumptions here from lack of knowledge of how production runs of this type are completed. We find it really interesting how many of you folks who don't even have a dog in this fight have come on here and jumped on the band-wagon by attacking us for this, when we didn't even lose the parts to begin with... We've been very polite and professional thus far and we've done nothing wrong here.
The production of a strut rod involves 3 seperate processes on 2 different machines, not including the powder coating process and if we had to set up our machines to produce a very low volume of parts, 50 or less) the cost of those parts would be FARRR more costly than buying a whole kit- hence the reason we wouldn't do that.
When we produce a run of kits, each component of that kit is produced in a 1:1 fashion, meaning that each part will mate to another related part in the kit to make it fit all together. Nothing is "mated" to another part, only matched part-for-part in the kit. In 3 years of production, we've never had a need or been asked to provide "replacement parts", as they do not "break" after installation, because they are passive in function once installed.
Please read above reply.
We've already proven our positive customer services here on this board (and others) for the last 5 years....
Please re-read above reply that answers this same question.
Why the original poster hasn't gone after/bashed the other 2 shops for restitution instead of getting upset at us is way beyond us and there is often more to a story then what is disclosed. Then you folks stoop even further to under that level and begin attacking us about the issue when you don't know all of the details of either side, but decide that your $.02 means something here anyway.... Again, we've done nothing wrong and if you folks want to bash soneone, ask the original poster who the 2 negligent shops are to go after them, as they are the folks in the wrong and they should pay for their mistakes- not DTE.
Regards,
DTE
The production of a strut rod involves 3 seperate processes on 2 different machines, not including the powder coating process and if we had to set up our machines to produce a very low volume of parts, 50 or less) the cost of those parts would be FARRR more costly than buying a whole kit- hence the reason we wouldn't do that.
When we produce a run of kits, each component of that kit is produced in a 1:1 fashion, meaning that each part will mate to another related part in the kit to make it fit all together. Nothing is "mated" to another part, only matched part-for-part in the kit. In 3 years of production, we've never had a need or been asked to provide "replacement parts", as they do not "break" after installation, because they are passive in function once installed.
At your cost at least.
Someone needs a little class
Thats just not right. Sell the man the parts he needs. He didnt ask you to replace them for free. This should be a no brainer.
Why the original poster hasn't gone after/bashed the other 2 shops for restitution instead of getting upset at us is way beyond us and there is often more to a story then what is disclosed. Then you folks stoop even further to under that level and begin attacking us about the issue when you don't know all of the details of either side, but decide that your $.02 means something here anyway.... Again, we've done nothing wrong and if you folks want to bash soneone, ask the original poster who the 2 negligent shops are to go after them, as they are the folks in the wrong and they should pay for their mistakes- not DTE.
Regards,
DTE
Last edited by DTE Powertrain; Feb 13, 2007 at 08:28 AM.
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
The bottom line is a customer can't buy replacement parts for a brand new unit. If the part in question was not an assembled part (removable) I'd buy into your explanation. If you're telling me DTE can't produce a couple of extra struts when doing your next production run I don’t buy it. Why not? Either you find a way to take care of a customer or you don't. What do you do if you have a strut out of spec at your factory? Do you throw out the entire unit or simply make another strut? I have CCW wheels and they don’t expect me to buy another 500 dollar wheel to get a lost of damaged center cap. There should be something that could be done short of scraping a brand new, perfectly good unit because some parts went missing. Apparently you have your system locked in place and it simply doesn't provide for someone having a damaged or lost part. If a carton was ripped and a strut was lost would the unit need to be scraped? Good luck on that freight claim. In a perfect world it would be great to have one of installers buy him a BRAND NEW unit. You must also realize that's simply not going to happen. How is he supposed to prove which installer even lost the struts? They are going to say at best they'll buy some new struts which unfortunately aren’t available!
I wasn't bashing DTE simply trying to understand why it's impossible to supply some replacement parts. It might be an important factor to some customers knowing that simple replacement parts aren’t available. I don't have a dog in the fight except to feel bad for a fellow vette owner that is being told to layout another 400 bucks. FWIW I'm also a business owner and figure there's usually a way to make things right for my customers. I realize everyone has their own way of handling customers and doing business.
Best of luck in the future……….
I wasn't bashing DTE simply trying to understand why it's impossible to supply some replacement parts. It might be an important factor to some customers knowing that simple replacement parts aren’t available. I don't have a dog in the fight except to feel bad for a fellow vette owner that is being told to layout another 400 bucks. FWIW I'm also a business owner and figure there's usually a way to make things right for my customers. I realize everyone has their own way of handling customers and doing business.
Best of luck in the future……….
If you're telling me DTE can't produce a couple of extra struts when doing your next production run I don’t buy it. Why not?
What do you do if you have a strut out of spec at your factory?
Regards,
DTE
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,935
Likes: 26
From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
Virginia Events Coordinator
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You can only post one place with an issue.............
Sorry to say, you do need to go back to the other shops..........
IAW our rules:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1118161
This issue is now closed, take it off line.
Sorry to say, you do need to go back to the other shops..........
IAW our rules:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1118161
This issue is now closed, take it off line.
Last edited by Allthrottleandsomebottle; Feb 13, 2007 at 08:52 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Incorrect Joel, they are unique to our design and DTE is our "supplier".....
As we stated~ The "source" is us, as we manufacture and produce each strut rod to our proprietary specifications regarding overall length, diameter, material type, thread depth, thread type/pitch, back cut and we even custom machine the hex into the outer diameter of the strut rod that facilitates preload adjustments. You will not find these products "on the shelf" anywhere, as they are custom engineered and manufactured by DTE from scratch. However, feel free to exhaust yourself trying to find them elseware anyway if you wish and the pictures of the products are right there on our website if that will help you....
Regards,
DTE
As we stated~ The "source" is us, as we manufacture and produce each strut rod to our proprietary specifications regarding overall length, diameter, material type, thread depth, thread type/pitch, back cut and we even custom machine the hex into the outer diameter of the strut rod that facilitates preload adjustments. You will not find these products "on the shelf" anywhere, as they are custom engineered and manufactured by DTE from scratch. However, feel free to exhaust yourself trying to find them elseware anyway if you wish and the pictures of the products are right there on our website if that will help you....
Regards,
DTE
Seemed like a possible, simple, solution - an avenue that would lead to a reduction in cash outlay for a fellow forum member.
joel
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 4
From: az
Please don't assume things are the way you think they are and then base your decisions on inaccurate assumptions.
When we produce 50 kits, we also produce all of the related components to match to those 50 kits in a 1:1 ratio. This method of production eliminates un-neccessary waste and high production costs and is one of the main reasons why we have not had to raise our prices on this product since it's inception 3 years ago. How many other products in the marketplace these days can boast that?? Not many...
2. We cannot just simply break out a few strut rods of a perfectly good kit, as that kit would then become useless to us and it could not be sold to anyone else... There are more folks in this world with a Corvette that needs and wants these products other than the original poster.
3. Setting up for a production run is not something one does in "15 minutes" and by the time we set up the threading machine to produce 3 strut rods, the cost of these 3 rods would be far more expensive than $400.
What we find so interesting is that even though we replied politely to this person via email on how our production runs work, he and now others on this board have decided to go on the attack and bash us on to discredit us here tonight, when it was not even our fault that the parts were lost in the first place, nor did we lose them for you! Instead of attacking the wrong business here- DTE, why doesn't the customer go after the negligent shops that lost your parts in the first place, bash them all over the internet as you've so unfairly done to us thus far and make them pay for the replacements??
You're directing your aggression at the wrong business!
Regards,
DTE
When we produce 50 kits, we also produce all of the related components to match to those 50 kits in a 1:1 ratio. This method of production eliminates un-neccessary waste and high production costs and is one of the main reasons why we have not had to raise our prices on this product since it's inception 3 years ago. How many other products in the marketplace these days can boast that?? Not many...
2. We cannot just simply break out a few strut rods of a perfectly good kit, as that kit would then become useless to us and it could not be sold to anyone else... There are more folks in this world with a Corvette that needs and wants these products other than the original poster.
3. Setting up for a production run is not something one does in "15 minutes" and by the time we set up the threading machine to produce 3 strut rods, the cost of these 3 rods would be far more expensive than $400.
What we find so interesting is that even though we replied politely to this person via email on how our production runs work, he and now others on this board have decided to go on the attack and bash us on to discredit us here tonight, when it was not even our fault that the parts were lost in the first place, nor did we lose them for you! Instead of attacking the wrong business here- DTE, why doesn't the customer go after the negligent shops that lost your parts in the first place, bash them all over the internet as you've so unfairly done to us thus far and make them pay for the replacements??
You're directing your aggression at the wrong business!
Regards,
DTE
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Cypress Texas
The other shops should pay for it. But I will think twice before I buy a brace and knowing if something happens to a part I will have to buy a whole new kit. I bet now they wish they would have just got the guy the parts he needed. To much bussiness lost now.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis MO
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I have to side with DTE on this. I don't see how it's there fault another shop lost parts. There parts are available through purchase of a new kit. On such a low cost item with little need to replace parts unless lost. It can't be productive to split up a kit. If they did who would end up paying the future customers? It would be better for all if the responsible party paid. Just my .02
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: friendswood tx
The original poster is simply being a baby and is trying to pass his frustration onto anyone that will accept it. One of the two shops should have the struts laying around and should be able to install them. This seems like the guy is not following all of his avenues before making a complaint.
Im not being a baby I just wish I could buy replacement parts for my stuff. I have the 3rd fastest all motor c5/c6 in the country my car comes apart all the time.I break stuff I bend stuff hell ive had 3 rearends completely explode Ive welded tabs back on my rerend brace. check around I have already bought 2 of these units. Im just upset I have to buy a 3rd one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
I have to side with DTE on this one somewhat, but not a 100%. It isn't there fault that one of the two shops has lost your parts. But not to side with the original poster, Just saying that you should at least be able to make 3 extra on your next production run. I don't see what the big deal is here. He is willing to pay for the parts and I think he would be willing to wait the time that it takes to make the next run. Im not siding with anyone here 100%. Just saying that there is a simple solution to this.
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
We're not interested in participating in or even "winning" an online "pissing contest", nor have we ever been. We've simply stated answers to questions asked and outlined the reasons we do things the way we do here. We are obviously doing something correct in operting this successful business, as this company has continually grown in size in the double-digits year-after-year since 2001. We'll not change what has made us successful to date no matter how long or hard someone (or all of you) tries to strong-arm us into submission by attacking us on the internet to force us into doing something.
We did not do anything wrong here and we certainly have no obligation to give anyone free gifts for anything as someone suggested- especially after the completely foolish way this person has unfairly attacked us on this/other boards in his effort to getting what he wants by strong-arming a company on the internet into getting their way- right or wrong! Had we lost the parts for him on our own accord, than we would have done everything we would have had to so the customer were taken care of, but that was not the case here, nor was it ever.
The 2 shops that have completely screwed this person out of his money and parts have not been mentioned once, while we have screwed no one in any capacity what-so-ever and we've been attacked on here continually!
This board has gotton more and more childish over the years in this respect and it's unfortunate, because all you folks who join bandwagon bashing like this when you have no real clue as to what is going on or simply refuse to see the real facts in the issue just to fan the flames for your own entertainment, only hurt the industry you think you're protecting.
It's like the scenario of the dis-honest individual who puts a power adder on their car, blows it up on the track afterward, removes all those parts and takes it back to the dealer to claim a "warranty" coverage without fully disclosing what was done to the car in the first place and forcing the dealer/GM to pay for it..... Then these people often laugh that they took GM for a ride and received parts for free. They think they have won, but in reality, all they have done is drive the cost of a new vehicles up for other folks on the other end... Now who has won that issue???? No one- yet you see folks here doing that all the time, day-after-day and nobody steps up to say, "that is dishonest".
Often times, folks get wrapped up in thinking an online discussion is a sounding board for ego's to be proven and this is the major reason why most threads veer completely off-topic most of the time. This re-occuring issue found everywhere on the net is also the reason why you see more and more tuners slowly receding away from interacting on the internet as much as they used to, because it seems as if we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't- no matter what we say, do or otherwise.
The bottom line is we did not lose the parts in the first place.... We were not the 2 shops that butchered the person's car up by not assembling it properly in the first place, losing parts in the first place or anything of the like. We will not pay for another shop(s) errors by sacrificing a complete kit that someone else may need right away just as bad.
If we give this person the rods from another kit to keep him happy, than we hurt the next person who calls and needs a kit RIGHT NOW when we have to tell him, "sorry, we gave the rods of your kit to another person who needed it more than you". How would you like it if we told you that on the phone??? You wouldn't and we'd bet you would come storming online in the same foolish way the original poster did by saying, "Can you beleive this, DTE gave the rods away in the kit I was supposed to get, to another person who was crying on the internet- that's BS- those jerks"! Then you folks would simply swing the other way at the drop of a hat and bash us for that also just to have the opportunity to participate in another online bash session for your own entertainment.
As we said, we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't, but we will not change our business practices that has led us to solid, positive reputation in the Corvette Community to date and to very successful, continued, double-digit growth year-after-year since 2001 for 6 years straight now.
Have a nice night gents.
Regards,
DTE
We did not do anything wrong here and we certainly have no obligation to give anyone free gifts for anything as someone suggested- especially after the completely foolish way this person has unfairly attacked us on this/other boards in his effort to getting what he wants by strong-arming a company on the internet into getting their way- right or wrong! Had we lost the parts for him on our own accord, than we would have done everything we would have had to so the customer were taken care of, but that was not the case here, nor was it ever.
The 2 shops that have completely screwed this person out of his money and parts have not been mentioned once, while we have screwed no one in any capacity what-so-ever and we've been attacked on here continually!
This board has gotton more and more childish over the years in this respect and it's unfortunate, because all you folks who join bandwagon bashing like this when you have no real clue as to what is going on or simply refuse to see the real facts in the issue just to fan the flames for your own entertainment, only hurt the industry you think you're protecting.
It's like the scenario of the dis-honest individual who puts a power adder on their car, blows it up on the track afterward, removes all those parts and takes it back to the dealer to claim a "warranty" coverage without fully disclosing what was done to the car in the first place and forcing the dealer/GM to pay for it..... Then these people often laugh that they took GM for a ride and received parts for free. They think they have won, but in reality, all they have done is drive the cost of a new vehicles up for other folks on the other end... Now who has won that issue???? No one- yet you see folks here doing that all the time, day-after-day and nobody steps up to say, "that is dishonest".
Often times, folks get wrapped up in thinking an online discussion is a sounding board for ego's to be proven and this is the major reason why most threads veer completely off-topic most of the time. This re-occuring issue found everywhere on the net is also the reason why you see more and more tuners slowly receding away from interacting on the internet as much as they used to, because it seems as if we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't- no matter what we say, do or otherwise.
The bottom line is we did not lose the parts in the first place.... We were not the 2 shops that butchered the person's car up by not assembling it properly in the first place, losing parts in the first place or anything of the like. We will not pay for another shop(s) errors by sacrificing a complete kit that someone else may need right away just as bad.
If we give this person the rods from another kit to keep him happy, than we hurt the next person who calls and needs a kit RIGHT NOW when we have to tell him, "sorry, we gave the rods of your kit to another person who needed it more than you". How would you like it if we told you that on the phone??? You wouldn't and we'd bet you would come storming online in the same foolish way the original poster did by saying, "Can you beleive this, DTE gave the rods away in the kit I was supposed to get, to another person who was crying on the internet- that's BS- those jerks"! Then you folks would simply swing the other way at the drop of a hat and bash us for that also just to have the opportunity to participate in another online bash session for your own entertainment.
As we said, we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't, but we will not change our business practices that has led us to solid, positive reputation in the Corvette Community to date and to very successful, continued, double-digit growth year-after-year since 2001 for 6 years straight now.
Have a nice night gents.
Regards,
DTE
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
Wow, this is interesting.
Now I admit that the the shop(s) that lost the parts should do whatever then need to (sounds like buy a whole new brace) to get you the missing parts you need.
BUT, I too am concerned that I can't get any replacement parts for one of these DTE braces (which I was planning to buy).
True it's only $400, but I too would have been surprised that I had to buy the whole thing.
Also, I have to say to DTE that if each kit has to be "tweaked" for it to go together you should should either make a design change or get some tighter tolerances in your manufacturing process.
That would help you and your customer by saving you time (and money) in the manufacturing process and then customers could get replacement parts if needed.
Now I admit that the the shop(s) that lost the parts should do whatever then need to (sounds like buy a whole new brace) to get you the missing parts you need.
BUT, I too am concerned that I can't get any replacement parts for one of these DTE braces (which I was planning to buy).
True it's only $400, but I too would have been surprised that I had to buy the whole thing.
Also, I have to say to DTE that if each kit has to be "tweaked" for it to go together you should should either make a design change or get some tighter tolerances in your manufacturing process.
That would help you and your customer by saving you time (and money) in the manufacturing process and then customers could get replacement parts if needed.
Last edited by TwistedAphid; Feb 13, 2007 at 09:06 PM.
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Wow, this is interesting.
Now I admit that the the shop(s) that lost the parts should do whatever then need to (sounds like buy a whole new brace) to get you the missing parts you need.
BUT, I too am concerned that I can't get any replacement parts for one of these DTE braces (which I was planning to buy).
True it's only $400, but I too would have been surprised that I had to buy the whole thing.
Also, I have to say to DTE that if each kit has to be "tweaked" for it to go together you should should either make a design change or get some tighter tolerances in your manufacturing process.
That would help you and your customer by saving you time (and money) in the manufacturing process and then customers could get replacement parts if needed.
Now I admit that the the shop(s) that lost the parts should do whatever then need to (sounds like buy a whole new brace) to get you the missing parts you need.
BUT, I too am concerned that I can't get any replacement parts for one of these DTE braces (which I was planning to buy).
True it's only $400, but I too would have been surprised that I had to buy the whole thing.
Also, I have to say to DTE that if each kit has to be "tweaked" for it to go together you should should either make a design change or get some tighter tolerances in your manufacturing process.
That would help you and your customer by saving you time (and money) in the manufacturing process and then customers could get replacement parts if needed.
Also, I have to say to DTE that if each kit has to be "tweaked" for it to go together you should should either make a design change or get some tighter tolerances in your manufacturing process.
Additionally as previously described in numerous posts, these HD steel brackets, steel rods and HD hardware in these kits are not "wearing" items, as they do not move once installed properly. They function in a passive state after installation so there are no parts to "wear out" or no parts in need of "replacement" over time- by engineering design.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
The bottom line is we did not lose the parts in the first place.... We were not the 2 shops that butchered the person's car up by not assembling it properly in the first place, losing parts in the first place or anything of the like. We will not pay for another shop(s) errors
Unfortunately this whole thing started with a member being dissatisfied initially by one of two shops doing shotty work and loosing parts. That "shafted" feeling was exacerbated by DTE not having replacement parts available for individual sale. He came here to rant a little bit and get some feedback from the other forum members, who agreed and gleefully joined together for a witch hunt.
I completely agree with DTE, i'ts unfortunate that spares aren't available but that is the way things go - and it's a testament to solid engineering/manufacturing techniques. If there was a history of braces braking (which I don't know of, but I am still kind of new around here) there surely would be spares available, but since that isn't the case spares aren't readily available.
The end result is the forum member got screwed by one of two shops that lost his parts, and DTE doesn't offer replacement pieces. DTE shouldn't be getting hammered because they don't offer replacements - they didn't do anything wrong here and shouldn't be expected to pay the price for another shops carelessness.
All in all you can't trust anybody to work on your car with the care and attention to detail that you would. Sometimes you get screwed by this fact and other times things work out OK in the long run - hopefully one way or the other this works itself out to your satisfaction...