Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 76
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From: Tulsa OK
Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank?
I got the Autobuffs Engine Dress Kit. With my car being in the shop it sat around and I finally got to install it this weekend. After one day of driving I noticed the coolant surge tank started to crack :eek:
I contact Noel about this and he says "due to expansion and contraction of the tank we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank".
So, I'm wondering what other member's experiences are with this tank? Do you guys with the painted tank just not drive your cars cause I don't recall seeing cracks in anyone else's tanks. Please lemme know your experience with this piece if you have it.
Other than that, I'm very happy with the quality of this kit...
Thanks for any input on this...
Adam
I contact Noel about this and he says "due to expansion and contraction of the tank we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank".
So, I'm wondering what other member's experiences are with this tank? Do you guys with the painted tank just not drive your cars cause I don't recall seeing cracks in anyone else's tanks. Please lemme know your experience with this piece if you have it.
Other than that, I'm very happy with the quality of this kit...
Thanks for any input on this...
Adam
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 353
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From: Boca Raton FL
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
It's a reason why this is not "painted" from the factory.
If they paint it, they of course have to stand behind their product as well.
They must use a paint mixture who can hold this temp.
I would not accept this from them.
B.T.W it look's great! :)
Richard
If they paint it, they of course have to stand behind their product as well.
They must use a paint mixture who can hold this temp.
I would not accept this from them.
B.T.W it look's great! :)
Richard
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 206
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From: Spring TX
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (stevetas)
I really hope Autobuffs stands behind their work and fixes this for you. I was looking into your exact same package, but if they are not willing to fix this I will look else where. If it was the car being painted and it cracked I would expect the painter to fix it, so I don't see why Autobuffs won't. Keep us informed on what happens.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
I am not sure if this is the problem or not. That yellow is probably a "low hiding " color. To get it to cover the black tank you would need lots more coats than say a pewter mettalic or normal hiding color. The more coats you put on, the more trouble can happen. Or some contamination around the filler neck not removed prior to painting would mean lack of adhesion, which means lifting or cracking paint. the heat factor, I don't think that would be it. (In this case anyways) :cheers:
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 38
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From: Bondurant Iowa
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (racer44)
I had mine painted two years and 20,000 miles ago and everything looks fine. A local guy that does alot of custom paint work on motorcycles did the work. I asked him at the time he did the work if the paint will stick ok to all the plastic and he said no problem, he just has to prep it right and put something in the paint so it remains flexible.
LarryH
LarryH
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 38
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From: Bondurant Iowa
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (Kenny94945)
Kenny94945
Yes on the flex additive. I just got off the phone with the guy that did mine . He would not tell me alot . He says he uses a mixture that he has come up with that stands up to the heet and flex. THe same mixture he uses on the bikes he does. I guess its his little secret and I can respect that. What ever it is it works.
LarryH
Yes on the flex additive. I just got off the phone with the guy that did mine . He would not tell me alot . He says he uses a mixture that he has come up with that stands up to the heet and flex. THe same mixture he uses on the bikes he does. I guess its his little secret and I can respect that. What ever it is it works.
LarryH
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Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Southeast Va.
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
I contact Noel about this and he says "due to expansion and contraction of the tank we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,361
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From: Sugar Land, TX USA
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
I can remember seeing this exact same thing from Auto Buff's on two prior
occasions (here on the forum) and both times Noel stepped up and repainted
or replaced both. :confused: :confused:
occasions (here on the forum) and both times Noel stepped up and repainted
or replaced both. :confused: :confused:
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 76
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From: Tulsa OK
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank?
Here are the emails that were exchanged...
My original email
"I have your Engine Package on my Millennium Yellow C5. I noticed that the coolant bottle's paint is cracking! I have attached some pictures to show you what is happening and I'm wondering what we can do to resolve this."
His Response
"Unfortunately Due to Expansion and contraction of the tank peeling can
happen... When was this purchased? Was it purchased under a different
name, I can not find any records."
My Next Email
"So you are saying that all these other C5s with your engine kit just don't drive their cars? I've seen pictures of many cars with this kit and I've never seen any peeling occur. It was purchased under the name *******."
His Final Response
"Honestly I don't know how much other folks drive... It's what we
recommend, It does not mean that there not daily drivers.
What I was saying is that due to expansion and contraction of the tank
we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank, We
explain this to all of our customers.
Sorry if you mis-understood something."
I was rather shocked that he wasn't going to stand behind his work so, at this point I decided to turn to the rest of you to see if anyone else was having this problem before going back to Noel for some type of resolution.
Adam
My original email
"I have your Engine Package on my Millennium Yellow C5. I noticed that the coolant bottle's paint is cracking! I have attached some pictures to show you what is happening and I'm wondering what we can do to resolve this."
His Response
"Unfortunately Due to Expansion and contraction of the tank peeling can
happen... When was this purchased? Was it purchased under a different
name, I can not find any records."
My Next Email
"So you are saying that all these other C5s with your engine kit just don't drive their cars? I've seen pictures of many cars with this kit and I've never seen any peeling occur. It was purchased under the name *******."
His Final Response
"Honestly I don't know how much other folks drive... It's what we
recommend, It does not mean that there not daily drivers.
What I was saying is that due to expansion and contraction of the tank
we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank, We
explain this to all of our customers.
Sorry if you mis-understood something."
I was rather shocked that he wasn't going to stand behind his work so, at this point I decided to turn to the rest of you to see if anyone else was having this problem before going back to Noel for some type of resolution.
Adam
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Southeast Va.
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
What I was saying is that due to expansion and contraction of the tank
we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank, We
explain this to all of our customers.
Sorry if you mis-understood something."
we can not control what happens to the paint on the Surge tank, We
explain this to all of our customers.
Sorry if you mis-understood something."
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (DAVS Y2K)
First of all, a lot of you are jumping the gun here (I will never buy from them:rolleyes:). Jeesshhh, at least give Noel a chance to resolve the issue with his customer. Second, I just spoke to Noel about a week ago and he explained thoroughly in detail the issues with the expansion tank. He also told me that they have found it seems to be random, i.e., some tanks seem to be more susceptable to it then others but the problem has been limited. Based on his honesty and description of what could happen, I elected not to get the painted expansion tank.
I am sorry to see you are having problems, and the underhood looks great. I would suggest you give Noel a call (e-mail is somewhat impersonal for something like this) and see if you can come to some mutual resolution.
I am sorry to see you are having problems, and the underhood looks great. I would suggest you give Noel a call (e-mail is somewhat impersonal for something like this) and see if you can come to some mutual resolution.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,707
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From: Lynnfield MA
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Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
As a customer of Noel myself, I know he will do the right thing here so just sit tight and work it out with him "on the phone"... Noel has a good reputation and and does some great work as we all know. IMHO, I just don't think that he would risk his reputation on repainting an expansion tank for that would be stupid. I am confident you will have a happy conclusion... Good Luck!
Nick
Nick
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
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Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (Bluewasp)
Added AutoBuffs to my list of vendors never to buy anything from. Thanks
Robert
Robert
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 180
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From: NYC
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (GTXgp)
Hey Adam, it's me, Kevin (likev). Sorry you are having problems with your surge tank. Can't help you there, but guess what I got? 02 Z06. Amazing how many GTP owners have progressed to the C5 huh? ;)
[Modified by likev, 1:25 PM 1/29/2002]
[Modified by likev, 1:25 PM 1/29/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Nassau NP
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'10-'11
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (Mag Red Monster)
I have bought the engine package for mine as well. After about 1 year the paint on the surge tank started to crack up. Noel was kind enough to shoot me a new surge tank...I think I just paid for the price of the tank, nothing else.
It is still in bubble wrap. I have yet to re-install the new one.
Have a chat with Noel. He is a good guy and will work with you on this. Maybe not an all out freebee repair, but at least a heavily discounted repair.
FWIW
Neill
It is still in bubble wrap. I have yet to re-install the new one.
Have a chat with Noel. He is a good guy and will work with you on this. Maybe not an all out freebee repair, but at least a heavily discounted repair.
FWIW
Neill
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (BatMobile)
I have bought the engine package for mine as well. After about 1 year the paint on the surge tank started to crack up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,041
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From: Charleston SC
Re: Problem with Autobuffs Surge Tank? (racer44)
Ecklers has in their catalog fiberglass covers for some of the underhood items that have the same shape as the corresponding part and are attached by velcro after they are painted. This would seem to be a way to avoid this sort of thing, as well as damage to the pretty stuff when serious engine work is to be done, since they can be easily removed. However, I have no idea what the fit and finish of these things is. Anyone with any experience?