Buyer tips.

[grounded]

with the number of shady businesses making parts and shops doing hack jobs I wanted to give tips to the newbies so they don't have to learn things the hard way.

Shops
Before you pick a shop do some checking. Get referances from others. Go to the shop and check things out look at the work, rember the trucks that are there, go back a few weeks later and see how many trucks are still there from your first visit. If nothing has left the shop or little progress has been made find another shop.
If a shop wants you to sign a release or wavier find another shop.
Don't go to a shop because they have the lowest price.
talk to the guys at the shop to make sure they understand exactly what you want/expect.
Get them to put things in writing.

Parts
Stay away from AIM, Chasis Tech, Rickyracer or anyother company associated with them.
Most of the time cheap parts aren't a bargan, they're just cheap.
You want to use parts from Belltech, DJM, Western Chasis, Hotchkins, Air Ride Tech., or Air Lift.

**Edit
Feel free to add any helpfull info.

[CKTA]

When and if you find a shop, stop by w/o them knowing you're coming and see if they are skipping/cheaping out on some steps.

[grounded]

Send a friend that the shop hasn't seen to check on your ride and inspect the progress.

[IRSd_mini]

Excellent post. I have a little different perspective from the rest of you on this subject , so let me give my $.02.

1) Get everything in writing. This helps protect you the customer, as well as the business owner. So often when giving a quote, a LOT of different options are discussed, and it's easy to get confused. Put it on paper, in duplicate form, with copy for each party.
2) Pay by credit card. If there is a problem with shoddy work, or non- delivery of product, you are not out. The credit card company will with hold payment from the dealer until it is resolved.
3) Be firm. If the shop is not working on your truck, or you are not happy with the work, Don't take no sh!t from them. It's your money, get what you want, the way you want.
4) For those of you doing mail order, get a total with shipping. The big thing now is to low ball the prices, and gouge on shipping. Get the total with shipping, and if you are not purchasing right then, get the guys name also. ( This is a no BS story... Just this past week I called on some parts for a customer, and asked what shipping would be, and was told $65. I called the next day to order the parts, and was told $100 by someone different. I got the other guy on the phone and it was back to $65)
5) Tipping is good. large bills preferably. If your girlfriends hot, have her show her t!ts to the guys in the shop.

Larry
www.innovativeairsuspension.com

[tony@air ride]

Originally posted by IRSd_mini
( This is a no BS story... Just this past week I called on some parts for a customer, and asked what shipping would be, and was told $65. I called the next day to order the parts, and was told $100 by someone different. I got the other guy on the phone and it was back to $65)
5) Tipping is good. large bills preferably. If your girlfriends hot, have her show her t!ts to the guys in the shop.

Larry
www.innovativeairsuspension.com

Larry must be ordering his "quality parts" from AIM again.......

Tony....

[IRSd_mini]

Originally posted by tony@air ride


Larry must be ordering his "quality parts" from AIM again.......

Tony....

That's just wrong...

[tony@air ride]

he he he he he he he ..................

Tony....

[The_Researcher]

That larry has decided to become the number 1 AIM dealer in his area. I think I seen a pic of an AIM poster in one of his shop photos........I'm only joking larry.

For tips with shops......get warranties in writing and what it includes.

Stop in without making an appointment thats always good.

I know with our shop, we offer 2 years and no mileage constraints on our work, no questions asked, bring it back and we'll fix it. We generally end up fixxing something the owner has messed around with.


Get a complete written quote signed off on for price to make sure there are no hidden costs.

Never go for the cheapest price, there is a reason why.

From what I've found with customers coming in is we are not the cheapest around but we pride ourselves on customer service. We've had a few ppl come to us after going elsewhere to get us to repair bad work.

[IRSd_mini]

Originally posted by Jeff@AAC
That larry has decided to become the number 1 AIM dealer in his area. I think I seen a pic of an AIM poster in one of his shop photos........

That's right... when that whole firestone lawsuit thing breaks me and Joe are gunna be rich

[The_Researcher]

[htwn420z71]

what

[The_Researcher]

[025.3vortec]

Thought about bagging my 02' Silverado and was wondering what the average install would cost. It's a SCSB if that makes a difference but I've heard anywhere from $2000 to $5000 for everything. Don't know if anyone can tell me anything from this info but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[grounded]

Originally posted by 025.3vortec
Thought about bagging my 02' Silverado and was wondering what the average install would cost. It's a SCSB if that makes a difference but I've heard anywhere from $2000 to $5000 for everything. Don't know if anyone can tell me anything from this info but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sounds about right.

[boner]

Got mind priced at just about 5,000 digital gauges two 7gal tanks 4link set up of kp companies engine driven compressor 10 switch boxes. Has any buddy herd of pis customs

[boner]

do you know a better place I can go to ??????????????

[AirDaddy]

Just thought I would add my .02...
We ALWAYS encourage our customers to drop by see what we're doing and how we are doing it. We have an "open door" policy, if we are here ... your welcome to see what we are doing.
We have a lengthy conversation about EXACTLY what it is you want to drive away... and then we put it writing on a work order and everone gets a copy.
We charge a 1000.00 deposit, with the remainder due at pick-up.
No pay as you go ( unless it's a complete build with a year or two build time... and they do happen from time to time :) )

As far as pricing... most of the time the old axiam is true "You get what you pay for" Our average drive away pricing is around 4,500 to 5,000... that includes our back-half .. with everything included.. ie; 12 gallon tank, 2 450's or equivalent, 8 1/2 valves yada yada yada... Front done... all laying on the deck of course.. :)

Anyway... Hope this little statment helps you find your way thru the darkness...

[eric36]

never go to northern tire & wheel in modesto ca. or you will get screwed in every way!

[boner]

hey air daddy what is the name of your shop and where is it in nor cal thanks

[LayenXFrame]

when looking to buy a truck from a private party make sure u get it checked out by a mechanic. even if u have a strong history of trucks under ur belt u can see so much more when the truck is up on a lift. and if u have any suspension mods ie air bags or anything of that sort bring it to a specialty shop and get them checked out there. i mae the mistake of not getten my bags checked out and a month later everything failed and i had 2 rebag my whole truck.
tony