Recently I received my repro M/T Super Scavenger Headers from the GSCA. They were to be the last run to be built, and were going to be "cerma-chrome" coated to preserve them as long as possible. When they showed up, they had what appeared to be very thin chrome plating, not the cerma-chrome as they were supposed to have. They were shipped direct from the manufacturer in CA, and the shipping label had their phone # on it. So I decided to call them and got to speak with the shop supervisor. When I told him the headers appear to be just chrome and not the cerma-chrome that the GSCA advertised, he didn't have a clue what I was talking about. He said that the GSCA ordered straight chrome for the whole run, not a ceramic coating. When I called the GSCA I got what I felt was a B.S. story. Anyways he said there were some durability problems with the ceramic coating and they didn't want to take a chance on it so they elected to go with chrome plating. He said this particular chrome plating process is more durable and was more expensive to do, but they convinced the manufacturer to absorb the cost difference. So basically he said we got a better deal by getting the chrome for the same price. The thing is if they ordered the chrome instead of ceramic right from the start, why didn't they make mention of it in the GS Xtra after they accepted deposits for the headers. Even at the very end when it was time to pay the balance, the letter that they sent announcing all of the final details, etc. still mentioned them being cerma-chrome. It's not so much that the price was an issue to me, because they only cost about $110 more than the bare ones I had bought a couple years earlier. Which is probably cheap for any type of coating when you think about it. I just feel that the change should have been mentioned to everybody.
But if thats what he feels then he and anyone who has had problems with them should feel free to express that.
Headers I too ordered a set of the GSCA headers, and had the very same thoughts. I knew it was chrome and not any sort of ceramic. It was a poor job of chroming also. Very thin in many spots. I called and complained, but they (most likely Richard), tried to convince me that they were some sort of special ceramic-chrome combination. I didn't argue, I thought what's the point, I need the headers and I don't want to pay to send them back. When the time comes to use them, I'll just get them Jet-Hot coated. Lesson learned!! Richard wonders why people like myself and TA don't advertise with them anymore? If they keep pulling stunts like this, the BPG will be the only performance Buick group left. That's very SAD!!! Steve
Several years ago I purchased a set of big tube Hookers from the GSCA , when they arrived I opened the box and found Poston small tube hedders ! I immediatly called and was told the Hookers had a flaw in them and they wanted me to get a good set of hedders so they figured I would want these instead . Well I wanted to rewturn them as I know Jim Poston and I knew his price on the hedders . I sent them back along with a letter expressing my dissapproval of this bait and switch . I did get my money back just not the shipping . Just sad to see they still dont care much for the regular member . We all would love to be treated like those in the inner circle because we are the club and without us what do they have .
Does Jet-Hot have to strip the chrome off to do that? I would think a low quality chrome finish would be problematic to just overcoat. I'm just wondering how much more that set of headers is going to cost you?
Headers Yes, I believe that they strip or grit blast the chrome off. I had several chromed customers sets that were Jet-Hot coated, and they are holding up great. I know it's an additional cost to have them coated, but like I said "Lesson learned". Steve
Not to get off topic, but I wonder if things would improve if Lasseter ever retires or steps down. How long has been doing this now?
I was told and had read 2 years ago that it was Lasseter's club. The big stink before was that it was his "business" and not a club. Thank God for guys like JW and the others who are willing to go the extra mile to organize and host a club and all the work it entails. And they don't rely on dues and "parts sales" as their income. It'll only fade away probably when he retires or passes on.
Steve, When you get ready to do those headers, send 'em over here, I have a local outfit that does my stuff, with results as least as good (or maybe a little better) than the "big guys". Could save you some coin. "Chrome/ceramic mixture"... now that's funny.. :laugh: But, let's go easy on Richard on the personal stuff guys.. I think the testimonials aready given here are strong enough to make folks aware of what has gone on in the past, and I would hate to see this degenerate into a "Richard bashing" thread. We don't need to do that here. Thanks JW
People know why this site exists and the one I started. No bashing required! Up to the consumer to decide where to spend his money.
