Installed p/s lines from inline tube. Obviously assembled incorrectly. These have been on the shelf for a while in their original packaging and just taken out to install this past weekend when the error was notice. Requested a replacement and was told of their stringent return/exchange policy of 30 days no exceptions. It was a $30 part on a $3k order and I found a replacement locally. right is right. Man up and replace what you screwed up. I have used classic tube in the past and will most likely in the future
If you do searches on this board and forums for others brands, you find many similar complaints about Inline Tube. I’ve got a few disappointing stories about Inline Tube myself but I won’t bore you with them. The lesson I learned is this: if a similar product is offered ANYWHERE else, get it there. Use Inline Tube if they are the only choice.
Ha. I’ve heard that before. The owner sent me an email about 25 years ago and threatened to sue me because of an item I had for sale on eBay. He also said “...I’m a real SOB, just ask anyone that knows me...” except he didn’t use the abbreviation for SOB.
I told them from the get-go I purchased them some time ago but had all my paperwork and he acted like no big deal just send me some pics which I did. Clearly shows fittings installed 180deg off. Then he back peddled and forwarded me their return policy. No big deal. Like I said it’s a $30 line. Just glad it was just the one line
Ordered transmission lines for Buick 400 turbo and clearly not Buick, more than likely Chevelle, made them fit but not the point. Just because its an A body doesn't mean its the same.
And that is why their "policy" is a bad business decision for them. They will lose way more than $30 worth of future business from people who see the bad reviews, and then buy from other companies with better customer service. Wal Mart understands this, which is why they are willing to lose a little money giving no-questions-asked refunds, and in return get repeat customers who will spend a ton of money there over the years.
Exactly. I was just getting ready to buy a few little parts from Inline (actually have a cart started & then was going to buy from @ToddsGS). It's stuff I'll need immediately & want to support Todd's business so I may/may not still do it & if so won't order until the last possible time frame but certainly wouldn't if it was something that was going to sit more than 30 days. I bought all new stainless lines from them many years ago (they were probably just starting out & may have been the only game) for a resto & they sent the wrong M/C to prop. valve lines (sent for disk instead of drum). I'm sure it was (way) more than 30 days but they sent me the correct lines no charge (didn't want the old ones back which I'll be using on an upcoming car - Not worth the shipping I assume) so I had a positive feeling based on that experience 25 years ago & now this thread has ruined that - Stupid on their part (no pun intended). They should understand/realize that people accumulate parts for a resto and so these problems may not surface for awhile. I try to shop at Home Depot instead of Lowes simply because their return policy is so much better.
I had a similar issue with them a month ago and got the run around about their 30 day warranty. Fortunately they did make it right after a few emails.
Okay other Inline Tube disappointments: I bought a set of exhaust flange bolts for a Pontiac that Inline tube had advertised in their eBay ad with a description that clearly stated “...correct head markings...” and shown in the photo with correct head marking. They arrive quickly but guess what? The bolts they sent are not what they show in the photos and instead are just regular grade 8 bolts from a hardware store with regular grade 8 markings. Not like the originals nor like what they show in the ad!! That’s a classic bait and switch! Show one item and send something different after the customer pays. I paid $11.75 for the exact same 4 bolts I could have bought at the local hardware store for less that $4. I called and they offered to accept a return but I have to pay shipping. After the cost of shipping and the time and gas to go to the post office, it wasn’t worth it. So Inline Tube wins again.
Another bait and switch from Inline Tube where they show one item in the ad but send you something that looks different. I ordered these because I thought I was buying what they had in the photos. IThe bolts I got from them are NOT what they show in the photo below. Instead they sent banjo bolts that had a non-original head marking. functional? Sure. What I ordered? Nope. I called about a return, got a rude response about how “...they function just fine blah blah bkah” I explained that I know they will function fine, so did my old originals. I wanted a freshly plated set with the smooth heads like they showed in the ad! they finally offered a refund if I pay to ship them back on my dime. Screw it. I will just replate my originals and use the items with the incorrect appearance in a car that’s not a restored show car. Inline Tube wins again.
Another: I bought these Pontiac clips because my originals didn’t look factory-fresh enough for my car. The ad clearly states that they are exact reproductions. Well they are not. The part I have circled is bigger on the reproductions and will not fit the car unless I drill out the holes in the radiator support to a larger size. Huge deal? No. But why state that they are exact if they are really just “close to original” instead.
Another: I bought a set of brake hoses at the local auto parts store but they did not have a correct, original appearance. So I saw these advertised by Inline Tube where they brag that they are such correct reproductions. Want to guess what I received from Inline Tube? You guessed it... they sent me the EXACT same incorrect appearing brake hoses that I had bought from a local auto parts store. Sure they function fine but that’s not the point. I bought them because I wanted a correct appearance, not another set of generic appearing hoses from an auto parts. After the responses I previously got when I called and asked for a refund, I knew not to waste my time again dealing with the very rude and defiant person at Inline Tube. Thankfully I have a driver car that needed a set of generic brake hoses.
So recapping: I admit I’m picky, very picky. But all I expect is to receive what Inline Tube clearly show in their own photos. Not a different part. If anyone else has the item Inline Tube is selling, get it from that other supplier. What Inline Tube advertises might not even be what you receive anyway. Show you one item, send you something different. Sure they MIGHT take a return after you listen to the person at Inline Tube tell you that “...the parts will work and function like original...” but that’s not the point. I wanted original appearing parts like they show in their as. You end up losing time and money due to their bait and switch photographs. We’ve been restoring cars as a business for over 30 years and only Inline Tube has been like this. Buyer beware. To be completely fair, I have received many items from Inline Tube that were as advertised, and were nice reproductions. And I do like supporting a company owned by a couple of guys that own and restore Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles. It’s just disappointing that it’s a gamble when you order from them and their attitude thar they are always right even when they clearly are not, and the customer should not expect to get exactly what they show and describe in their ad.
When they advertise “exact reproduction”. That’s what it should be. Like so many complaints I’ve read on this site it’s just not in-line that has a problem with telling the truth or can actually distinguish between factory correct and after market quality parts. Your experience with them makes my p/s line seem trivial
