Machine Shop Problem
 

Well Ive been in the process of preparing to build a Nitrous 383 the past year. Well I finally got everything I needed and put the block and bottom end assembly in the machine shop about 6 months ago and the dang thing is still not ready. The owner says to me that he is almost done with all his big race motors, so he must of b/sed around with my motor then race season came around and he got slammed with huge projects and he put them all in front of me.. I even put a 1,000 dollar down payment to speed the process up! Everytime I call he says that he is fixing to start on it. Ok well I have done about had enough of this b/s. Only thing is though, he is the only machine shop thats close by and he does really good work. I am just starting to get a lil impatient. What would yall do?

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

We have a shop like that in our area....not sure what might work with that guy to get him moving.

Might want to just show up at the shop every so often and talk to him.
Calling him on the phone doesn't seem to be working but maybe if he had to tell you to your face that he hadn't started working on it yet that he would set aside a little more time to get it started.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

How do you know he does "really good" work: I've heard that a lot about shops and it seems that it only takes one person to say it and everyone else just echoes that opinion.

Any shop, in my opinion, that takes 6 mos to complete a project either over books OR you made the mistake of dropping your stuff off before making an appointment which included a specific time that the job would be donei therefore indicating that you agreed to get it when they get around to it...classsic case of I want it and I want it now (been there...it;s part of our nature.

Having said that: If you decide that maybe they aren't as good as you think (and of course, taking that long is some indication of their customer service in any case) I would consider deciding on another shop with a great reputation that, even though they may not be close and send the stuff to them. BTW, I would consider whether they mind if drop in occasionaly to check on the status and even take a look see.

Many shops don't want you to see what they are doing, since once the sucker is buttoned up you will never see it again until you spin a bearing or some other catiastrophic failure occurs. AND...before I would drop any block off at a machine shop I'd make certain they don't have bad press with the Better Bus. Bureau or other agency or chat room that has info on them.

As you know this hobby costs big bucks and many of us have had bad experience that we are willing to share. Take advantage of input and try to make your best choices when it comes to shops, either machine or mechanics. JMHO And...from one you has had such experiences to the tune of around 15 grand.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

From the 1000 deposit i'd say it's time to get firm and demand some customer satisfaction. Get that money back and spend it elsewhere. No shop in their right mind would let a paying customer's work sit for 6 months! That's rediculous.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

I you were closer, I'd tell you to get it from them and drop it off here. You surely wouldn't wait that long, I guarantee that! :D

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

6 Months.... I was pissed about 3 weeks...

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

Any reputable shop should agree upon a delivery date with you at the time that the work order is generated.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

exactly. I am dropping off my deposit today at the machine shop and we have set a date for completion.... Actually the owner was the one who insisted on it. I said I am in no hurry, a few weeks is ok... he said and I quote "never tell a machine shop your in no hurry, even if you really arent you need to set a dedline."

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

Well... I went up there like the 2nd month it was in there and I asked to see the progress and he made up some b/s about ohh its not to much to see right now blah blah. I guess Im just gonna have to take a ride up there and demand to see it, if nothings done then Im just going to take it and my deposit back.. Im beyond aggravated now! I have been extremely patient with them.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

Thas what I would do honestly. If you dont set a deadline then its on the back burner. I asked my machinist how much time he needed and he said 4 weeks. 1 day goes past 4 weeks I will be on the phone or dropping in to see him. Heck, he showed me by block today after its was all cleaned up and checked out.

if he is giving you excuses it sounds like he has not done anything and is just stalling. 2 months and nothing done is not acceptable... but if you dont give a deadline then you got nothing to say. If your not happy go pick it up and get your deposit back and take it somewhere else.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

where are you going? Always looking for a good machine shop in the area

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

Engine Specialties LLC in Delran. I have no personal experience with Scott the owner and his work but he was recommended by a racing friend whos opinion I value greatly. So far I am pleased with everything. Scott has been very straight forward with me and has been very professional. I dropped off my heads there today to he is going to have them flowed and probably put new valves in and set up the heads for whatever cam I go with.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

Keep us posted with how everything goes. It's hard to find good machine shops around here.

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

just dont let them make excuses this time..dont forget..they have alot of your money with them...if they make excuses..now they may half-ass it to get it done quicker...id just take the stuff somewhere else...

Re: Machine Shop Problem
 

will do, i started a thread in the NE section...