I also have been buying from Gordon Imports since 2002, and I have nothing
but praise for their operation. Hugh Gordon has spent considerable time
freely explaining things to me, both by phone and in person. Jeanie &
Sherrie always are nice to talk to, and process my order easily, quickly and
accurately. Gordon Imports always ships parts shockingly fast, and every
order has been 100% accurate. I have never ordered something only to find
the promised shipment was delayed or back-ordered or had to be cancelled. On
items which were not immediately available, my account has not been debited
until the item was shipped!
Some businesses will sell what they have available, and when that's gone,
everybody has no choice left; it's nothing for everybody. A company that
tries to maintain long-term operation will often use the "core" system,
where they buy back rebuildable worn out parts from the consumer. Sure, it's
labor intensive, but the supply of parts can be stretched much further,
which is better for everybody.
A really dedicated company will commission new, "re-created" parts,
extending the parts supply infinitely. This is the best scenario, with new
parts, meeting or exceeding OEM specs, available in stock.
Unfortunately, heaven has a steep price! Could anyone owning an Amphi expect
that parts for a limited production run, 50 year old, foreign car would be
cheaply available at NAPA or Pep Boys? You can't compare paying $20 for a
part at NAPA for your 72 Ford with not finding that part at any cost at NAPA
for your Amphi! And once you do find that part available, and the vendor
wants maybe $75 plus a core cost, how can you really complain; the choice is
$75 or make it yourself. Maybe that's a viable choice if you happen to have
your own nice automotive machine shop, but most of us realize that the
expensive, yet available part frees us to put our own efforts to better use.
Well, I got a little off-track talking about core workings, so I'll just say
that, based on my actual experiences, I can think of no company that is more
user-friendly, efficient and honest than Gordon Imports. BTW, full
disclosure; I have about $300 of parts waiting for me at Gordon Imports, and
I'll be at the Dry Swim-in on the 26th to pick them up. Finally, the several
pieces of bulk candy included in each parts shipment has not influenced my
opinion of GI. <g>
Ed Price
El Cajon, CA USA
WB6WSN
1961 Amphicar
1987 MB 420SEL
_____
From: cigarman [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:48 AM
To: edprice@cox.net
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20681] Re: Is everyone dead? No
chat about Gordon's
I have been dealing with Gordon Imports for almost 9 years and have never
had a problem with them. For the past 2 years since I have been working on
customer's cars, I have been dealing with Gordon's even more closely on a
weekly basis. They will work with you as much as they can whenever they can.
I have seen Hugh replace a prop no questions asked... Also anytime I get
something that is not quite right he replaces it. They run a business that I
am sure costs a ton to operate and need to meet the bottom line... As far as
core charges It is a necessary for the future of parts. If he didn't charge
it people would just throw it away and it is gone.
It is good to see some positives said about Gordon's for without them where
would we all be with our cars???
Cigarman
Great Lakes Amphicar
Capon23@aol.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Great Lakes Amphicar
Mechanical work, Body Repair & Storage
South Beloit, Illinois
Email: <mailto:capon23@aol.com> capon23@aol.com
You can be assured that it will be done right the first time!
Cigarman
