All of that conversation needs to be forwarded to the Flaming River customer service manager. That should get you a better answer and maybe some replacement parts.

That whole conversation was terribly rude from the get-go.

I understand if they need to not discuss safety issues with customers or whatnot, but at least a "bye" or "let me get my manager to contact you back" Don't just hang up or close the chat.

If it were me, I would personally call and ask for a manager, explain what happened and then send the email DIRECTLY to him/her. That way there is no back peddling and you wont get jerked around.

Either way, that part is poorly designed and Im sure it needs to be addressed if it already hasn't.

 

Right before I did the chat, I sent the same thing to tech support directly from a form on the site. Today I got an email from tech support...

Yes, that is an old design of that column component. If you’d like to get that repaired, you can call us at 800-648-8022 to receive a return authorization # and if you send it in to us, we’ll get that new piece installed and check to make sure everything else is in working order as well.

Thank you,

Tech Support Dept.
Flaming River Industries
800-648-8022

I will give them a call tomorrow. I would like to get the replacement parts but I don't think that's something they are willing to do. They would be willing to repair it for me but may not be worth. With the cost of repair and shipping it's probably not worth it.

 

Can you ask if that ground-out section was their doing? and why? I suspect there may be liability issues if they send you the part and you assemble it.

 

I'm thinking a return authorization indicates it would be handled "under warranty?"

 

Maybe, not always though. Maybe if you point them to this thread....

 

After seeing that Flaming River column, you have to ask yourself if it that much better than the CPP............and is it worth the extra 200.....

 

I think they should be pointed to this thread, especially after the conversation smallello had with the tech

 

They did tell me in the email that it has been redesigned. However, I don't think they will repair it at no charge. Unless there is a high failure rate of this part and they have a program to replace them. ( trying to aviod the word "recall")

It would be great if they would just send me the replacement part but they seem reluctant to do so.

 

The shipping would likely be a killer too. Would be different if you were in the same town and could just drive over.

 

I mean..... are you sure you didn't "almost lose control of your vehicle due to their poor part design and how it failed due to poor engineering???"

Id ask why they redesigned the column and ask if those gears are still poorly clearenced like that... that could be a potential court case from someone down the road... just sayin

 

Check it out... this is a blow-up of a pre-airbag (<82) GM truck tilt assembly... looks like FR could be using OEM parts???

 

nice find. I bet it will be close enough to work if FR wont fix it for the right amount.

 

GM tilt columns have been problematic for years. I know the Snap-On guy sold a lot of pivot pin removal tool kits to guys over the years to facilitate pulling them apart for repair.

 

I haven't used tilt columns on my personal vehicles but I've repaired a few aftermarket and OEM ones (taken out a few aftermarket ones too), I would rebuild an OEM one. Aftermarket ones don't last under regular use over time like OEM ones, plus you still can find OEM ones everywhere. Also I always use Borgeson Universal steering joints, made in the USA since 1914 and I have yet to have one fail.

Borgeson Universal Steering Components

The one common problem on GM tilt columns are that the 3 screws come loose, you do need a pin tool to get to them but use some loctite on the screws and you'll be golden.

 

Here is a follow up on my column story. This is the emails that I recieved and sent to Classic Performance Parts.

On Tue, Nov 4, 2014 at 7:54 PM, Cathy White <Cathy@classicperform.com> wrote:
Hi Chuck
We met you at SEMA today regarding your issues with the column. Can you please send me a link to the video so we can address this with our manufacturers?
Thank you


On Nov 4, 2014, at 8:22 PM, Chuck Robertson <chuckscobra@gmail.com> wrote:


Cathy here is the link to my video.

This column has a manufacturing date of 6/27/2012. It was installed in a truck that was being restored and was not put on the road until early this summer. The truck currently has 1100 miles. The due to my saftey concerns the column was removed from the truck 11/1/2014.
Thank You for your timely response.
Chuck Robertson

from: Cathy White <Cathy@classicperform.com>
to: Chuck Robertson <chuckscobra@gmail.com>
date: Wed, Nov 5, 2014 at 8:16 AM
subject: Re: Video column
mailed-by: classicperform.com

Hi Chuck,

I will be sending you a replacement. Please forward your address to me and I will get it taken care of.
Sent from my iPhone

I sent them my address that morning. As of today, two weeks later, have I recieved a column? No.

On 10/30/2014 I recieved a PM response from MidFifty.

Re: CPP Sreering Column
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckRob
Back in August 2012 I purchased a CPP 30" column. I think that it may be one of the defective columns that is currently being discussed on the form. I currently have 1100 miles on the truck and it was just put on the road this summer. The tilt mechinism really feels loose. I was going to replace the column next year with an Idiot but am now wondering if the truck is no longer driveable due to the defect. Have you looked into this and if so what options are available?
Thank You
Chuck Robertson
Prescott AZ

Hello, Im going to forward you question to Diane, she would know a lot more about these

Have I recieved any further response from MidFifty? No.

You all can form your own opinion.