I finished putting a Gibbon Fiberglass IFS crossmember in my F-1 and was impressed with the quality of construction and other than an issue with the strut rod mounts, it fit exactly as intended. So, I ordered their engine and transmission mount kits. These were supposedly designed specifically to put a small block Ford into an F-1. Well, after much figuring and calculating, I decided that for some odd reason they wouldn't fit. I can understand having to do some minor fabricating and fitting to get them in my specific chassis, but where the mounts WOULD fit at required for the engine and bellhousing to occupy the same space as my firewall. I called the shop (a mom and pop {literally} operation separate from the fiberglass body plant) and explained my problem. "Mom" informed me in no uncertain terms that I was obviously doing something wrong because I was the first guy in 1600 kits that couldn't make them fit. If I had a problem, well, I'd just have to talk to "Pop". Call back later. Well, "Pop" was a lot more personable. It seems that "Pop" just makes parts from the patterns left by the last guy that ran the shop. He had put the mounts in an F-100, but never an F-1. He'd have to do some checking and get back to me. He got back with me. It seems that even though where I have my engine sitting now leaves me plenty of clearance and would fit just fine, to use his mounts I need to move it two inches back and two inches up to the point where the mounts WILL fit. That requires chopping about 4 inches or so out of my pristine firewall in my cherry cab. :-staun Um, nobody ever said anything about cutting up my firewall. Not in the literature or anywhere else. Well, that how ya gotta make it fit. Haveanicedayseeyalaterbye. I called back today to try to make arrangements to return the kit after deciding that I'd rather build my own. "Mom" told me "Pop" said there's nothing wrong with your mounts. You just aren't putting them in the right place. Move the motor back and torch out the firewall. Seeyabye. Well, they're going to get them back whether they like it or not. We'll see whether they bother to credit my account or not. This could get ugly. In the meantime, thanks for listening to me whine and you may do well to avoid Gibbon Fiberglass when looking for parts!

 

well thanks for taking the time to tell all your story. we all need to look out for each other and let all know who is good and who is bad, the truth and word of mouth will make or break a company!

 

Sorry to hear about the fit problem. :-(

First comment I've got for other FTE folks is - has anyone else tried this particular setup in an F-1 rather than an F-100? If so, did you have the same issues and what did you do?

Second comment is that you might invite the vendor to comment on the board or ask our moderators to invite them. The vendor might be more willing to consider crediting you for the return of the parts if they realize that a BIG bunch of potential customers read this board. In these situations it's generally best for both parties to find a friendly solution. Sounds like you've been willing to consider that route all along so good for you.

George

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-Oct-02 AT 10:11 PM (EST)]Rage

Is there any chance you just got a bad set from them? If they have truly sold anywhere near 1600 kits, they would surely have heard about it by now. If things haven't become too hostile yet, I would definitely send them back and ask them to compare them to another set. I agree that hacking your firewall is not an acceptable option. I just received an incorrect Borgeson U-joint from a major street rod parts vendor today. I am still waiting for "the accountant" to decide if they pay for the return shipping. They admit they sent me a GM joint for my Volare steering box. I spent $700 last week and they have to have a meeting to decide if they eat $5 shipping? Seems pretty short sighted on their part. What happens when you ask them to correct a big problem?

'fenders

 

Dewayne, Who is this vendor?

 

Paul

I'd rather not post it until I talk to the boss today. Not fair to bash them to the world until they get a second chance. I would be happy to tell you via email fatfenders53(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

Dewayne

 

Dewayne,
In my opinion, you are a classy guy! :-)

 

i'll second kenny onn that, staying calm and rational is way cool! if its a mistake and they work with you excellent if not then, find another solution.

 

Nice of you to say that Kenny. Zig's Street Rods took care of my problem part today. I have been selling polished S/S bolts on the net for about a year now. When I make an occassional mistake, I make it right immediately and appreciate when my customers are civil. I have noticed they are still customers even though I screwed up an order.

But.......What is Blue Oval Rage supposed to do when a vendor tells him to "stick it in his ear" From his FTE posts, I am confident he is competent to install a set of motor mounts. I assume he was considerate when he first reported the problem. The vendor should be telling him to ship the product back so they can try to work out his problem. I say they are fair game here as long as Rage is willing to come back to FTE and tell us they made it right later. Or man enough to tell us the error is his fault if it turned out that way. Which I doubt in this case. Allowing vendor bashing has to be an issue on your mind Ken. These are all potential advertisers for you. And from my point of view, Gibbon's is mistreating an e-friend of mine, they'll see no more of my money.

Dewayne

 

Blueovalrage,
I'm very confident in your competence as well. Also appears to me like you been very patient with them through all of this, and just aren't getting the support you deserve. "Torching the firewall"? What kind of answer is that? I totally agree with Dewayne. I hope this vendor has some scrupples, and gives you a refund.

 

Hey, thanks for the support guys. I boxed them up and dumped them in the mail yesterday with a very polite note explaining my apprehensiveness about using a gas axe on my firewall - a requirement I was unaware of when I place my order. I stated that I was nearly finished custom building a set that leaves ample clearance with the body, chassis, steering, and radiator and that I would be happy to send them pictures, measurements, and templates when I was finished. In the meantime, please give credit to my Visa for the mounts. We'll see what that gets me. I understand exactly how their mounts go in and I know that they have them back that far to get behind the steering box. With where I have my engine now, the motor mount is directly beside the box. But I'd much rather build mounts that reach around the box on the driver's side and leave the engine in a good position than put in mounts that look pretty and fit nice but require you to install a van engine cover in the cab when you're done!:-X23 I've seen Gibbon mounts in an F100 and it is a much different setup with no clearance issues. If they give me my money back with no problem and consider taking a look at the way I built my mounts, maybe I can change my "avoid like the plague" recommendation. We'll have to wait and see.

 

In the interest of fairness, I feel a bit obligated to give you all an update on my situation. It took a couple of weeks, but I received a check in the mail today from Gibbon F-100's for my motor mount kit. It was conspicuously sent without a note or anything else, but it is a refund nonetheless. It was even for more than I had asked for. Maybe they credited me for shipping. At any rate, I wish to retract my "avoid" recommendation and suggest that any potential customers beware when ordering motor mount kits for an F-1 from them. They will fit but require a custom firewall or serious modification. I do also still highly recommend their torsion bar suspension crossmembers. Now that I have been satisfied, I'm going to send them specs from my setup and maybe they will be willing to consider re-engineering theirs a bit so they are an easier fit. If any other F-1 owner is using a Gibbon crossmember and plans on running a small block Ford, I would be willing to forward a set of my drawings and pictures of my mounts or possibly even build a set. Thanks again for all the support!!!

 

Joe,

You are a classy guy. Thanks for updating us.

 

I agree! Appreciate the update as well.