DocRebuilds first 1963 Corvette

Dec 2003--I'm bringing this...

"to the attention of the NCRS"

I received the following email today. It is followed by my response.

Subj: (no subject)
Date: 12/3/2003 5:03:12 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Ag Spotti
To: Docrebuild

Dear Mr. Coenen:

It is very nice that you specifically advertise about you receiving awards from other suppliers for copying and falsely labeling parts as ORIGIN.

However I am very disappointed in your falsely stating in your catalog parts being for specific years of then when the shipment arrives even the packaging specifies a different application.

Case in point in your catalog volume 27 page 116 Door Glass item H specifically states "68-82 outer glass seal Mtg Kit #1071063 your packaging see attached (that is if you accepted attachments) which I find you don't which causes me to spend even more money on falsely advertised parts< states 1071-063 as Door Hardware 69-82 outer seal mtg 4 pc Set. Also the screws are in no way the Mtg screws even your own picture on page 116 shows Item H as being different from the screws shipped. I have also included, (well, I guess I can't a picture of the original screw for a 68 outer Glass Seal Mtg. These screws have to have the small head because they are driven into the cat whisker seals.

Another case in point on page 149 FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE Item N 63-68 Hub Grease Cap 2 req. part # 6000392 Page 145 Front Wheel Spindle Front Wheel Dust Cap Correct Dimpled Cap 600012. When these arrived they were not for a 68 application. At that time I sent the Hubs back with a letter and a picture of the correct Hubs. Your organization did not even take the time to acknowledge the correspondence. For the life of me I can't see the difference in what you say other organizations are doing to you and what you are doing to the consumer.

I am developing a feeling of distrust in ordering products from your business.

I feel that this MIS advertising should possibly be brought to the attention of the NCRS organization. I would however like to hear from you first. Also I would like to be able to forward with my e mails pictures of correct parts when found.

I will be mailing a copy of this letter and the pictures and information you would not let me send with this email.

I too am retired and find that it is easier and less expensive to correspond with email that through the post office.

Sincerely JLF
Account NBR XXXXXXXXXXX (<<<< removed by DocR)

My Answer...

Mr. JLF,

Re: your 1968 grease caps and screw kit

You are confusing the description of TWO different grease caps on TWO different catalog pages for TWO different model applications. The information for one does not apply to the other.

Pg 145 part # 6000129 is a 1953-1962 Front wheel dust cap; correct dimpled cap $6.00 each. That application, description, part number and price have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in common with those on page 149 - except they both are dust or grease caps.

Pg. 149 part # 6000392 is a 1963-1968 Hub grease cap $5.80 each. There is no mention on this page of a correct dimpled cap and nothing to indicate that it is at all similar to a 1953-1962 part listed FOUR pages earlier in the catalog.

Although you stated the parts we shipped were not "correct " for your 1968 model, I know that these $5.80 grease caps are totally functional and do fit as we have sold them as 1963-1968 for decades and actually purchase them from GM. You can also get them there. However they are unit packed per 10. So you must purchase 10 pieces at a time. Upon receipt of your original note, I examined our stock of the parts to determine if they had changed. I could not detect a discernable difference from the parts we have sold for years.

I do not know if these are entirely correct NCRS grease caps, however we do not advertise them as such and make no verbal or written guarantee as such. In fact, just the opposite is true. We sell nothing with the implied guarantee that it will be approved or accepted by any third part for any evaluation.

However, since you were not satisfied, we refunded you the $5.80 x 2 or $11.60 on August 7, 2003 which was without a 15% restocking charge. If per chance you have not received that $11.60 credit, please advise and I will investigate further.

I have no substitute for the $5.80 grease cap. Perhaps only a used piece will suffice for your needs. I am not even sure, that the hub caps are removed for judging to examine a grease cap.

Please do not order under the misconception that there is a guarantee that any part is NCRS approved, as this is not true. If you have concerns please express them in advance and I will give you my best estimate as to whether an item is close to original. However, even I with much experience, does not know every original identifying facet of every part for every 1953-1982 model years that we cover.

If the part we shipped does not fit your spindle, then I would guess you have the 1969-1982 larger OD spindle which uses the larger grease cap. The picture you previously sent of your original part, looks like the 1969-1982 part to me.

I previously wrote the above information when you original note appeared a few weeks ago. I do not know if it was mailed or merely verbally conveyed to you on the phone.

Regarding the page 116 part # 1071063 - 1968-1982 outer glass seal mounting kit $2.50 - I regret there was an error in catalog #27 which stated this item also fit 1968 as it only fits 1969-1982. It was not my intention to "falsely advertise" this as a 1968 part also. We did not intend to deceive or use "mis-advertising" to describe these 4 screws as you have clearly suggested. Should these screws, not meet your requirement, please advise and we will provide a RA number and instructions to receive a full credit.

That description has been changed in the computer database, on the warehouse stocking bin, on the packaging label inserted into the poly bag and that page has been updated in the catalog #29 which is still being edited. Regretfully, I cannot change what is already in print.

You statement "I am developing a feeling of distrust in ordering products from your business" should encourage you to seek other solutions elsewhere. I myself would never order from an source that I condidered not trustworthy and I cannot offer further advice in that regard.

I have taken the liberty of reprinting your thoughtful comments as you have suggested that may be the appropriate tact. Quote: "I feel that this MIS advertising should possibly be brought to the attention of the NCRS organization." I have provided a link to this on the NCRS web site to assist your endeavor.

The very first statement in your letter has absolutely nothing in common or relevant to the remaining contents of your letter. It should not be necessary for me to explain those differences, however that it is a matter of public record in New Haven Connecticut Federal Court, Judge Ellen Bree Burns was presiding. The jury trial was in January 1998 Should you need further information you could seek same from the courts. It is public info, not secret and I turned down an extra $20,000 to keep it secret. I told them, you cannot even buy a decent Corvette for $20,000.

Geoffrey Coenen

PS I assure you that I will not engage in any further lengthy discussions regarding these $5.80 grease caps. I would guess they are probably a 85-90% correct NCRS item. If you want a 100% correct item, I don't think it will be found new for $5.80 each and certainly I have none. Please remember: we offer NO NCRS guarantee and make no contract as such upon sale or return in that regard. It is best to inquire first, that saves alot of time later.

Again I apologize for the $2.50 screw kit being listed as appropriate for 1968 when it is not for 1968. Actually the 1968 seals attach with integral rivets that cannot be recreated by merely buying and mounting a new cat wisker seal to the center support. That is why we have offered the same hardware as used by 1969-1982 models which use a similarly sized and configured seal - but they use screws.

I do NOT accept any email with any attachments from anyone. Please do not consider that as a rule that only applies to you.

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I received the following email today. It is followed by my response.
Subj: (no subject) Date: 12/3/2003 5:03:12 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Ag Spotti To: Docrebuild Dear Mr. Coenen: It is very nice that you specifically advertise about you receiving awards from other suppliers for copying and falsely labeling parts as ORIGIN. However I am very disappointed in your falsely stating in your catalog parts being for specific years of then when the shipment arrives even the packaging specifies a different application. Case in point in your catalog volume 27 page 116 Door Glass item H specifically states "68-82 outer glass seal Mtg Kit #1071063 your packaging see attached (that is if you accepted attachments) which I find you don't which causes me to spend even more money on falsely advertised parts< states 1071-063 as Door Hardware 69-82 outer seal mtg 4 pc Set. Also the screws are in no way the Mtg screws even your own picture on page 116 shows Item H as being different from the screws shipped. I have also included, (well, I guess I can't a picture of the original screw for a 68 outer Glass Seal Mtg. These screws have to have the small head because they are driven into the cat whisker seals. Another case in point on page 149 FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE Item N 63-68 Hub Grease Cap 2 req. part # 6000392 Page 145 Front Wheel Spindle Front Wheel Dust Cap Correct Dimpled Cap 600012. When these arrived they were not for a 68 application. At that time I sent the Hubs back with a letter and a picture of the correct Hubs. Your organization did not even take the time to acknowledge the correspondence. For the life of me I can't see the difference in what you say other organizations are doing to you and what you are doing to the consumer. I am developing a feeling of distrust in ordering products from your business. I feel that this MIS advertising should possibly be brought to the attention of the NCRS organization. I would however like to hear from you first. Also I would like to be able to forward with my e mails pictures of correct parts when found. I will be mailing a copy of this letter and the pictures and information you would not let me send with this email. I too am retired and find that it is easier and less expensive to correspond with email that through the post office. Sincerely JLF Account NBR XXXXXXXXXXX (<<<< removed by DocR)

My Answer...
Mr. JLF, Re: your 1968 grease caps and screw kit You are confusing the description of TWO different grease caps on TWO different catalog pages for TWO different model applications. The information for one does not apply to the other. Pg 145 part # 6000129 is a 1953-1962 Front wheel dust cap; correct dimpled cap $6.00 each. That application, description, part number and price have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in common with those on page 149 - except they both are dust or grease caps. Pg. 149 part # 6000392 is a 1963-1968 Hub grease cap $5.80 each. There is no mention on this page of a correct dimpled cap and nothing to indicate that it is at all similar to a 1953-1962 part listed FOUR pages earlier in the catalog. Although you stated the parts we shipped were not "correct " for your 1968 model, I know that these $5.80 grease caps are totally functional and do fit as we have sold them as 1963-1968 for decades and actually purchase them from GM. You can also get them there. However they are unit packed per 10. So you must purchase 10 pieces at a time. Upon receipt of your original note, I examined our stock of the parts to determine if they had changed. I could not detect a discernable difference from the parts we have sold for years. I do not know if these are entirely correct NCRS grease caps, however we do not advertise them as such and make no verbal or written guarantee as such. In fact, just the opposite is true. We sell nothing with the implied guarantee that it will be approved or accepted by any third part for any evaluation. However, since you were not satisfied, we refunded you the $5.80 x 2 or $11.60 on August 7, 2003 which was without a 15% restocking charge. If per chance you have not received that $11.60 credit, please advise and I will investigate further. I have no substitute for the $5.80 grease cap. Perhaps only a used piece will suffice for your needs. I am not even sure, that the hub caps are removed for judging to examine a grease cap. Please do not order under the misconception that there is a guarantee that any part is NCRS approved, as this is not true. If you have concerns please express them in advance and I will give you my best estimate as to whether an item is close to original. However, even I with much experience, does not know every original identifying facet of every part for every 1953-1982 model years that we cover. If the part we shipped does not fit your spindle, then I would guess you have the 1969-1982 larger OD spindle which uses the larger grease cap. The picture you previously sent of your original part, looks like the 1969-1982 part to me. I previously wrote the above information when you original note appeared a few weeks ago. I do not know if it was mailed or merely verbally conveyed to you on the phone. Regarding the page 116 part # 1071063 - 1968-1982 outer glass seal mounting kit $2.50 - I regret there was an error in catalog #27 which stated this item also fit 1968 as it only fits 1969-1982. It was not my intention to "falsely advertise" this as a 1968 part also. We did not intend to deceive or use "mis-advertising" to describe these 4 screws as you have clearly suggested. Should these screws, not meet your requirement, please advise and we will provide a RA number and instructions to receive a full credit. That description has been changed in the computer database, on the warehouse stocking bin, on the packaging label inserted into the poly bag and that page has been updated in the catalog #29 which is still being edited. Regretfully, I cannot change what is already in print. You statement "I am developing a feeling of distrust in ordering products from your business" should encourage you to seek other solutions elsewhere. I myself would never order from an source that I condidered not trustworthy and I cannot offer further advice in that regard. I have taken the liberty of reprinting your thoughtful comments as you have suggested that may be the appropriate tact. Quote: "I feel that this MIS advertising should possibly be brought to the attention of the NCRS organization." I have provided a link to this on the NCRS web site to assist your endeavor. The very first statement in your letter has absolutely nothing in common or relevant to the remaining contents of your letter. It should not be necessary for me to explain those differences, however that it is a matter of public record in New Haven Connecticut Federal Court, Judge Ellen Bree Burns was presiding. The jury trial was in January 1998 Should you need further information you could seek same from the courts. It is public info, not secret and I turned down an extra $20,000 to keep it secret. I told them, you cannot even buy a decent Corvette for $20,000. Geoffrey Coenen PS I assure you that I will not engage in any further lengthy discussions regarding these $5.80 grease caps. I would guess they are probably a 85-90% correct NCRS item. If you want a 100% correct item, I don't think it will be found new for $5.80 each and certainly I have none. Please remember: we offer NO NCRS guarantee and make no contract as such upon sale or return in that regard. It is best to inquire first, that saves alot of time later. Again I apologize for the $2.50 screw kit being listed as appropriate for 1968 when it is not for 1968. Actually the 1968 seals attach with integral rivets that cannot be recreated by merely buying and mounting a new cat wisker seal to the center support. That is why we have offered the same hardware as used by 1969-1982 models which use a similarly sized and configured seal - but they use screws. I do NOT accept any email with any attachments from anyone. Please do not consider that as a rule that only applies to you.

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