Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 04, 2021, 05:30:31 PM

Title: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 04, 2021, 05:30:31 PM
I know it is improper to "bad mouth" any vendor or person on this forum, but I have spent countless keyboard clicks endorsing Rock Auto and their AC Delco rebuilt AC compressors. I promoted them and have used their units for years, even though I have about 15 "Greg Built" A-6 compressors on my shelf.
I bought one in July for a little over $200 with tax and shipping and installed it. The old one which was the original on my 75 had blown the seal, and since R-414b is no longer financially feasable, I went back to R-12 on this car.  On Dec 1 of this year with about 1150 miles on the compressor the clutch decided to grenade itself, scoring up the pulley face badly.
No big deal, I have a couple clutch/pulley assemblies so a change out was easy without having to pull the compressor itself.
I tried to contact Rock Auto to let them know of my displeasure, and after striking out on the automated return format with no contact information for complaints I am officially withdrawing my endorsement of "factory rebuilt" AC Delco A-6 compressors.
My apologies to all those I might have misled.
Greg Surfas
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: 76eldo on December 04, 2021, 06:56:01 PM
We had had good luck with the Four Seasons brand from Amazon
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 04, 2021, 08:07:06 PM
Thanks Brian
I think If and when I need another A-6 I'll use one that I personally rebuilt. It does seem that Rock auto has gotten quite impersonal without even a phone number for customer service
Greg Surfas
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Big Fins on December 05, 2021, 04:10:59 AM
With 15 or so on the shelf, why not use one of your own built units? I know I would. If they are sitting there waiting to be sold, a beneficiary may reap the benefits before you do. Or all of that hard work will go to scrap.

That's along the same lines of dropping in a Jasper engine when you have one that's freshly built by you on a stand.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: fishnjim on December 05, 2021, 09:55:41 AM
I think people will understand that things change over time.   And you don't always have that same "glorious" experience the other person had.  Sometime growth/growing pains happen.   Lot's of people post asking for recommendations, but that's self serving, not doing your homework.
We trade convenience for other things, quality, security, etc. when it's online.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: TJ Hopland on December 05, 2021, 10:23:52 AM
I'm thinking its been several years since rock has had people you could actually talk to.   

Maybe for cars that are less than 10 years old AC delco could mean something other than a blue box but its been my experience over the last several years that you are just paying more for the box and in most cases getting the identical crappy part as every other brand.   Its even been a while since I have even seen them to print any sort of branding or even any kind of part number on the parts themselves, its literally just the box. 
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: wheikkila on December 05, 2021, 10:34:57 AM
Sadly buying parts is a snapshot of that moment. Because parts are only as good as the person who built them. Rock Auto just like every other auto parts store gets there parts from someone. I have been using the same Auto and Electric place to rebuild my starters, alternators and generators for 40 years. The gentleman that did them all those years was Johnny. I dropped off a starter and Generator the other day and found out Johnny had retired. Now they have a young gentleman doing the rebuilds. He admitted he had a lot to live up to. Only time will tell if his work will be the same.
                   Thanks Wayne     
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 05, 2021, 11:22:54 AM
John,
Retirement often finds us in strange moods.  A year or so back I got interested in rebuilding all the compressor "cores" that I had saved over the years, since brand new compressors were something like $50.00 in 1972 and they did not want the cores.  Most of the compressors cores had nothing but bad shaft seals and at $50.00 (no freight since they were available at my local parts wholesaler), it was more "time effective" to just replace the compressor.
Fast forward to current times.  In something like 1990 I started collecting what I knew to be soon unavailable compressor internal parts. Using some of them and selecting good parts from the core stash I rebuilt something like 20 A-6's. A few of which soon found new homes and the rest are on the shelf.
Up until the time the (then) latest  failure, I had complete faith in the AC Delco rebuilts and had blinders on when it came to replacing it. The prrevious one I bought was for something lie $100.00 so I went directly to Rock Auto to order it. Without paying too much attention to the numbers on the screen I purchased the unit, only noticing the actual total when I got the e-mail confirmation back.  I don't know why I did not cancel the order but I did not, which brings us to date.
I have learned something important.
I thought I was wrong once but found out I was mistaken
Greg Surfas
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Big Fins on December 05, 2021, 02:11:31 PM
I just went through the Fleetwood when I bought it and 90% of the parts came from Rock Auto. I made a huge list of everything, then placed the order. It came in a multitude of boxes over a week. I bought OEM where I could, aftermarket when I had too. So far, no complaints on any of the parts fit or finish, except for the water pump.

Because it fits so many years, it seemed to be designed more for the 500 class of engine with a single belt. I had to shim the crank pulley out 5/16" to keep the inner drive belt from rubbing the lower hose casting.

I've put nearly 2000 miles on that car since I bought it with not even a hiccup. The 42oF A/C system was a gift. The rest works exactly as it is supposed too. 
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: hornetball on December 05, 2021, 03:41:58 PM
Had a similar experience with an AC Delco blower motor with blower wheel.  It was simply not the correct part.  Put that one away, since it is correct for my C4 Corvettes.  Ordered a no-name motor that came in a "Made in Vietnam" box.  Perfect fit and blows like a champ.  So . . . dunno'.

I have lucked into a lot of "Made in USA" NOS parts from Rock Auto (they act as a clearing house for old stock).  Ironically, the NOS parts are almost stupid-cheap since Rock Auto gets them for practically nothing -- but those parts are drying up.  I agree, "AC Delco" doesn't seem to mean much anymore.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: 35-709 on December 05, 2021, 03:54:57 PM
The water pump problem crops up because the earlier 2 belt AC systems used a different pump with different (more) clearance for the inner belt but the parts houses do not make any distinction between the two.  As far as they are concerned all 472/500 water pumps are the same.  You can (or could at one time) order a new pump for your earlier (pre-single belt) set up but would always get the later version.  Someone here, a while ago, had a source for new pumps for the 2 belt system, maybe a search will find that post.
I solved my clearance problem by ordering a rebuilt early pump for my '73 and got the correct pump that way.  Kept my old pump for future rebuild and use.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 06, 2021, 12:43:48 AM
I've done so much business with Rock Auto I wanted to list them as a dependent on my taxes.
Never saw a way to talk to a person there, all digital.
And I've only had 1 bad experience (with shocks).
Still my 'go to' parts store if NAPA doesn't have the same part in stock locally.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Big Fins on December 06, 2021, 02:55:48 AM
Quote from: 35-709 on December 05, 2021, 03:54:57 PM
The water pump problem crops up because the earlier 2 belt AC systems used a different pump with different (more) clearance for the inner belt but the parts houses do not make any distinction between the two.  As far as they are concerned all 472/500 water pumps are the same.  You can (or could at one time) order a new pump for your earlier (pre-single belt) set up but would always get the later version.  Someone here, a while ago, had a source for new pumps for the 2 belt system, maybe a search will find that post.
I solved my clearance problem by ordering a rebuilt early pump for my '73 and got the correct pump that way.  Kept my old pump for future rebuild and use.

Like I always do if no core charge is levied, I put it in the garbage. I noticed the fit a few days after the old pump was long in the landfill.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2021, 02:56:57 AM
Quote from: hornetball on December 05, 2021, 03:41:58 PM
Had a similar experience with an AC Delco blower motor with blower wheel.  It was simply not the correct part.  Put that one away, since it is correct for my C4 Corvettes.  Ordered a no-name motor that came in a "Made in Vietnam" box.  Perfect fit and blows like a champ.  So . . . dunno'.

I have lucked into a lot of "Made in USA" NOS parts from Rock Auto (they act as a clearing house for old stock).  Ironically, the NOS parts are almost stupid-cheap since Rock Auto gets them for practically nothing -- but those parts are drying up.  I agree, "AC Delco" doesn't seem to mean much anymore.

Get a FlowMaster water pump. It's more efficient and has the proper casting for out pre-1973 dual pulley setups.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: 71 Fleetwood on December 06, 2021, 09:28:15 AM
and sometimes it's the little things.  The gasket is 49 cents.  Shipping is $4.  Rock Auto sends orders from different warehouses A-B-C-D-E and they each charge separately.  grrr.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 06, 2021, 11:59:18 AM
Just had a follow up e-mail communication with Rock Auto.  Their final response was since you fixed our defective product there is no warrantee so "go away little boy".  I guess I might.
Greg Surfas
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: EAM 17806 on December 06, 2021, 12:42:09 PM
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid"  Greg Surfas 15364 on December 04, 2021, 08:07:06 PM
Thanks Brian
I think If and when I need another A-6 I'll use one that I personally rebuilt. It does seem that Rock auto has gotten quite impersonal without even a phone number for customer service
Greg Surfas
I NEVER buy from Rock Auto since they are so impersonal with no Customer Service to be able to talk to them reference to their products; there are too many other good sellers around to be concerned with a company like they are.   EAM
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 06, 2021, 01:57:10 PM
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid"  Greg Surfas 15364 on December 06, 2021, 11:59:18 AM
Just had a follow up e-mail communication with Rock Auto.  Their final response was since you fixed our defective product there is no warrantee so "go away little boy".

Yup - rightly or wrongly that's pretty much how it works in the warranty world. I know firsthand that eBay will not allow a buyer to return any item once it has been tampered with in any way after the item was received  - even if the "tampering" improved the condition of the item. It will result in the item being deemed "altered" and will void any rights the buyer had to return the purchase for a refund.   
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on December 06, 2021, 02:11:05 PM
Eric
What I was suggesting to them was to just send me a new clutch for the one I replaced. In reality their cost would probably been less than the freight for a replacement A-6. Really strange (IMHO) response in this day of super competition along with the fact that my annual purchase with them are (were) considerable
Greg Surfas

Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: TJ Hopland on December 06, 2021, 03:20:57 PM
The multi warehouse thing gets me a lot too usually just like mentioned above were you need a cheap gasket to make the main part work but its at a different location so its going to cost like $15.    There are a lot of times I will change brands to try and not make shipping so much. 

An odd thing is I swear there are times I try to get it all from one spot but give up and all the sudden both the original parts are coming from the same location.  Its almost like they try to spread it out but when they sense you may be about to give up and go elsewhere they finally make it appear the way you want.     
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: dn010 on December 06, 2021, 03:23:50 PM
Rock Auto is only selling the part, they're not the ones producing the parts so the blame should be on the company doing the producing/remanufacturing for the part going bad.

My tactic is to search Rock Auto first for a part, take the part number(s) they give me and do a google search of that number to see where it can be had for less.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: gkhashem on December 08, 2021, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: dn010 on December 06, 2021, 03:23:50 PM
Rock Auto is only selling the part, they're not the ones producing the parts so the blame should be on the company doing the producing/remanufacturing for the part going bad.

My tactic is to search Rock Auto first for a part, take the part number(s) they give me and do a google search of that number to see where it can be had for less.

Do not know about you but usually it is not for less going elsewhere even with the shipping. I take the 5% discount from Rock Auto and go from there. Also I look for sales and have picked up many AC Delco oil, air, and fuel filters cheap on sale. But I usually buy more than one to make the shipping reasonable.

I have bought about 5 or so A/C compressors and my A/C guy says buy the new one if possible. He hates any remanufactured ones. I know this is not always possible on an older car but on my 37-22 year old cars I can usually still get a new A/C Delco one. Rock Auto is almost always the lowest price for a new one in my experience. So I go new and I have never got a bad one yet that was new.

But I agree it stinks not being able to talk to someone. Its been like this for about 5 years or so.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: EAM 17806 on March 12, 2022, 10:43:35 PM
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid"  Greg Surfas 15364 on December 04, 2021, 08:07:06 PM
Thanks Brian
I think If and when I need another A-6 I'll use one that I personally rebuilt. It does seem that Rock auto has gotten quite impersonal without even a phone number for customer service
Greg Surfas
GREG!  i NEVER use Rock Auto to buy parts because of their impersonal agenda and lack of customer service when and if we would have a problem.  There are many other good part dealers in our beautiful country,  EAM
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: TonyZappone #2624 on March 13, 2022, 07:35:54 AM
I truly believe that it is a disservice to any organization not to report a situation which seems to be not in accord with good business practices.  There are so many great vendors for our cars.  However, when one sticks out as being consistently providing dissatisfaction, it is ones' duty to share that information
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: wheikkila on March 13, 2022, 10:19:49 PM
Sometimes I don't think any of the parts suppliers care. I have built close to a 100 motorcycles over 25 years. I purchased the same electronic ignition for all of them. They came out with a distributorless system for a vw. It was very expensive. But when it worked. It made a big difference. The problem was the brain would die with no warning. The sent me 5 in six months and admitted they were having problems with them. I asked if I could return it for some refund. I was told no. I then asked what were they going to do after the warranty ran out. They said I would have to purchase a new system. After the warranty ran out I removed the system after it quick working and have not purchased one of there ignition systems since. I don't get it. Up to then I was a big supporter.       
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Gscutt on March 15, 2022, 02:35:36 PM
I have been buying from RockAuto for about 10 years now and have never once had an issue. I own old cars from both Ford and Cadillac and buy a lot of parts for them (also for my modern cars) and I have found the quality and service to be very good. I totally understand that things happen and I have had issues buying parts over the years from various places, but so far RockAuto has been a good place to work with. But I will keep all these posts in mind. 
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: 35-709 on March 15, 2022, 09:15:50 PM
I too have had good service from Rock Auto.  The only time I had to send something back was because I had ordered the wrong part (spark plugs).  Returning them and getting the correct plugs from RA was as easy as it could have been considering having to send something back is always kind of a pain in the butt.
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: Big Fins on March 16, 2022, 06:51:27 AM
Never an issue from them for anything from my '59 Cadillac to my wife's 2018 Explorer. My only issue from them is the cost of shipping and the way the parts are just tossed in an oversized box with no real protection. At least Amazon packs the stuff properly. They are great for parts too!
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: EAM 17806 on March 16, 2022, 10:32:38 AM
Quote from: TJ Hopland on December 05, 2021, 10:23:52 AM
I'm thinking its been several years since rock has had people you could actually talk to.   

Maybe for cars that are less than 10 years old AC delco could mean something other than a blue box but its been my experience over the last several years that you are just paying more for the box and in most cases getting the identical crappy part as every other brand.   Its even been a while since I have even seen them to print any sort of branding or even any kind of part number on the parts themselves, its literally just the box.
You are aware that most AC Delco parts are made in CHINA, aren't you!  EAM
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on March 16, 2022, 01:54:38 PM
just got this
Title: Re: Retraction of my "endorsement"
Post by: mario on March 16, 2022, 09:27:07 PM
Hi greg:
The box was made in u.s.a., not what was inside...lololol
Ciao,
Mario Caimotto