Heart Beat city [Archive] - Team Camaro Tech

rogerh

Aug 28th, 09, 04:12 PM

This is the e-mail I got.
Roger

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Jonesy

Aug 28th, 09, 04:18 PM

thats a good comparison if all of them are getting those items from the same suppliers and the quality is the same.

I havent dealt with Heart Beat in a few years, I bought alot of NOS and other repop stuff from him back then and never had a problem.

I bought rear leafs, replacment rockers, trunk drop offs and outer wheel wells. All USA made stuff that most others didnt carry at the time. It was all quality stuff and heavy guage and fit real good. I bought a radiator (Harrison copy) I really thought it was decent and was pretty much exact copy of the original, same with the rear leafs (exact).

he has some decent repop stuff that none of the others have.

Not sure what the story is now.

hhijleh

Aug 29th, 09, 05:01 AM

BelAirBob

Aug 29th, 09, 05:26 AM

well i was going to order from Ricks tonight, their shipping is killer.

1968 camaro I need:

Trunk pan $80
Left and Right Floor pan $80 a piece
Trunk Lid Spoiler $120
Hood 2" cowl $220

order came to $580, shipping was $160 for a total of $740 plus whatever my oversize punishment is....

can anybody reccomend a better place to buy for these? Prices seem pretty standard for these pieces...just wondering if there is a site that offers a discount now or ships more reasonable.... Bel Air Bob only sells the trunk pan and hood I think, unfortunatly

Hi,

We carry all of the parts on your list. Sent you a PM. :thumbsup:

prostreet69camaro

Aug 29th, 09, 05:38 AM

well i was going to order from Ricks tonight, their shipping is killer.

1968 camaro I need:

Trunk pan $80
Left and Right Floor pan $80 a piece
Trunk Lid Spoiler $120
Hood 2" cowl $220

order came to $580, shipping was $160 for a total of $740 plus whatever my oversize punishment is....

can anybody reccomend a better place to buy for these? Prices seem pretty standard for these pieces...just wondering if there is a site that offers a discount now or ships more reasonable.... Bel Air Bob only sells the trunk pan and hood I think, unfortunatly

Now adays shipping is outragous. I sold 2 big tires on ebay. I took them to Fedex and UPS and the shipping was 120.00 ea. because they are oversize. But you would think Ricks gets a discount which they probably do and they charge us the full price.

BelAirBob

Aug 29th, 09, 05:44 AM

Keep in mind that the cowl hood needs to go via truck, not FedEx or UPS. Truck freight is generally a more expensive way to ship.

hhijleh

Aug 29th, 09, 06:08 AM

well, I finally figured out Summit offers all the parts I need, shipped TO MY DOOR my order comes to $660, which saves me 200 exactly over Firewheel classics which was the cheaper seller between Rick's etc.

Must just be tough to compete with shipping product, all the parts are basically the same price, but shipping is what closed the deal. All Goodmark parts, which I have had great luck with....i have ordered from Summit before, primarly for engine/motor parts, not body and have been very pleased with their customer service, usually you get someone who knows what they are talking about.

thanks for the advice/input fellas

TOM BARKLEY

Aug 29th, 09, 02:07 PM

I have never had a problem with Hearbeat City and they were always pretty fair on the shiping price.

okiemark

Aug 29th, 09, 03:47 PM

I agree that Heartbeat City may not be the only ones selling FAKE trim tags; I'll boycott anyone else I know does this.

Strick

Aug 29th, 09, 04:31 PM

I have used all of the distributors mentioned above except Classic & Bel Air. I have problems with every one. NPD I have never had an issue, except a back order. Looking at the numbers above I would guress ground up just had the wrong price inputed on the shackles. Personally, I like using the distributor which is closest to me, because I am always anxious to get my parts. However shipping can be a deal breaker.

Keep in mind that it is not only the price the carrier charges to bring you the product involved in shipping, but some of those 'specialty' boxes are expensive.

tjlarge

Aug 30th, 09, 10:36 AM

I have used Heartbeat City and never had a problem. Fortunately I'm only 30 miles from the place so I can go there and see the stuff before I pay for it and of course pay no shipping charges. Lucky I guess...

They offer most (perhaps all??) of the USA made repop parts - so I prefer to go that route. In fact many of them are made locally right here in the Detroit area.

IDS_Bill

Aug 30th, 09, 08:34 PM

Unreal

Aug 31st, 09, 06:13 PM

Same email I got. Ordered from Heartbeat City instead. Classic and GrounUp's websites are way too cumbersome and waste a lot of time. Good sites go a long way in my book - hence HBC and Firewheel for me.

I feel the same way. Screw me anyway you want...as long as you have a pretty web site, it's OK.

rich pern

Aug 31st, 09, 07:36 PM

I have used Ricks, NPD and BelairBobs.

Since the ecklers buyout I wont be using ricks again.

One thing about Bob, he'll help you weather he gets the sale or not. That goes A LONG WAY in my book.

A Second thing about Bob, he's and active member of this site, and not just a sponsor. He really is "Bob". That goes even further in my book!

Rich

Steiner

Aug 31st, 09, 07:59 PM

Just to throw another option in there....

D&R Classic prices for those parts, respectively. Find it on their ebay store and shipping is free. I've never had a problem with them. It's better to call in your order since if they don't have it when you order online it is just deleted from your order and you do not receive a notification.

$49.95
$25.00
$9.95
$55.00

In this thread and others I have read that one particular dealer is much higher in prices then the others. I took four parts at random and four suppliers to compared the prices so you are the judge, which is the higher or lower. Most of the parts are priced very close together.

67 Vent Window Weather Strip Kit.
Ricks WS-6 $89.99
Classic C545 $59.99
Ground-Up JSS-3125 $59.95
HeartBeat WTS-1020 $62.95

67-69 Leaf Spring Shackle ***.
Ricks SS-28 $34.99
Classic K544 $29.95
Ground-Up NRD-0045 $59.95
HeartBeat REP-1021A $49.95

67-69 SS Hood Hinge Spring
Ricks HD-55 $16.99
Classic 3848272 $14.95
Ground-Up RHS-272 $15.95
HeartBeat BDY-1241 $16.77

67-69 Outside Door Handle Kit
Ricks HD-24 $81.99
Classic R5001 $59.95
Ground-Up MPX-6967 $49.95
HeartBeat BDY-1116 $59.95

1969ProStreetCamaro

Aug 31st, 09, 08:02 PM

Just to throw another option in there....

D&R Classic........ if they don't have it when you order online it is just deleted from your order and you do not receive a notification.

Wow....that blows!!!!! Classic Industries doesn't do that^^^^^^^.

David F.

IDS_Bill

Sep 1st, 09, 01:51 PM

I feel the same way. Screw me anyway you want...as long as you have a pretty web site, it's OK.

Okay, not quite what I meant but, for me, I want things convenient and easy. If I can be sitting in a staff meeting when I remember a part I need, go to a website, conveniently look through and find what I need with a good picture and description, maybe see a few more impulse items and make the purchase, all while everyone in the meeting thinks I am working then GREAT! :thumbsup:

Phone calls, dealing with EDT vs. PDT and cumbersome website waste my time and time is money! I'll pay a few dollars more for convenience!

turbo67camaro

Sep 2nd, 09, 11:43 PM

I've placed a couple orders with Heartbeat City and have been very happy with the products and service.

They had some small parts that were not easy to find elsewhere.

RamAirDave

Sep 2nd, 09, 11:57 PM

thats a good comparison if all of them are getting those items from the same suppliers and the quality is the same.

This is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

I can't say for sure about the vent window w/s, but I'm guessing they probably aren't the same products. I know there are some repo shackles that are bad (as far as original appearance), don't know if there are "good" ones out there as I always use the originals.

The outer door handles certainly aren't all the same. If they are ~$90 they are from Trim Parts and they are much better than the less-expensive repos. :yes:

rogerh

Sep 3rd, 09, 02:05 PM

Dave as a customer how can we tell who the supplier is or the quality of the item until we get them? Most of the time the only thing we have to go by are web sites and catalogs and many times the dealers don't know what the quality of the products. I got up that list like many of us would, by looking up the parts on the sites.
You can't tell me that one dealer only sales top of the line products and everything you get your satisfied with. The old saying is YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR but in this hobby the most expensive parts are not necessarily the best quality parts. Who would of thought that some one would pay $350.00 for a piece of tin and many time they are branded as being poor quality and the customer is satisfied. The customer many times must rely on the dealers return policy and their customer service.
I just replaced the inside trim on my A-post and they are notorious for being poor quality. The left one fit like a glove and the right one was off just a little. I also just replace the outside door handles; the name on the box was Convex, made in China. They look good, fit well and are working as good as the originals and they were $55.00. Will they last another 40 years????

Roger

HOGDADDY

Sep 3rd, 09, 03:53 PM

This is a pic of the NOS Camaro trunk latch I won on Ebay from Heartbeat.
If he is a stand-up guy he should come forward and give me a refund ($100) but I doubt that will happen.

Notice it has no nuts welded on to attach it and the ebay pic conveniently negelcted to show that angle.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0656.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0657.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0658.jpg

Like I said previously, buyer beware.

HOGDADDY

Sep 3rd, 09, 09:03 PM

I guess I could possibly still make this work by drilling 3 holes and trying to weld nuts on it but for the money this should not be necessary or at least he should have alerted the possible buyers in the auction that is was in fact defective.

Personally I wouldn't buy anything from Heatbeat because I don't trust him at all.

RamAirDave

Sep 3rd, 09, 10:19 PM

I hear what you're saying Roger.

It isn't easy. I prefer good, used GM parts or NOS. One of my local vendors has a large stash/yard of used GM stuff and gets a little aggravated when I call him for that stuff rather than wanting to buy the cheaper/less quality repo parts he sells.

I've been doing this for a while, so I've either seen, used, declined, and even trashed many of the repo parts out there. Some of it is good, some of it is better, a lot of it is bad. I certainly don't expect everyone to have an extensive history of experience with all the stuff out there.

There are some vendors that offer different "variations" of the "same" part. Rick's does. If it mentions "superior quality", or a more "correct" version of a part, it's likely a better part. It doesn't mean it's always a great part, but gives you an option for the best repo available.

With Pontiac stuff, Ames is great. They will straight write it out in their catalog if a part isn't very good, or if it is. Some stuff they will flat refuse to sell if it's that bad. Unfortunately, most vendors don't do this. It would be great if they did.

rogerh

Sep 3rd, 09, 10:24 PM

Mike that latch is defective and should be returned. In the picture on E-bay you can see the nutzerts. Even Heart Beat City wouldn't sale defective parts. Would they????
Below is their return policy with phone number. Don't let them get away with saleing junk.

Roger

DAMAGES & RETURNS

Please do your research to make sure the item you bid on will fit your car. We will not be responsible for errors or mistakes in bidding. Return fees will apply. We are happy to answer all questions. Due to the costs of selling on eBay, Heartbeat City charges a 15% restocking fee on all returns. No exceptions! If your item(s) are lost or damaged, please do not email. Please call customer service directly at 586-226-8811 during our business hours of 10:00-7:00pm EST regarding any damages or returns.

Steiner

Sep 3rd, 09, 11:59 PM

Due to the costs of selling on eBay, Heartbeat City charges a 15% restocking fee on all returns. No exceptions!

That right there says it all. In the event of a return, seller costs are fully refunded from ebay through the final value fee credit process. Even paypal refunds the service fee on a return.

eBay costs them absolutely nothing other than about a minute of their time in the event of a return.

If you could move enough volume, you could pretty much make a living sending off a return policy like that without ever actually moving a single item out of inventory.

clill

Sep 4th, 09, 07:35 AM

HOGDADDY

Sep 4th, 09, 10:55 AM

HogDaddy...Have you told Heartbeat about the problem ? They might have a pile of those latches NOS and posted a photo of one that might not be the actual one you bought. I would be surprised if after they saw that the nuts are missing they would charge the restock fee.

Well I have had this part for a while now and it was months later after the original purchase that I noticed the defective part so I don't know what they will say.

I am gonna call em right now and post the answer here I mean maybe they will still refund my money who knows?

OK after searching my Ebay I think this guy went by another name MrZL1camaro is this correct? and also I don't have invoice anymore (but remeber it was around $100) and I purchased it Nov. 10, 2004 so guess I am SOL.
The guy at Heatbeat said I would need to talk to Jim and he was out town and he didn't know if that used to be sellers name. Its not worth my time here but still feel I was mislead from the beginning cause the ebay ad pic never showed the part was missing nuts.

stope4

Sep 4th, 09, 02:41 PM

Since you don't have receipts, I'd suck it up and forget about it. Talking to Jim will just get you flat out mad. He's not real customer friendly. Hell, whenever I see something on Ebay and I figure out it's Heartbeat City, I just move on. Don't like the guy and won't do business with him. Period!

Not trying to be condesending just like to make a suggestion that I apply to myself at the detriment of a wonderful and loving wife. This really does work but your garage may fill up and you will have to keep a file but what you describe above will not happen.

"While in the rebuilding stage don't throw anythin away. And I mean anything including receipts. When it comes to auto rebuilding, repairs etc... I keep all receipts until the vehicle is out of the family."

HOGDADDY

Sep 4th, 09, 04:11 PM

I really dont think it will be too hard to cut-off the nuts (castrate :D) from a used latch and put them on it.
I mean it would still function like a new (nos) latch anyways.

Rick@NPD

Sep 9th, 09, 08:44 AM

I see there's a couple threads going recently (one locked) regarding shipping fees and pricing games... And you're right, there's an awful lot of what I call "smoke and mirrors" going on in this industry, more than ever with this floundering economy.

A few comments on posts here, in no particular order:

* Yes, prices can vary vendor-to-vendor on a list of items, due to the specific origin of the part. While it's popular to say "everybody sells the same stuff", that statement is dangerous and often untrue. Since there are so many thousands and thousands of repro parts out there, there's no way to get your arms around who's got what in a specific fashion. You just need to find a supplier who is diligent in their homework, research and pricing.

* Discounts - This has gone CRAZY this year, all the "discounts". All I have to say is that when you walk into a furniture store, or a mattress store, and they have a big sign outside that says "50% off, this week only!!!!", you've got to realize that they are buffering the discount by inflating their base retails. It's a mind-screw for those who don't have the time or inclination to shop around or do the math. Discounts mean nothing by themselves, always compare quotes at the BOTTOM of the invoice, including any/all shipping/handling fees. And also take into consideration a firm's reputation for quality, service if you've got a problem, and in-stock availability. And that "insurance" fee?? Hmmmm......

* Shipping - Most larger retailers calculate shipping as a percentage of the total retail cost of the parts. It's been insinuated here that such practices are "slimy", but it's really not that simple. There's no good way to calculate the actual shipping at the point-of-sale, as it not only depends upon the weight and dimensions of the items, but also the NATURE of the items and decisions the shipper will need to make to ensure nothing gets damage. For instance, if you're ordering a brake drum and an eyebrow molding, you've got compatibility issues that blow-up the simple formula of "weight+dim", as the drum will destroy the molding unless you box seperately or add size or modifications to protect the molding. In a large operation, where orders are going straight to invoice and being pulled/shipped, there's no good efficient way to pull the order, figure exact shipping, THEN inform the customer (we'd have to call you or email you back), and THEN charge. It's a matter of logistics and warehouse flow and order speed. SMALL vendors are able to do this, because they are small shops, and the volumes they are handling can be managed in such a way. If you applied actual-shipping within any of the larger retailers, it would be a huge wrench in the works. At NPD, we too charge a percentage of the order total. 10% out-of-state, 5% in-state, and then anything over $300 bucks is free... We also have to charge a fair fee for over-size. But all-in-all, we feel our overall fee structure is one of the most affordable going, and at the end of the year, we don't profit a dime from our shipping department. In the big picture, our customers ARE paying "cost", but it's weighted... Those who are taking advantage of the free-shipping benefit are paying less-than-cost, and those who are not are covering that incentive. So you are indeed rewarded for spending more, you've just got to get past that $300 bucks. Having been doing this for so many years, we're confident that our loyal customers are happy with the trade-offs. This all said, it is not uncommon for mail-order companies to use their shipping departments as profit-centers. Caveat Emptor.

In any case, your best measure is the bottom-line cost to your door, combined with the general quality of the parts you receive over time, combined with the in-stock service and speed, combined with the friendliness of the return/exchange policies. Pretty obvious stuff, and there are indeed plenty of good, quality and reputable Camaro parts choices out there for you to choose from. Competition is good.

Jeremiah

Sep 9th, 09, 09:58 PM

I bought a used cowl ind breather, an original restored tilt column and an NOS endura bumper for my 69 from heartbeat city and couldnt have been more pleased. I have also dealt with bell air bob and also very pleased. Classic industries has been my worse experience with getting correct parts. There descriptions in the catalogs are very misleading at times.

67conv.cam

Sep 10th, 09, 05:42 AM

rick, thank you for taking the time to explain these practices and misconceptions..
in years past npd always treated me well..and i wont name the companies that have not...not now art least...
thanks again

ccognetta

Oct 23rd, 09, 10:16 AM

69SS 350 5 Speed

Oct 23rd, 09, 02:15 PM

I am also glad to have read Rick's post. I have spent a small fortune on parts over the last 30 years from many suppliers and the most reasonable prices and the best customer service has come from NPD. On several occassions I have faxed a request for a quote for a very large order to several suppliers at the same time and my best results have been from NPD and D & R Classics.

HOGDADDY

Oct 24th, 09, 12:47 AM

As I personally know Jim he is a stand up guy. I highly doubt he even noticed your part was missing the nuts. But from Nov 2004? :D LOL that's a long time..

You might want to call again as Jim does go out of the office several times a year for different reasons.. Your call might have been misplaced...

As for a heartbeatcity code..

9E2-CB4-X7L

found this one... Looks like good to Nov 11, 2009! Give it a try!

I will just not do any business with him in the future and feel that this was intentional cause the ebay pic never showed the angle of part with the missing nuts.

I am an honest guy myself and have a 100% ebay rating and I have never changed my ebay name. I wonder why he changed his?

69RSConvt

Oct 24th, 09, 01:19 AM

Firewheel Classics hands down is the best for pricing, shipping and service!

Just had two rather large orders shipped to Ca. and they shipped same day. Ask for Patty but they are all knowledgeable and nice! This has been my personal experience.

Lobstah

Oct 24th, 09, 05:10 AM

I've bought quite a few parts from GroundUp, a site sponsor, and have been very satisfied. It also helps that they are based in Ct, so shipping to Mass is very quick.

Jim

8ballracing

Oct 24th, 09, 08:52 AM

I have purchased from Heartbeat with no problems.....I also had a non car related question that I thought Jim could help me with and sent him an email two days later he returned my email with an answer and links to help me with my question.........

So, my experience with Heatbeat and Jim has been pleasing.....

I have read about others with problems from HBC......each seemed to have a story that had a questionable resposibility issue.....buyer beware with any vendor or private seller should always be followed......I have bought parts and cars for many years and have been ripped off a time or two. I have kicked myself in the be-hind for not useing more caution before sending payment but have also found a great deal or two along the way too.....This is a part of the hobby that is not going away and seems to be more of a problem today then years ago....

Side bar....I have also bought at many a swap meet from vendors that bring thier inventory with them......I open each part and examine it as sometimes it is inventory that has been returned for one reason or another or is old inventory that has been improved with a better part.....Most of the time the vendor will take the return but it is a hassle with return shipping costs and time spent dealing with it.

Best way to stay on top of it is to do research here for the best vendor/manufactor/part etc.....usually a member has been there done that or has posted the issue with the part......pays to read all the part related threads too for a heads up on costs fit and quality......

rogerh

Oct 24th, 09, 10:34 AM

Check out the air filter from HBC. Nine dollar filter for $350.00, you think they sale any???

Roger

http://store.heartbeatcity.net/store/product/22613/NOS-Air-filter-A212CW%2C-GM/

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/air-filter-67-68-69-70-corvette-camaro-a212cw-chevelle-_W0QQitemZ230381963915QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2009092 7?IMSfp=TL0909271410003r37365

The Sleeper 327

Oct 24th, 09, 11:15 AM

Just to add another buyer dissatisfaction but to stir no troubles. I bought my first and last item from HBC about 5 months ago. I bought a transmission selector lever for powerglide to switch from column to floor. Well I never knew this before that and they never bothered to state that there were two types of powerglides in 67 and that this piece was for the later one. This caused the part to be wrong but what really upset me was the fact that the part in the picture showed the grommet and another piece for the set up. Guess what I got, just the metal piece to switch over that looked to have been reman'd and not nos like it stated.

Nonetheless, i am happier now with a 4spd set up!!!

NHBandit

Oct 24th, 09, 12:20 PM

Check out the air filter from HBC. Nine dollar filter for $350.00, you think they sale any???

Roger

http://store.heartbeatcity.net/store/product/22613/NOS-Air-filter-A212CW%2C-GM/

http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=256453740&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336121784&toolid=10001 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/air-filter-67-68-69-70-corvette-camaro-a212cw-chevelle-_W0QQitemZ230381963915QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2009092 7?IMSfp=TL0909271410003r37365 No picture on their website but if it's old original stock from back in the day & the printing on the filter is different than what GM sells now then sure, they might sell a few to guys doing concourse restorations who need every little part to be as it came from the factory. Another example is the old AC PF-25 oil filters. The ones that were white with red & blue lettering. I've seen them sell for stupid money when you can buy the same part number blue painted filter from GM for 5 bucks. They are now reproducing the old white ones though. http://www.cosworthparts.com/cosworthparts/pf25.html

JohnZ

Oct 24th, 09, 05:32 PM

Check out the air filter from HBC. Nine dollar filter for $350.00, you think they sale any???

Roger

There's a HUGE difference between a genuine NOS AC A212CW filter and the later AC-Delco replacement A212CW like the one in the auction photo. The correct/original configuration 1967 version (diagonally-oriented squares made from soldered round wire with yellow oil-wetted paper, photos below) commonly brings $1500 - $2000 in the Corvette restoration community. Paragon used to have a 95%-correct reproduction, but their source quit making them three years ago. The later AC-Delco replacements with white paper and the stamped expanded-metal retainer (like the one in the auction photo) are a dime a dozen, and get a major deduction in judging.

:beers:

IDS_Bill

Oct 25th, 09, 10:47 PM

You know, I am sure any of us could pick any vendor and find something that we don't like about them. It's a business and sometimes some things go awry. I do think it is silly to banter back and forth about a vendor. I have had great experiences with Firewheel and HBC and have gotten wrong parts from both. The rest of them just treat me like a number when I call. Dave at HBC knows my car, laughs about my selection of passwords and remembers what I ordered in the past. When PUI had a quality issue with one of their Gold Edition door panels, Dave sent a new pair - no questions asked - with a return shipping label for the old ones. The quality issue was PUI, not HBC and I could not have asked for a better response.

So how long are we going to go on with this? Ground Up, Belaire Bob's, NPD, Classic Industries, Firewheel, HBC - they all have repro parts, they are businesses and they have humans working for them and will make mistakes.

Have you made an error in your job lately?

There's a saying about glass houses that comes to mind so let's find something new to talk about rather than bashing another small business who is most likely struggling like all others in this economy these days!

- Bill Jamison

HOGDADDY

Oct 26th, 09, 12:55 AM

Who said anything about repro parts? I was specifically referring to a defective NOS part that I bought from (from what I can tell the owner of HBC) his Ebay account and felt it was intentionally misleading is all.

I never had any problems with other vendors and I have bought from them all in past, D&R, Classic Industries (Classic Camaro years ago), NPW,Steve's,Year One and Rick's.

I have no more to say on this matter.:thumbsup:

NHBandit

Oct 26th, 09, 05:43 AM

The original post was asking questions about others dealings with Heartbeat City and he got those answers. Somehow it turned into a personal issue with a trunk latch bought by Hogdaddy so I'll give my opinion on that. 2 points there. It was not a repro part it was an NOS GM part. When you pay the big bucks for an original NEW factory part you surely don't expect to have to fix it. No removing nuts from your old one & welding them on, none of that. Bolt it on and be done. That being said I don't see anything here that says Hogdaddy made any real effort to speak to the owner about this and give him the opportunity to make things right. One phone call when the guy was out of the office and then gave up. If he had made the effort and was told to pound sand it would be different and he would have the right to be pissed. I don't think it's fair to post here that he got bad service when he really never gave them a chance to make it right. To say he was intentionally misleading is just plain wrong. You bought ONE of them and had it in your posession for months before noticing there was a problem. Do you really think a guy who handles hundreds of items EVERY DAY knew it was defective & sold it anyway ? He probably never saw it in fact. I would bet he has people in the company who handle Ebay auctions for him and they may not even be car guys. Just some pimple faced kids in the shipping department. Get real.. I've handled alot of Camaro parts over the years and parted out well over 100 back in the day when they could be bought cheap and looking at even the pics you posted it looks like a great part at first glance. I might not notice the missing nuts myself until I went to bolt it on and the WTF light went on in my head.. As to my personal opinion concerning Heartbeat City I have never bought anything from them so I have nothing to add to what's already been said.

Rick@NPD

Oct 26th, 09, 09:10 AM

The latch in question was likely an old "take-off" from a dealership, very very common thing...

Dealer has car come in under warranty, dealer replaces latch, puts defective latch (that still LOOKS brand new although it doesn't work properly) back into the box that the new one came in, and then returns it to GM with loads of other "overstock" items in their parts department, as part of the annual or bi-annual return batch that GM allowed their dealerships to do... A big scam that unscrupulous dealers would do, knowing that GM would have no reasonable chance of detecting the part as defective or being a "take-off"...

Over the years, those returned parts got siphened out into the public realm by GM and it's associated "recylers", and wind up in the hands of swap-meet vendors and NOS parts dealers who have NO IDEA that it's a "take-off" and defective...

You've always got to be very wary when buying functional NOS parts, checking closely for evidence of fasteners tightened against them, terminals connected, anything that would indicate prior installation. Those are almost always "take-offs", and defective.

Heartbeat City likely had no idea that the latch was not "new", it can be tough to tell sometimes.

Rick@NPD

Nov 10th, 09, 10:13 AM

Test..

Trick1

Nov 11th, 09, 03:43 AM

Anyone want to comment on Paddocks? Maybe they will get in touch with reality.I often go right past their Knightstown Indiana shop but only went in once.They must be trying to put some kids through Yale. They should of stayed in the old shop on Main st.
I found Restoration World in Hueber Heights OH where I can get to to avoid the shipping cost. Bob if your shop was en route I would shop with you. Thanks for all your help to members.

jims68z

Nov 11th, 09, 06:19 AM

I have used Heartbeat City and found that they were the only ones to be able to get some of the pieces I needed. They are a little pricey so I have purchased a lot of parts from Luttys Chevy Warehouse and they are pretty reasonable and will bring your order to shows if you let them know ahead of time and you can save shipping.

Tom Weaver

Mar 13th, 10, 02:23 PM

I have recently been buying from Heartbeat because they offer the higher end merchandise at a more reasonable price. I usually deal with Dave. They did however recently send me wrong dash, but sent out a new one yesterday and will reimburse when the wrong item comes back. I’ll let you know how that deal works out. Dave will work with me when it comes to price matching or will tell me up front that they can't match the price. Heartbeat does have the best shipping cost compared to the others. At Christmas they had a 10% off deal and free shipping on orders over 300 bucks. Classic may have better pricing sometimes, but they more than make up for it on their outrageous shipping cost. They are the most expensive by far in this category, right up there with the newly acquired Ricks now owned by Ecklers. I tend not to buy through either of these guys any more. Your best bet is to shop around and ask the guys to price match the item needed. Most importantly, tell them the caliber car your building and ask who manufactures the item needed. CHQ currently tends to make some of the better fitting products available on the repro market. Also some, not all OER isn’t all that bad either. Do your homework, post questions here to enquire about real customer satisfaction? Good luck!!!

provfirescott

Mar 13th, 10, 02:52 PM

Never had a problem with HBC always great on the phone but did get bitched at by someone at R***S once and have had a hard time since going back!

ccognetta

Oct 8th, 10, 01:55 PM

Team Camaro Members: If you have any problems with HeartbeatCity that cannot be resolved with a phonecall to HBC (586-226-8811), please feel free to contact me, for help. I will try to assist you in resolving the matter.

As for HBC, I am also a customer which is how I met them and started building their website that everyone is linking too! :) Thanks for the great comments on the site, as we are making even more improvements shortly.

The trim tags in question are GM Licensed Products, sold by many of the camaro
suppliers not just HBC. I have brought this to the attention of management and we will
have a decision on discountining their use. For now, they have been removed from the website. BTW, they aren't big sellers, 1-2 sold since we have them.

We would like to thank everyone that "STOOD UP" for Heartbeatcity in this ad. We
strive for 100% customer satisfaction, and while we can't make everyone happy we
always do our best to resolve the issue.

Please take advantage of our free shipping offers. You can read about them here.
http://www.heartbeatcity.com/store/content/51/Shipping/. It might appear that we
charge more for our products, but others can charge less but they charge more for shipping costs. Look at your total deal.

I also can tell you that many of these Camaro Parts Vendors don't have Camaro guys
buying their parts. Jim spends alot of time to ensure you receive quality parts. In many cases, we simply did not offer the inferior parts, and our price will seem higher. This is part of the service you get when purchasing from Heartbeatcity.

I'm not only a customer, I'm a member! LOL :)

jay'srs/ss

Oct 8th, 10, 02:15 PM

I'm about to place an order from HBC. I bought a set of new vent window handles for my 67. But since I got them I moved and now I can't find the pivot studs. If I don't find them looks like I've got to order another pair, along with the underdash courtesy light kit and console harness.

67RSSS

Oct 8th, 10, 05:18 PM

One will never stop vender bashing or criticism and nor should they! If one has a bad experience with venders I for one want to know why and determine if it is a legitimate concern as others are capable of here on the site. One seldom gets the opportunity to inspect the parts until they arrive and rely on the description and the photograph of the part that venders supply to the consumer.

What makes a good vendor as opposed to a bad vender is how they conduct their approach to this simple process! This is a big part of customer service and what we as purchasers rely on when we go ahead to purchase these products from the venders. It is imperative that venders describe these parts and provide accurate descriptions employing those that are capable of doing so.

If the description is inadequate or the photograph shows parts that are not included than the vender has an obligation to state so in their description of the item. This is where Venders need to concentrate in order to avoid vender bashing or discontent post from members!

Those venders that do not and ship inferior product or improperly described items should have their reputation questioned? If they are honest and take the time necessary to display proper detailed photographs and description they will and have nothing to worry about and we will see fewer posts with regards to this subject.

There is nothing more disappointing than receiving something that was improperly described or photographed by venders as countless members have already described. Yes there have been occasions when they are unjustified but like others we can see that they are unjustified and discount these as common sense dictates. The problem is that these are more justified than not and require that they be addressed before members spend their monies and are subjected to the same possibilities.

If Venders can’t do the job of taking orders and describing their products properly than they need to get out of the business which is highly unlikely or become a statistic as in the case of the Paddock! NOT advising people after they have dropped their money that the product is on back order is unacceptable and poor business practice on behalf of a vender. If a vender is doing this and not following up with the purchaser with concrete dates and following through than I want to be aware of the Vender. The same holds true to inferior parts or inappropriately described parts so I can avoid having to go through the same annoyances that they have themselves.

Venders need to be aware that phone calls and updates to customers that put down money on back order parts knowingly or not go a long way in singling out honest venders and providing trust with the company. If not than give the customer the option of immediate refund! Holding one hostage in a transaction will only prompt negativity and remorse towards a vender and rightly so!

I like most prefer to deal with those that are honest and do what they say they are going to do which includes accurate descriptions/photographs of what they are selling. The game of excuses and lack of service from venders has become old with members and consumers. Yes we are correct to get the hair on our necks raised when we are put into these circumstances and venders need to be aware and take steps to correct their short comings if they want our business/monies.

Oct 8th, 10, 06:22 PM

I never had a problem with Heartbeat City. Orders are placed quickly and shipping is reasonable and fast. Its unfortunate that you are not happy with your E-Bay purchase. I'm sure Jim will work things out with you.

vincevs

Oct 8th, 10, 07:14 PM

This is an old post guys... Either way, these guys are great.

clill

Oct 8th, 10, 08:52 PM

Vendor :-)

rogerh

Oct 8th, 10, 09:36 PM

The trim tags in question are GM Licensed Products, sold by many of the camaro
suppliers not just HBC. I have brought this to the attention of management and we will
have a decision on discontinuing their use. For now, they have been removed from the website. BTW, they aren't big sellers, 1-2 sold since we have them.

Tacking an ad (which this is) on a existing post is probably not legal but I couldn't help but comment on the above statement.
I would like to be a HBC customer but that trim tag in question keeps getting in the way. It is hard to believe that other reparable dealers are selling these tags and if like you say they are, would you please give us a link to those sites? There are many of us that would like to know who they are.
HBC will not quit selling these tags as long as they get $300.00 for a tag that if it was a legitimate part would only be worth $30.00.
HBC sells a lot of the hard to find parts and I have pointed a lot of the members that way but the tags must go.

Roger

HOGDADDY

Oct 8th, 10, 09:43 PM

I called HBC but never had any luck getting my money back I will leave the picture here in this post forever for all to see what crap they sold me.

If by chance HBC sees this thread and decides to refund my money I will let everyone know it but until then..........imho they are rip-offs.

ccognetta

Oct 8th, 10, 10:18 PM

As of this evening, the tags have been removed from our webstore and are no longer available for sale! :)

rogerh

Oct 8th, 10, 11:07 PM

As of this evening, the tags have been removed from our webstore and are no longer available for sale! :)

You mean these tags are not for sale? I was able to get all the way to check out.

Roger

http://www.heartbeatcity.com/store/product/20864/Camaro-Body-Trim-Tag--Calif/

ccognetta

Oct 9th, 10, 11:02 AM

Roger H-

Sometimes it takes a fews hours to sync but their gone. You can see your link is broken... I'm watching for your next order!!

Smallbloc

Oct 9th, 10, 12:39 PM

I saw some of their part prices online . Are you kidding? $180 air filters, $600 302 rocker arms? The list goes on and on. Now I know the #'s matching crowd needs parts but really !

HOGDADDY

Oct 9th, 10, 04:09 PM

[quote=Smallbloc;1488838]I saw some of their part prices online . Are you kidding? $180 air filters, $600 302 rocker arms? The list goes on and on. Now I know the #'s matching crowd needs parts but really !

ccognetta

Oct 9th, 10, 04:41 PM

As Senior Techs, you know the policy about bashing vendors. If you can't afford it, don't buy it, that's the beauty about America.

Oct 9th, 10, 06:18 PM

I'm surprised this thread still exists. It clearly has become vendor bashing.

rogerh

Oct 9th, 10, 06:58 PM

Roger H-

Sometimes it takes a fews hours to sync but their gone. You can see your link is broken... I'm watching for your next order!!

Thank you for your efforts in limiting the supply of counterfeit trim tags. If you don't think it is a real problem check out the thread below. This guy is trying to get the real tag for this car. There are a lot a cars out there with questionable trim tags. Thanks again.
I'll see what I can do about that order.

Roger

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=185660

67RSSS

Oct 9th, 10, 07:29 PM

The purpose of TC is to provide an environment for the camaro hobbyist to learn and discuss the hobby and pass on information to one another! Parts and service is an essential part of the hobby that we all can attest to. To remove comments or sensor members from reporting their first hand experiences would be an error in judgment.

No different in those reporting great service from particular vendors on the site! Should TC only permit those with positive first hand information, I think not. Information is important and censoring member’s comments in this regard would be unfounded!

Vendors have the ability and option to read posts that are made and respond to these and make corrective action if they choose? It is probably one of the best markers/tools a vender could have to determine if they are doing a good job with customers especially when they all say they are about the customer service and quality parts.

Hold them to it and provide a venue where they can prove it without just saying it.

Heart Beat is in here doing just that responding to questions and concerns and has removed their trim tags because of this! That is great to see and maybe just maybe those with other concerns may actually get some results or changes may follow in prices or how customers are handled?

As a business owner i would want to know how we are doing on Customer service and satisfaction? This is the only thing other than pricing that one can compete on and has a huge effect on ones bottom line!

If the vendors are serious about what they have been telling us all than they would see the importance of our members concerns and make things right as they stated?