John Pirkle

[Rick S.]

I sent my alternator and voltage regulator to John in the second week of December 2007 for restoration. I was advised by John that the "approx" time was 8 weeks for restoration. I was comfortable with that estimate with several weeks for error and problems. I checked by phone on March 10th that it would be 2 to 3 more weeks. No problem, it is still winter in Michigan. On 4-16-08 my credit card is posted for the repairs and I expect the parts to arrive in approx 5 days. I called today and was advised that the parts have not been shipped yet, yadda, yadda, attending Chattanooga, sick, going to NCM, etc. I do understand that things happen and that we are all busy and that estimates are just that, estimates. The reason for my rant, is that why are so many vendors so poor in estimating the time to do the job? John is not new to the business, having been doing this service for many years but he has had the parts for 18 weeks going on 19 weeks. Why do vendors go to so many shows and events to promote their business when they can't cope with the business they already have waiting back at the shop? John is a nice guy and apologizes for my wait and says maybe his son can send my restored parts out this week. Gee, I hope so, 8 weeks is long gone. I would just wish that businessman would look at how long they take to complete a job and adjust their estimate time of completion to something close to actual time. Don't hang on to a time estimate that you calculated 5, 10 or 15 years ago that is so out of line from reality. Give me an honest estimate and I will be happy. Rant off!!

[Brian K.]

Re: John Pirkle

I've bought a lot a stuff from John over the years and he's been good to me. All the same I'm having the same problem as you, I sent him a voltage regulator and horn relay for a 66 vett back in November of last year and still have not received them (was also told 8 weeks). I called him 3 weeks ago and was told ready to go just needed to put the regulator cap on, and still nothing. I hope he get his problems straighted out, because he does SUPER work!

[Gerard Q.]

Re: John Pirkle

I had my alternator restored by John and his time estimate was way off but once I received it I realized it was well worth the wait.

[Richard B.]

Re: John Pirkle

John has done work for me in the past and I have nothing but positive things to say for the quality of his work and for his integrity. His turn around has always been timely and his work is both mechanically and cosmetically perfect.

John (and son) are truly "gentlemen" in our hobby, and if the other vendors could measure up to their standards we would not ever hear a complaint.

Bottom line is that John's work is of the absolutely highest quality and their integrity is beyond reproach. Have some patients, you will be satisfied with the results.

Richard Brodeur
NCRS 4779

[Clem Z.]

Re: John Pirkle

I sent my alternator and voltage regulator to John in the second week of December 2007 for restoration. I was advised by John that the "approx" time was 8 weeks for restoration. I was comfortable with that estimate with several weeks for error and problems. I checked by phone on March 10th that it would be 2 to 3 more weeks. No problem, it is still winter in Michigan. On 4-16-08 my credit card is posted for the repairs and I expect the parts to arrive in approx 5 days. I called today and was advised that the parts have not been shipped yet, yadda, yadda, attending Chattanooga, sick, going to NCM, etc. I do understand that things happen and that we are all busy and that estimates are just that, estimates. The reason for my rant, is that why are so many vendors so poor in estimating the time to do the job? John is not new to the business, having been doing this service for many years but he has had the parts for 18 weeks going on 19 weeks. Why do vendors go to so many shows and events to promote their business when they can't cope with the business they already have waiting back at the shop? John is a nice guy and apologizes for my wait and says maybe his son can send my restored parts out this week. Gee, I hope so, 8 weeks is long gone. I would just wish that businessman would look at how long they take to complete a job and adjust their estimate time of completion to something close to actual time. Don't hang on to a time estimate that you calculated 5, 10 or 15 years ago that is so out of line from reality. Give me an honest estimate and I will be happy. Rant off!!

i would guess that these restorers farm out some of the work like replating etc and they wait till they get a bunch of parts to be done at one time to get the quantity discount. also they may not have the correct parts on stock to do your job so they have to take time and find them. JMHO

[Rick S.]

Re: John Pirkle

This was not a complaint about his work. My complaint is his estimate of 8 weeks with the understanding that it was an estimate, but 18 weeks? Either don't take on any additional work or adjust what you tell the customer.

[Paul G.]

Re: John Pirkle

Hey Rick,
Can I borrow your exhaust manifolds since your parts aren't here yet.

[M W.]

Re: John Pirkle

I saw John this past weekend at the Chattanooga meet and he looked as busy as usual. One concern I did have and I explained it to him was the case texture and how it was bead blasted. My car was flight judged and the mechanic judge did not like the rough texture of the alternator case. Thus I took a deduction in points. I explained this to John after the meet and he basically said it was the judge just not knowing the different case types used. Oh well all in all John is a great fellow and does do good work.

Cheers,
Craig

[Mike M.]

Re: John Pirkle

John is the best and has great integrity with the things he can control. Some impacting elements are outside of his control.
I spoke with John in Chattanooga. One of the topics was my asking if he would be available for BG Judging this year. He said he would have to pass. He is just too far behind in his deliveries, due a very heavy work load, one of his assistants not being able to work full schedules, plus the supply of cores are extrmely difficult to find and has practically dried up.
My mindset when ordering from John, includes waiting for a part that I can be comfortable in knowing it will receive full credit.
H. a. N. D.

[Ridge K.]

1967 convertible L68 427

[Stuart F.]

Re: John Pirkle

Rick;

I agree with most of what the fellows have said here. Basically, it is the nature of the beast and one has to get accustomed to it. If it is something you can't or won't do yourself, be prepared to invest a lot of time waiting and money, for that matter. I've been dealing with similar situations for over 30 years and, to my chagrin, I've even left parts and my whole car at places for months on end and even on what seemed to be a "blank check" basis! I have learned some vital lessons the hard way. "Don't worry, I'll fax you a list of what needs to be done and a cost estimate" (sound familiar?). Then when the eventual glorious day arrives to get your parts or car, things that were agreed on to be done-aren't, other things NOT agreed on were done, and the bill is three times higher than expected! You're so glad to get your parts/car back you don't care. You'll pay anything!

Stu Fox

[Tony S.]

Re: John Pirkle

I had my alternator restored by John and his time estimate was way off but once I received it I realized it was well worth the wait.

Same with me for my '65 396/425 starter, alternator, voltage regulator and horn relay. I got alot of yadda yadda yadda, but I finally got all four back and am very happy with John's work.

Not sure what to tell you.
Good luck
Tony

[James T.]

Re: John Pirkle

None of us is in the position to know exactly what John is dealing with in his life or in his shop. I can tell you he took the time to explain the practical problems he faces in acquiring alternators in particular. The yards are drying up with numbers such as a '72 #950. This all takes time. His work is of the highest quality and you will be pleased with his product. If you want supermarket service, you will have to go to the supermarket. Jim

[Harry S.]

Re: John Pirkle

It took John 18 months to find a starter for my 63. Saying that, I could not find one either. As soon as he found what I was looking for I received a phone call and the rebuild started.

I am happy with his quality, work and pricing.

Harry

[Jim D.]

Re: John Pirkle

Nobody is questioning the quality of his work. Why say 8 weeks when you know damn well it will be more? Just say, 3 months, 6 months, a year or whatever. Some people here work on a timeline and if you say "8 weeks", we plan for 8 weeks. Body shops are the worst. 3 months really means 1 year. There is no reason not to tell the truth. Please, just give a realistic estimate.