IAP u-joints - more junk

[matteas]

I bought trailing arm and sway bar bushings from IAP a few months back that were garbage. The metal tube was seperated from the rubber on the trailing arm bushings. The sway bar bushings didn't fit either, I had to pound them on and even then didn't go on all the way. I chucked those and got others from my local Alfa shop.
To be honest I've had other good encounters with IAP, they are just inconsistent in their quality.

[Greg Gordon]

I have had very good luck with IAP, Centerline, and Vick. All three are top notch. I am sure they all send out the wrong thing from time to time put they all have pretty good return policies.

[autoxsteve]

I second Greg's comment. Haven't had anything from any three of those suppliers that I haven't been able to resolve.

Here is my take on the three:

Centerline - good phone service. Absolutely nonexistent tracking and internet ordering capability. Seem like they are a few decades behind regarding how a business should be run nowadays.

Vick's - similar to Centerline, but I've a little better support regarding shipment and tracking. When asked, they woudl provide tracking info.

IAP - most excellent shipping and tracking info. I receive notification with EACH ORDER, whether it's over the phone or via the internet.

Just thought I'd share what I've seen.

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by autoxsteve I second Greg's comment. Haven't had anything from any three of those suppliers that I haven't been able to resolve. Here is my take on the three: Centerline - Seem like they are a few decades behind ...

[Bill77]

I've said it before, but I'm just glad that these businesses are around to support our odd little cars. I've received very good service from both Centerline and IAP, but haven't tried Vicks yet.

[silverspider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill77 I've said it before, but I'm just glad that these businesses are around to support our odd little cars. I've received very good service from both Centerline and IAP, but haven't tried Vicks yet.

[Zunige]

Quote:

Posted by aldo Enrique, Care to explain what you mean by " IAP is not on this furom". (not my spelling)

[greg]

I bought several parts from differnt suppliers if they not NOS you will need know how to adapt them grind shave etc. I try now not to buy reproduction anymore.

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by autoxsteve Centerline - good phone service. Absolutely nonexistent tracking and internet ordering capability.

[Tifosi]

Heck, I'd be happy if you had your catalog online in a browseable format instead of heaps of seperate PDFs or even the big PDF for the whole catalog (not everyone has a laptop or PC out in their garage for 'convenient browsing' )

[CaverDave]

I've dealt with IAP & Centerline both, I've also dealt with my local NAPA, Bumper to Bumper etc. Yes, I've had the occasional problem with parts from them all but I have never had a problem that wasn't resolved. It's mostly how you choose to deal with the problem. If you call them up shouting about the salesman's parentage or intelligence you might not get as good service as you would by explaining the problem and giving them a chance to resolve the problem.
As for Centerline's internet capabilities, I have had [u]Many[u] problems with online ordering, No thanks I'll still call and place my order with a human!!

[B Wilson]

Okay, couldn't resist replying. I'm Barry, Contact Center Mgr at IAP. The u-joint problem at the beginning of the thread was corrected pretty quickly once we figured out what was happening. The size of the circlips included were too thick. We added another set of 4 thinner clips...problem solved. BTW we've since gone through that supply and have a different U-joint in stock. Yes, we did an installation to check the fit and they are correct! As far as not being on this forum, we don't allow our Sales Advisors to respond as IAP. The forum is a great place for user discussions but not a place for vendors to resolve a specific parts or service issues. We do however have Sales Advisors that reply to posts and give advice where they feel they can help from time to time. We monitor the BB and many other forums daily. We respond offline when we feel we have caused difficulties for a customer though it is difficult. My final advice on solving problems with parts purchased from us or any other vendor is to call or email, explain the situation and allow us suggest possible solutions. We can almost always come up with a satisfactory solution.

Cheers and Happy Friday!

[dalv]

Thanks Barry for the input - good to hear your listening.
FWIW - I have had good success with all of my orders from IAP. I like to phone in my order as I find the customer reps helpful when unsure about specifics.
I'll be ordering this week.

Haven't tried Centerline or Vicks yet - probably should from the good things said here but I'm kinda old school - it ain't broke so why fix it?

Humm I don't always follow that on my Spider!

Regards
Dal