An important message from Bob Drake to Mr. Lawson Cox

Mr. Cox,

Thank you for posting and being a part of this community. This is a great way to share information and also show our shared dedication and passion for the early Ford cars and trucks.

As you know, sites like this are available for public viewing and input from people all over the world and it lends itself to grow the hobby and be a resource for the new people that are becoming part of our community of early Ford V8’s. Something we like to call “Keeping the Spirit Alive”.

We have noticed over the past few years that you and a certain number of posters on this site and the original “Ford Barn”, have made derogatory statements towards me and my company. I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the fact is, these statements are not justified and could possibly be considered slander.

I began this humble business in 1971 and started it with what I call an “open door” policy. Meaning, we strive for 100% customer satisfaction, both in our product line and our service. If we have in any way done you wrong, please drop me a line and we will get it right to your satisfaction. This goes for each and every one of our customers, whether you are new or have bought parts from us over the years. We’re here to help but we are only human and could possibly make mistakes. To rectify any misunderstandings, we need the proper input.

Here’s a little story from 1974. When I came out with my first die cast, chrome part, the Ford script locking gas cap, I had a customer return a cap in a hundred pieces with a nasty letter. I was very proud of my gas cap and it turned out that the cap he sent back was not mine. Instead of sending him back a nasty letter with his pile of parts, I decided to send him one of my new caps for free to show him the quality. He was blown away and has been a great customer ever since. This is the kind of company that we are, and the type of attitude that we try to pass on to all our employees.

I understand you are compiling the 1935-1936 Ford pickup book for the Early Ford V8 Club of America. I am a member and I’m active in the club as well. I have an extensive collection of original parts and accessories and some collectibles for those years of trucks and would like to invite you to ask us for any information or pictures that may help you with the book. We can also give you written permission to use any artwork in our copyrighted catalogs, like we did for earlier V8 club books.

I’m not only in the business, but I’m also involved in this hobby. I go to many swap meets and trade shows and have had the pleasure of meeting many of you personally. I invite anybody to come to our booth to say “hey”, share a good story or give us the chance to fix a bad one.

Regards, Bob

 

Very professional. respect.

 

I've done business with you for many years and the first item i purchased was the locking gas cap,along with hundreds of 40 Ford parts and in recent years 32 parts.

I have never experienced any problems with any part. HRP

 

X2 for me.

 

I kept waiting for "and you will be hearing from our attorneys". Never happened. I'm impressed.

 

I wish I could be as cool and calm as that. Very professional.

 

Every year at the LA Roadster Show Bob Drake himself is waiting on customers at his booth from the first day to the last. Plenty of info to every customer. He has helped me on several different occasions.

 

Ive bought my fair share of parts with little to no problems. Hes more classy than I would be.

 

I've always found Drake to be nothing less than great to deal with.

 

That had as much class as the Poncho tail lights I bought from you. Pure Class.............

 

Howdy Bob, I have looked at your parts catalog and while I have never purchased any thing myself from your company, I have recommeded your parts to many and have heard good things with the service and parts. I also congratulate you on your candor with this person whom has offended you with your grace, very good example of leadership. However, Mr Lawson Cox has not been on here since December 4th of 2010 and after searching his post, I found no mention let alone malice towards you, just curious of what act do you mention here?? I hate to publicly convict a man till I have knowledge of his crimes. Do tell....

I have been in the auto parts buisness for 32 years and it has been very good to me and my family. I have worked for Cody Parr of Parr Automotive fame and have a small inkling of the 1-800 buisness and the challenges asociated with it. I think in these times of change that membership from people and buisness's such as yours are beneficial to this board and yourself and company, with that said, glad to have you aboard, hope to see you on here more often in the future.

PS: go do an intro so that no one bust your balls for not doing so! Tim

 

There is no way I could build all my old Fords without you, Bob.

Thanks for all your hard work and welcome to the HAMB.

-Abone.

 

A gentleman and real car guy...toured his business in '80s as part of the Grants Pass cruise and car show....quality stuff and nice place...made in AMERICA as much as possible

 

I'd have to agree that this is a very professional letter, written with care. Shouldn't it have been mailed directly to the recipient rather than posted to a forum? I have no idea who Mr. Cox is. I have no experience with Mr. Drake's company. I don't see how reasonable an incorporated entity calling out a private citizen in public is though.

Especially without an introduction posted first.

If folks think I'm off base, that's ok too.

 

customer of mine waited for a set of door latches for his '47 ford pickup from you, when your order came in you were not happy with the quality and told him you wouldn't sell them to him till you could get them built to a higher quality. he couldn't wait and bought them elsewhere, i opened the box... they were your rejects still had your stamp on them. i fought to install them, parts were actually installed backwards and have had repeated problems. we should have waited, and i trust your eye for quality! Ted

 

Nice work Bob. Welcome to the HAMB.

 

I've never been to Bob's place, which is a shame, since all I have to do is drive through some old growth redwood trees, cross the CA/OR border, and 1/2 hour later I could be there...
I think I'll have to rectify that this summer.
Pure class, Mr. Drake. Start making Model T parts and I'll be there even sooner.

 

I too have bought parts from Bob.at his booth,waited on by him.@ Pate swap....Never a nicer and professional guy...

Bob as far as an intro here goes,,I think everyone knows you just by name...

 

I figured what a better way then to welcome Bob Drake on my 100th post!!!

 

I also bought thier first product the gas cap, and still have it. I have bought lots of things from him both in person and thru the mail and always been satisfied.

 

A very classy response from Mr. Drake but I have known what a class act he is since I bought my first part from him personally over the phone in the early 70s and I am sure there are many, many more who feel the same way. Thanks for reminding us that there are still some stand up people in the business, in fact those who aren't are in the minority. Forever a customer. Thanks again.

 

Bob,
Since you brought this out into the public,please show what has been said or done to you and or your company. Who is Mr Cox? Also welcome to the HAMB.

Scott

 

Mr. Cox is a "regular" on FordBarn. DD

 

Since the letter is posted here, I gonna assume that Mr. Cox ripped Mr. Drake either here or on the Ford Barn. And this is a rebuttal.
Larry T

 

Stand up guy.....Thanks Bob.....

 

I bought parts from Mr. Lawson Cox once. He taught me what "buyer beware" means in no uncertain terms and I'll never forget that lesson. On the other hand, I have been buying from Bob Drake for almost 20 years! Right on Bob!

 

have had good parts from you
Thank You

 

I have bought Bob Drake products since there was Bob Drake products. Never had a problem. It's a shame someone with his integrity feels it's necessary to make this rebuttal. I can assure you he has been, unfairly or not, attacked by Mr Cox or he would not have needed to.

 

Do you think Bob needs a intro?

 

Maybe he'll become an Alliance vendor...................I HOPE I HOPE