Its been 10 months since I paid a deposit for a QC to be built by Ryan at Hot Rod Works, and I still do not have it.or any idea if/when it will ever get completed. For the past 6 months, I have been repeatedly promised it will be done in 2 weeks, just to find out, it's not done yet, and will take another two weeks. This just keeps going on and on. This has been one of the more unprofessional companies I've ever dealt with and it's a shame. Original owner, who I met years ago at the LA Roadster Show, seemed like a good guy, but apparently, he sold it. So, I am looking for a QC, open drive, with the 5 wide bolt pattern - that's it Will be running Early Ford backing plates Early Ford wedge Keyway Drums Arch Leaf Spring Current Banjo Width is measuring 57 ½ Inches . You have one or know where I can get one, or have one made, hit me up please.
The owner is the son of a guy that B***'s folks and I were in a club with in Waco in the 70's. I've got a feeling that he just flat bit off more than he can handle on this one. One if you don't have the equipment and skilled people in house you have to have shops that can machine the parts for you and turn out quality work even if the runs are rather small compared a lot of their regular orders. Then you have to deal with a machine shop that doesn't sluff your smaller order for a "big order" that uses that/those same machines. I saw that some when I was doing the maintenance purchasing in a food processing plant. It was some times easier to get small orders done by the guy who had a small machine shop behind his house and did side jobs evenings and weekends who appreciated the work than the big shop a mile from the plant.
Is it the same Ryan of Antique Ford Parts? Or same Ryan of Antique Auto Manufacturing? I ordered parts from these folks and now all I get is crickets.
sorry to hear that's the current state of affairs. I had very good experiences with them when building my '27 roadster several years ago. very helpful and quick delivery of excellent quality parts.
First time I've ever heard a cross word about Hot Rod Works.... Ever... Maybe the first time we've ever had a complaint on the HAMB about them? I dunno. Either way, I'm not familiar with ownership changes, etc...
I am sorry to hear that also, they were fellow Bonneville Racers and great guys. I dealt with them several times in the past when the company was in Idaho, they were great to deal with and super honest. I can however understand their desire to retire after all those years. I would suggest dealing direct with Winters Performance, that is who they had build their quick change axle ***emblys.
I talked to the new owner at the LARS last year and he seemed very nice. You gotta remember when the business was in Idaho it was run by 2 brothers who made it their life mission to produce reliable early Ford and quick change rears.. I think the new owner has been overwhelmed with orders. He may also have a parts supply problem? When I was building the Cornhusker Ch***is brand I put in a lot of 18 hour days with no days off for weeks. It took dedication but that's what was needed for a successful business. In the end the rewards were worth the effort. Hopefully it will work the same way for the Hot Rod Works..
I ordered a quick change for my Model A and it required a lot of special work. I needed the quick change to fit a closed driveline, narrowed to a stock Model A width, Mounts for a Model A traverse spring, 40 bells, Dutchman axles. drilled for 35 wires and also to accept Lincoln brakes. Took 8-9 months. I am more than happy with the finished rear end. I think his biggest problem is trying to do everything himself. He needs to hire a shop manager/ helper who can answer the phones, order the material, stock the shelves, crate up and mail the finished projects.
1946 you are right. I was working myself into the ground until I hired a reliable man who could do about everything I needed done. He stayed for over 10 years. He made a great difference.
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