How to ship frame from Kiwi Konnection to IL?

I'm planning on purchasing a frame from Kiwi Konnection, but they won't ship the frame or even crate it up. So I'm trying to find a way to get it from Bakersfield CA to Chicago IL area. If necessary, I can fly out there, crate the thing myself (on site) and arrange shipping. But I'd rather not take the time and money to do that if I can find another way. Auto transport is not cost-effective, since that's about the same as shipping a car, around $.75/mile. So any ideas on how to do this would be appreciated.

 

Did you already buy it?

 

I got my frame from Squeak a few months ago--definitely worth the wait! I live in Austin TX, and had BenD here on the HAMB bring it to me. His price was reasonable and it arrived in perfect shape. I would shoot Ben a PM, and see what his schedule is like. Squeak has been top notch in the customer service department as well.

 

NICE chassis sciflyer ! I would also recommend BenD; he's made a couple of hauls for me with NO problems and VERY reasonable on price.

 

I know a buddy that needs one (chassie) and maybe you guys can split the cost of shipping ?? I don't know your time frame ? are you getting a model a 32 or did you find your 32 .. I pretty sure he's getting a 32 brookville roadster might be on order already??
thanks John

 

I hate to say it but if they wont crate or even try to ship the god damn thing id go some where else. Come on guys this place aint the only one that builds frames . Whats the big f deal about frames from them ? Im really curious after reading that a guy would fly out crate the fucker himself and get it shipped? It must be really nice and really cheap too? Tell me Tell me
Dave

 

you're told. $1700 for a basic boxed frame. Brookville is $1995 last I checked and most everyone else is up from there. way up. I have seen them in person at Butchs here in Houston.

 

Your right jusjunk, it's not the only place to buy a 32 frame, but Squeak is one of the best and he's a hell of a guy!! The reason for not crating and shipping is because he's had too many arrive damaged because of crappy shippers. I can't blame him for that.

No I'm not a Kiwi rep. I've just dealt with Squeak before and he's aces.

My suggestion would be to have BenD grab it for you or post a thread for a HAMB relay. If you don't need it right away thats probably the way to go.

 

There have been some unpleasant shipping incidents from there, so he's probably getting tired of apologizing for trucking companies. It cost a friend of mine almost $700 to get his frame to Seattle when he was quoted $300. Not Squeak's fault at all, but it still leaves from his shop. A relay would be the best way, or get a hard, written, quote from the trucking company. There will be lots of guys in Scottsdale hauling things around the country pretty soon, so maybe someone would help in the transport for less than retail if you could get it there. Good luck.

 

Ok thanks for the info.. Sounds like you wanna do business with Squeak .. Go for it.
Dave

 

Hmmm... I know of a frame shop in Addison Illinois that might be a bit closer to you. I also think the owner might be an Alliance member....

 

Just a thought....Picked up one of Squeak's frames up in Portland (boxed 32) they will fit in a fullsize Ford van, with the doors closed..........OLDBEET

 

If you do decide to fly out I can pick you up at the airport and help with the supplies for crating it as I live in Bakersfield. Squeak is a good guy and builds a nice chasis. You can PM me if you need something else here in town. Useless

 

What makes their frame so special??? I'd go over to Elgin (Roadster Shop) and pick one up. Sure would save a lot of b.s. JMO / Stu

 

Yea, take a pickup throw it in the back and haul, nice vacation to!

 

Plus, Squeak will make it EXACTLY how you want it. Most of the other places I checked out were a lot higher $$, and only came one way. He probably spent two hours on the phone with me going through everything.

 

I picked Kiwi Konnection because I want the thing built to my specs, I want it TiG welded in frame jig, and I like Squeak's work. I'm not looking for someone who can do it on a table, saw horses or garage floor. I have a Syncrowave 250 and know how to weld, so I could do that myself. As for the Roadster Shop, they make fabricated rails. Plus, I've done business with them in the past and will not make the same mistake again. Bill was always very good to me, and even let me work in his shop for a couple weeks right before he passed away. But those days are over.


John- This frame's for an A-V8 roadster. I'm still looking for a '32 5W, so if you have any leads, let me know !!

 

We Have An Org 32 Pikup Frame Setup For Smblock Chev In 14701 Area If Anyones Looking 2500 Obo Tim

 

John:

I agree, Bill (RIP) was a great guy to do business with. Good luck, Stu

 

We Also Have A Ton Of 32 @38 Ford Parts Tim

 

Tim,

Just want to clarify, the comments re: the Roadster Shop were mine, not John's. The end part was a separate reply to John. Anyway, I edited the post to hopefully make it a little clearer.

Aaron

 

Guys, I have to agree to what has been said here. I too was a good friend of Bills and spent a bunch of time Bench racing with him in and out of the shop.. Great guy to me and my family and will be remembered always!! I seen one of the young guys that works at the shop at a local car show and and snubbed everyone with his attitude?? why??? My buddy(in-law) was with me when this happened and he Will Not buy a single nut from the roadster shop.. He's building the 32 roadster and to him it's about customer service when spending the bucks... There work is good, not great I know because I have had a few chassies to work on.. I have heard nothing but great things about Kiwi Konnection and their work and customer service. I told my buddy (in-law) about them and he's got their number.. My first choice is Andy's at Martys body shop!! Also thanks Aaron for clearing things up and I think we have the same feeling on things....

 

i can get you a set of 32 rails for $600 and help you build it.

 

Hey Aaron.....what's wrong with building a frame on the floor!!! Better yet, a wooden floor? LOL Good luck!!!

Matt

 

To all concerned! Squeak Bell's stuff is top notch!!!! I know! You will not be disappointed. Buy it! I bet my rep on it. He is a very good friend of mine. Top quality for sure. Nothing better on the market for the money.!!!!!!!!!!!! Dale

 

Hey, I'd be happy building my own if I had a jig and the time to do it. But let's see: ASC rails = $600, Chassis Engineering k-member = $200, Mod. A front crossmember = $50, '35 rear crossmember = $50, boxing plates = $100. That equals $1000 vs. about $1800 for a finished frame. That's $800 for labor to pinch the front rails (which is very difficult to do accurately without some kind of fixture), cut/finish the rear frame horns (it's an A-V8 frame), notch the frame in front and rear for spring clearance, fit the k-member, modify the rear crossmember, and TiG weld the whole thing. I know some people will say "sh*t for $800 I'd do it myself." Well that's fine, and I might be the same way if I had more time, but the way things are, I can't get around to doing half the stuff I want to, so that means prioritizing the things I'm going to do, and either paying to have the other stuff done or just not doing it. So $800 seems pretty reasonable considering the amount of work involved and the quality of the finished product.

 

Nothing wrong with that, as long as the finishes product is straight and square. I'd be ok with doing that if it were a Mod. A or similar frame, but this one is a little more complicated.

Aaron

p.s. You need to get your butt out here one of these days!

 

You're right you're right you're right!!! LOL When's good with you Aaron. I've got some time in the next few weeks. Drop me an email buddy.

Matt

 

Squeeks awesome but if it doesnt work out John Heinzmans a stand up common guy you might try getting a quote from him at (402)886-2275 or the Flatlander Alan Thornton will build it any way you want it Flatlanders hot rods (757)630-0505,and theres a few alliance vendors also to check.

 

Hey...

Kiwi Konnection is a mile from my shop. When the frame is done, tell Squeek to call Bill, and I will crate that thing for free.

Squeek is a great friend, a great guy to deal with, and I am glad to do my part to promote his business.

You have already expressed all the positive attributes of his product.

And no, I am not a paid endorser or employee. I just like to see his parts in use.