1952-59 Ford Problems with Jamco Suspension

Has anyone had problems with these guys? I ordered my brake conversion, master cylinder, and springs from them the beginning of October. After about a week of trying to hunt someone to talk to a couple of weeks ago. I was told that everything was in but the spindles were being machined and the maser cylinder I order in raw was not in so they were sending a polished version.

I got the package in the mail last night with them showing the master cylinder back-ordered and no springs with nothing showing why. I hate to think of the time it is going to take to track them down to find out what is going on.

Anyone else have any problems with these guys?

 

Got a hold of them today. Apparently after they told me they were going to ship me the polished master cylinder someone had ordered a polished one so they got that one and I was put on hold to get the back-ordered raw version. The springs come from someone they contract to make them and apparently I should have seen those by now.

Still very frustrating I had to go through all of this. I will look for other options before looking to order through them again. The funny thing is that I almost bought most of this through GearHeads but didn't because of the lead time to get the parts.

 

I am also in the process of getting parts from Jamco, and yes, they are sometimes slower than I'd like and can be hard to contact at times.

But... Keep in mind that Jamco appears to be in the process of changing their business model in an economic climate that is difficult for small businesses at best.

Cash flow, supplier reliability and the uncertainty of the business environment has devastated many, many small businesses and cottage industries in recent months. Our 10%+ (and rising) unemployment rate is undeniable proof, as are the growing number of vacant small business buildings and storefronts in every town across America.

I am a small businessman myself and know this to be true from first hand experience. "Hope and Change" is doing small businessmen no favors whatsoever.

So, cut 'em some slack. They are good people and doing the best they can under some very difficult business conditions.

 

I completely agree with you. Though if they would have just communicated with me what was going on. I wouldn't have the frustrations I had with them.

You would think in a economy like this they would do what they can to make sure the customers they had were happy. This isn't the time to drive business away.

 

I agree 1hot, if they said they were gonna send something then they should send it. I understand it is tough economic times but you also need to do what you say you are going to do to keep customer satisfaction and loyalty high. I ordered my full disc conversion from Auto City Cl***ics and had everything in a week. The ordering process was kind of short and to the point but it was a good price for everything so I did it. Quality seems to be pretty good as well although short on instructions.

 

On the other hand.... I installed their complete tubular front suspension with disc brake kit and their rear spring set and didn't have any problems with the delivery time or parts fitting. Bolted right up! They are sometimes hard to get a hold of but Jim always answered me within a day or so. If you are having problems calling and emailing will get him and he will take care of you..... Tell him I said so!

gene anderson

 

My gripe hasn't been with the product I have recieved with them. I havent had a chance to install it since I am waiting for all of the parts first. Though looking at the parts that have come so far, I have been pleased with them. Also when I have talked to Jim he has been more then helpful. The issues has been that it takes forever most times to get a hold of him to get an idea on what is going on with my order. I was understanding the first time I called a month out. Though I was told that everything was in and that one of the spindles needed to be machined again. Then to not recieve all of the products in the mail with out being informed why got me worried on how much longer this was going to take. Also wanted to voice my concern to the group to see if anyone else has had the same problems I have had or if I just happened to be a fluke.

 

Hoping not to create an uproar over this but finally got to install the replacement spindle that was shipped to me from Jamco. Spent yesterday with a fellow rodder tearing down both sides of the front end. Driver side went well the replacement shocks that are shorter then what came in the kit fit much better. The replacement spindle was a bit different then what I was originally shipped wanted to use the caliper from the old spindle since it was fine and it would be one thing I wouldn't have to replace. It fit to the new spindle fine the lower bolt went in fine the upper bolt did not fit. Looking at the original bolt that fit it the caliper was larger and would not fit in the hole that went through the spindle. I wanted both sides to match so I drilled the hole out larger to fit the larger bolt. Once that was done and the shorter shock was installed on that side as well I cleaned everything up and checked all of the bolts to make sure they were tightened to specs. I put the tire on the driver side then I went over to the p***enger side where the replacement spindle was installed and the tire would not go on. The part of the spindle ***embly that p***es through the center of the rim was to large for it. So now I am stuck trying to find a spare rim that fits and then painting it to match the rest of tires I have. Another step that should have been avoided if I was given the correct parts or told that the replacement spindle was different from what I was originally sent. I hate to rant about this but the frustrations with dealing with the company and the parts I have received just won't end.
Ss

 

Yeah that sounds like bad customer service to me. I hope you get your ride going though

 

I had an issue with Jamco when I bought that radiator last September. It took 3 times what they told me just to get it to my door. They use US Radiator as the primary company for the 54 radiators. Jamco seems like a distributor that doesn't order anything until they get a customer order. I'd say thats the wrong way to do business. I will only order from them again because they have a few things that I may not be able to get anywhere else.

 

After seeing posts on the main board about Jamco and the mul***ute of problems they have had best advice is stay clear of them.The owner seems to be a decent guy with good intentions but without a crew for support which he seems to lack hiring I can't see things getting better.It looks as if Tom's Cl***ics would be a better bet.

 

My old rim doesn't fit the new hub by about 1/8 of an inch. If I ground down the rim to fit it would that interfere with the integrity of it?

 

where at the center hole?

 

Correct, where the hub of the rotor p***es through. Dont like the idea of doing it but can at least get it down and moved around until I can come up with a better solution.

 

thats actualy why im running dodge wheels on the front. there are big center ford wheels too.

 

Thanks for the info. I wonder why they switch the rotors from the smaller to the larger? I havent been able to get a hold of them to voice my frustration over this. Will the larger dodge wheels or big ford centers be safe to use on the 3 smaller hubs? Or will I be stuck to having just one larger one?

 

I wouldnt be afraid to have that center ground out. It shouldnt hurt anything as long as your center cap will still fit. 1/8" shouldnt hurt anything i wouldnt think but make sure its a true cut may want to have a shop do that for you otherwise it may be hell to balance.

 

Got a hold of Jim at Jamco and explained my predicament. He found it peculiar that it wouldn't fit and that it was to large. He said if I can measure the side I need he will ship me out another rotor with the correct diameter. So I will take care of that and hope the third times the charm with this project.

I had my wife measure the cir***ference of each rotor to send to Jim and the one that is to large is 8 3/4 and the one I need is 7 3/4.

I do have to give a nod to Jamco. As frustrating as this has been they have been prompt at trying to resolve the issues at least.

 

If your rotor is the same as a Granada/Monarch, what you can do is take it to someone with a lathe. Just have him take about 1/4" off, and then you can use any one of your wheels. There's lots of meat there, so it will not affect the strength. JMHO.

 

It is from 68 mustang. Jim and I discussed this option yesterday. And here is a whole lot of math.

So I measured the cir***ference of the rotor and the rim.

Rotor - 8.75 inches
Rim - 8.125 inches

Get the radius of each and multiple by two to get the distance across.

Rotor - 2.8
Rim - 2.58

Subtract the two from each other

.22 inches

We need to divide that by 2 to get how much we need to remove from each side

.11 inches or 1/9 (So I was close when I said 1/8 needed to be machined down)


Then subtract the thickness of the rotor from what we need to remove

.25 - .11 = .14 inches or 7/50

So we almost bring the thickness of the rotor to half and we would still want to do a tad more for wiggle room.

Is that going to be safe?

 

I'd just get the new one and be done with it if he's willing to send you the correct one. that way you wouldnt have the worries.

 

I agree at this point he has been unable to track down the smaller rotor so I waiting from him to see what he plans on doing next since machining isn't looking like a viable solution.

 

Speaking from first-hand experience: Don't get your hopes up that Jamco will get it right any time soon. Jim's a nice guy, but the company itself doesn't seem to give a rat's ****. Too bad...

Here's the cure: Take the rotor that does fit properly to your nearest O'Reillys, pop it onto the counter, and tell the counterman, "I want one of these." Pay for it, go home and put it on. Done.

Good luck!

 

Yea was just looking that up, will cost $100 bucks for a basic rotor. So if I want it some time this year it probably is my only choice.

It is things like this that will get you aggravated enough to walk away from a hobby like this. Good thing I am hard headed

 

1 hot 1954

If the rotor matches the other rotor other than the receiver, which is the nose of the rotor, You can machine it quite easily for under $25. I have had the rotors cut down many, many times and had NO adverse effect. If it is possible it would be nice to see a picture of your brake set up. Jamco may have sold you mustang spindles and now he may be sending you a granada rotor.

 

Yea that is what I was looking at doing but to machine it down enough would remove over Olaf of the thickness of the metal. I will take some pictures tonight.

 

Got off the phone with Jim and the solution is that I am going to go to Kragen and get the right rotor and then email them a copy of the receipt and then they will reimburse me the cost.

 

Yes!!!! I got the rotor in from Summit and it fit perfectly. Wasn't able to spend all the time I needed, so after I check all of my bolts and make sure everything looks good and cleaned off I will put her on the ground and post some after picks of her stance. I am so glad to put this project behind me.

 

Woohoo! Can't wait to see it.

 

Alright! All done! I have a few minor things to do but she is back together and on her feet again. All in all lowered it about 4-5 inches and she sits lower with the proper shocks as well.

Here is a before photo



Here is an after photo