Skip to main content

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I currently have a 718RSK on order to be delivered this month if possible. Tom is moving to a new facility, moving his fiberglass operation to Mexico and still trying to build cars at the same time. So far he will probably be about 30-60 days behind delivery but for my part I would rather he take his time a build a quality vehicle as he is credited for. Up to now only one person complained about him and everyone else has praised him. Having said all that I am interested to know about the reason for your dissatisfaction. Larry Hargreaves
I've never had any experiences with Thunder Ranch building a vehicle for me. But, on the reverse side of the coin, I have purchased kits from Thunder Ranch and, on every occasion, they were a pleasure to deal with. The hardest part, for me, was hanging the phone up with Tom--he enjoys a good conversation.

Michael
Harry,
I bought a "Phase III" kit from Thunder Ranch on March 2, 2004, including a hard top for the car. I picked-up most of the kit and trailered it back home. The material, i.e., fibergalss work, was good, but as of today, 12/6/04, I have not received the Assembly Manual (I coaxed a printout of the first section while I was there), the MSO (It will be a major problem getting the car titled and registered without it), the side curtains and rear deck lid fasteners for the hard top (Not much value to the hardtop if it can't be attached). I've emailed, called and written Mr. McBurnie but apparently he is not interested in completing the transaction. Just today, I sent a final letter to him asking him to make good on his word to me. Caveat Emptor!
Jim Preuss
Webster Groves, MO
I asked about the problem in a private e-mail and ran into somebody here in San Diego who said me knew Harry and was involved with the case (Mr. Johnson). Neither would give any details. I guess I'll just ask Tom next time I go visit him. It would be nice to hear both sides of the story though. I had some problems too but, patients won out and I ended up satisfied.

James, are you ready for the next step in the manual and the parts you are talking about. One of the things that I learned in handling Tom is that if you don't need a part and just want to have the part he doesn't see it as a priority. My suggestion would be to tell him that you really need what you are asking for, find out where he is in the manufacturing process of that part, find out what needs to be done to finish the part and how long it will take to finish. It took me a little while to figure out that things need to be handled exactly in this way, every time. If you skip one step your s.o.l.. I guess I'm lucky in the fact that TR is only a few miles from my home and I would go there in person and make them write down my request each time I visited. Good luck, if there is any thing I can do to help please let me know.
Keith and fellow Spyder people,
I've had a need for the Assembly Manual since I finished installing the front suspension in April. I have contacted Mr. McBurnie through phone calls, letters and emails asking for it, complete or not. (He was revising the original manual when I first visited Thunder Ranch in January of this year, but it's still not available!) It's just under 2000 miles to Thunder Ranch, so I can't drop in on him. I bought the kit with the understanding that the Assembly Manual, side curtains, etc. were part of it. It's a shame that you have to "drop in" on someone to get what you've paid for.
James E. Preuss,
Webster Groves, MO
James,

We have a manual for your car. It's not terribly informative except for dash wiring and windshield placement, but if you would like a photo-copy of it, I would be glad to send on in Monday's mail. Just PM me with your address.

I am assuming you have a 4-cylinder spyder which is what our manual is actually for. Ours is the 6 cylinder and is so different that we put the manual away in storage.
angela
Thanks, Steve. I can defintiely use a copy of the manual. I'll respond via mail directly to you regarding it.
I know Tom McBurnie had his home destroyed by fire last year and he's moving operations to Mexico, but I think it's important for any business person to keep his commitments and I see paying him with a certified check in March for all of the items I mentioned as a commitment from me that has not been met by him.
I have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to guess at which parts will work and from which donor-year VW they may come. I'm still struggling with the pedal cluster, trying to find a satisfactory replacement set from the dune and sand buggy suppliers. I hope the Assembly Manual will have something to say about that.
Anyway, thanks, Steve, and other fellow Spyder Owners for your help.
Jim
Vicki,
Thanks for setting me straight on Angel'a identity. I've received a direct email from Angela (Thanks, Angela)and it includes addtional, very useful, information regarding the wiring.
Angela, I recall now that you had mentioned that you are also afflicted by the Jaguar addiction I contracted as a teenager. I still have relapses, but I have the disease under control by focusing on the Spyder build when I get the uncontrollable urge to wrench some old British bolts.
Back on this thread: Don't get me wrong; Tom McBurnie seems like a good guy who is very knowledgeable and interested in Spyders. I have no major complaint with the Phase III kit I bought from him. My problem relates to his lack of response to my requests to complete the transaction that took place in March and a string of unfulfilled promises about that. I had hoped to buy more from him, but will not consider it after this unfortunate experience.
Happy holidays,
Jim
To Angela and all Spyder Owner members,
This thread represents the true benefit of this site. The manual Angela sent to me -- that I have been working without, building my Spyder since April -- is an invaluable tool. Posting information about my need has lead to a fellow SpyderOwner.com member, Angela, coming to my rescue with a copy of the manual.
I hope I can return a favor to Angela or any other Spyder Owner!
Angela, I owe you big time!
Thanks,
Jim Preuss
Webster Groves, MO
Post Content
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×