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Patience ??


airmike

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I have started this post a couple times and then decided to give them (Northstar Performance) another chance, I am finally fed up and feel obligated to pass this on to any other member that might be considering the same.

In March I ordered the stud repair kit, full gasket set and oil manifold. I originally ordered it in October but after some minor confusion I received the studs/kit in May. I also got a notice that the gaskets would be shipped at a later date. By May 30 I had my studs installed-(19 out of 20 since I managed to ruin one). I e-mailed Jake at NP May 30 explaining how I had ruined the stud and he said he would add it to the gaskets etc.. that I still needed and send it at no cost to me, and that he needed to take better care of his customers. I have liked talking to him every time I actually get to talk to someone. I think his stud setup is the best! But only if you can actually get the job finished.

I started sending e-mails and calling since, with the only response being "Mike, please forward your contact number for me please. We have your email on file but not the phone number. We need to look after you." The phone said they were closed for Canadian holiday, now they will be back in office on 8-14-12. Since it is now 8-15-12 that isn't helping me. My info has been forwarded several times since and no response.

I am currently out approximately $1000 and do have a stud kit and that's all.

I so didn't want to write this, but others need to know what to expect. As bodybyfisher knows I started this project in June of 2011 and this vehicle is not moveable now, since the k frame is out. I did leave a message with NP letting them know I felt I needed to do this, and got no response.

If anyone had any productive ideas to resolve this, I am all ears.

I think maybe Jake needs a business manager, because his stuff is first class.

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you ordered it in october of 2011? or march of 2012? you say you started the project in june of 2011? what did you do from june till october?

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Yes I ordered the parts in october and March. After waiting what I felt was more than long enough, (roughly 1 1/2 mo.) I tried to get ahold of NP numerous times. Once I got ahold of Jake he stated that my card had a problem. wow month and a half to find that out. I had noticed a pre charge from N/P and didn't pay attention after that. Turns out my daily limit was not high enough. Well I figure thats my fault for not paying attention to the bank statement. It's winter by that time and I decided I didn't want to work in the cold so I put the job off. March rolls around and I get back to ordering. You have the story from that point.

As far as what I did from June to October, studied the project online, worked very little on the actual car. My job changed and I started working 10 1/2 -12 hours a day and had little time for it. My weekends were mostly spoken for. Obviously I was in no hurry to get the job done at that time. I am still not in a great hurry, but I would like to have the parts, so that when I do have time and the inclination I can get to it. My job has changed back and I have time again now, though that surely wont last. By the way I never told Jake I was in no hurry-I fully expected a normal transaction.

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Update---

I spoke with Jake this morning, and he, as always, is very pleasant to talk too. apologetic and assures me my parts will be shipped asap! Said he is putting my info on top of his computer screen, so he will be sure I am taken care of. At this moment I am appeased and really like the guy. If any readers deal with them, don't assume things are moving along, stay on top of it. updates to follow..

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I left my heads standing on end for 6 weeks. Had a scary top end rattle for several minutes when I started motor. Oil drained out of lifters? It's Been 5 yrs now on repair. Must be good?

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8 days later. No email letting me know parts are enroute, no email response, no text response and no phone call response.

Joeb my heads have been on end for way longer than that, guess I will see if I can pump em up before I put it back together. I wonder how this is treating my transmission.

Less appeased today. :wipetears

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latest update---3 p.m. sat aug 6th

"Hi Mike I'm in a meeting right now. I will have the funds Monday to ship the last of that kit out. Talk to you then. Thank you."

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well it's a month later now and still no parts. No response as of today-9-5-12.. I have called and text multiple times. (weekly)

I just went and bought a 2005 grand prix gtp. Anyone want to buy a 99 sts in parts cheap. Don't know how to get it on a trailer, but

I am just about to give up on this thing.

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I am gearing up to do a head gasket on a 2000 Eldorado with 65K miles on it.

If this is how JAKE does business, I will have to go to NORMS. This lack of customer service, prompt delivery can NOT happen. I do not understand how this can continue.

Consider this, the person I am doing this job for has to RENT a bay, how can you RENT a bay with this type of uncertainty?

I am looking into NORMS. This problem needs to be explained and addressed.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Good choice, Mike.

I can't see you putting up with Jake's antics, which unfortunately have become infamous.

Everyone wants him to succeed so much, but he seems to be his own worst enemy.

I have read, literally,, over a dozen stories just like "airmike's".

Too bad, Jake has a great product, but unbelievably poor customer service skills.

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

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1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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Thanks Ted, hope all is fine with you!

I have spoken to Jake a couple of times regarding his customer response/service/delivery problems, yes he is a nice guy and sincere when you speak to him, but something is going on behind the scenes. This certainly sounds like its a problem either sourcing the studs, paying for the studs, cash flow problems, etc but it has gone on too long. I know the studs are a good solution, but I can not take the chance, I personally don't have patience for this, and I would personally be embarrised doing a job for someone and having this type of delivery problem. I got a fuel pump from rockauto in 2 days for a 95 Eldo, now THAT is service.

Mike, direct Jake to this thread, he needs to tell us what is wrong, drugs?, women?, credit problems?, gambling?, over leveraged?, this is a big problem that needs solving. Boston Suspension had similar problems and they are now out of business. What is the deal Jake, lets be honest, as Ted said we ALL want you to succeed

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Whew! I guess I'm fortunate that I bought the stud kit several years ago for hot stand bye. It is sitting on my shelf just in case the head gaskets fail on my 1993 Allante. It's definitely a very good product that helps keep our Cadillacs alive.

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I HATE bashing a guy! I just feel others should hear this before they get in the same situation. I told Jake I was going to do this if I didn't get some results. I will direct him here.

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Wow my phone rang as I was posting that. It is Jake. He as always is helpful and cordial. He asked me a few questions about my timing gear and says he is sending my parts as well as chain tensioner.

Mike I did let him know about this thread and that people want to hear from him.

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We are not bashing him. If I do head gaskets on the 2000 Eldo, I am going to need to know that I can get what I need and your problem has gone on way too long.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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We are not bashing him. If I do head gaskets on the 2000 Eldo, I am going to need to know that I can get what I need and your problem has gone on way too long.

What's the problem with those studs? I can definitely find a great vendor to manufacture them with the same or better quality... The only issue is marketing.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

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Mike I just meant that I hate putting something negative on here. Its not really my personality, but I felt that it was my responsibility to fellow members to report this. I would've wanted to know. I hope Jake will get on here and reply to, and for everyone. Personally I hope he gets everything lined out and makes a thriving business. I hope anyone dealing with him gets first rate service. If he didn't seem so sincere all along I would have started this thread months ago and been very negative. I am a rare "customer" for him that had cars to drive and didn't need my sts. I just "want" it, but its not hurting me personally or business wise. I doubt many people can stand what I have.

Getting married saturday! I doubt I will be back on here for a week or so, but I will report back with any success.

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Hey Congratulations Mike!!!!

As my Dad used to say, U'll be sorry! :lol: Just kidding.... Just remember how much you love each other on the day of your wedding and Ull be fine! Enjoy, where is the honeymoon?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Mike the honeymoon will be in Branson Mo. in Oct. It should be beautiful weather there then! A couple pix of the big day...

th_wedding106.jpgth_Untitled.jpgth_wedding005.jpg

As for the subject of this post, no news, no parts, no email evidence of shipping. No news is BAD news! I did get a response on another forum asking what I want for it. Anyone interested in a project $1200 as it sits. Holes drilled and tapped. no gaskets. 19 of 20 studs and nuts included. Jig and bit and tap included.

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Congratulations! Nice photos, and the perfect car in the XLR. I wonder if KHE would be interested in this car

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Thanks for the compliments. I text Jake today and ask if he wanted to give my money back. He said he would but not for the studs which I do have. Said he would be sure the parts are sent out tomorrow, including some timing chain components. I said ok, I still want the parts. My job changed back today, to the 12 hour shifts and will make it nearly impossible for me to get the work done. I may try to get a mechanic I know to put it back together, though I can't imagine anyone wanting to get in the middle of a job like this with parts everywhere and not being the one that took it apart. I will report back if parts actually get in the mail.

Maybe I can skip my honeymoon in October and do it on my vacation. :bsmeter: That would make for a short marriage I bet.

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Despite everybody thinks the guy is a nice one, I personally would not stand such BS.

Not sure what you are saying adallak, I think everyone agrees that Jake is a nice guy, I have spoken to him twice myself, he is a very nice guy, but that does not excuse what is going on with his business

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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