Screwed by Howards Rods

[Ron Golden]

The first week of December 2006 I ordered a set of aluminum rods from Bob Johansen at Howards Rods. When the rods were finally shipped on 28 February 2007 the rods were not only missing rod bolts, they were the wrong rods. I called Bob and he requested I return the rods and he would built and ship me the correct ones. To date I've spent almost $700 on the rods and still haven't got the correct ones......... or my money refunded.

I've bent over backward trying to work with Howards and have been told numerous times..."I'm working on them right now and they will ship in a few days". I've also requested he refund my money but I haven't seen the rods,
or my money.

If you have to deal with Bob Johansen at Howards Rods, keep your hand on your wallet.

Ron

[Regal502]

Competition Products (Competition Products) exclusively sells lots of Howard's components. I think this might be something they might be interested in hearing!

[Ron Golden]

Regal, thanks for the info. I'll contact them. I hate to hear about anyone being ripped off.........especially me. This hobby/profession is expensive enough, and presents a multitude of hurdles to overcome, without this kind of individual compounding our problems.

Ron

[Andy mitchell]

Originally Posted by Regal502

Competition Products (Competition Products) exclusively sells lots of Howard's components. I think this might be something they might be interested in hearing!

CP is owned by Howards Cams,they use the CP name for distrbution and sales of Howards Cams,Cranks,Steel rods Ect and other manufactures parts.

I dont think Howards Cams (WI)& Howards Rods (CA)are the same company though?

[Ron Golden]

Andy, I agree they are two different companies. Too bad they share similar names. Just remember the name "Bob Johansen" and watch out.

Ron

[Andy mitchell]

Originally Posted by Ron Golden

Andy, I agree they are two different companies. Too bad they share similar names. Just remember the name "Bob Johansen" and watch out.

Ron

Thanks Ron,Glad we only use BME and GRP for our Alum rods no problems there!

[Cammer]

Trade periodicals are reporting a rise in quality problems within USA manufacturers.

I am speculating at least part of the problem rests with USA producers trying to compete with offshore entities.

Several very respected names in USA industry are experiencing quality problems.

All this is happening in the shadow of new quality plan strategies where zero defects is the norm.

I will not bore you with specifics, but traditional quality plans where secondary inspection is practiced do not embrace the needs of a modern organization.

You can not inspect in quality!

Engine builders are reporting problems with parts from upper level producers.

This trend is increasing at an alarming rate.

Top engine builders know they have to check blocks, heads, valvetrain parts, and the like.

Yes, the new assembled heads you just purchased may have a myriad of problems that need corrected for proper performance! Parts used on these assemblies such as valves, springs, retainers, locks, and rockers may be of poor quality!

Even if you check the bulk of your purchased parts you can still experience failures from things like fasteners.

Counterfeit fasteners are being sold with trademarks and markings of respected manufacturers. These fasteners are junk and could contribute to failures anywhere on a vehicle.
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[Ron Golden]

Bottom line is the general public shops on price. That's forced most manufacturers to have their product lines produced off shore so they can be competitive. Too often (always?) quality goes down the tube.

Recently my wife was shopping for t-shirts for me and tried to find American made ones. Unfortunately, she never found a single one made in the USA. They were all made in countries I've never heard of.

However, the CEO's are making a bundle.

Ron

[Andy mitchell]

Originally Posted by Cammer

Trade periodicals are reporting a rise in quality problems within USA manufacturers.



Top engine builders know they have to check blocks, heads, valvetrain parts, and the like.

Yes, the new assembled heads you just purchased may have a myriad of problems that need corrected for proper performance! Parts used on these assemblies such as valves, springs, retainers, locks, and rockers may be of poor quality!

Even if you check the bulk of your purchased parts you can still experience failures from things like fasteners.

Counterfeit fasteners are being sold with trademarks and markings of respected manufacturers. These fasteners are junk and could contribute to failures anywhere on a vehicle.
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I agree with you cammer,i buy all my heads bare for that reason so i can finish them myself and use my choice of parts.