As a Model A parts vendor we view the forum content as a valuable resource to the Model A restorers and owners. Unfortunately, the commentary presented is only as correct as the person presenting is honest. I am compelled to comment on this posting because some elements of it misleading and others are patently false.
Our goal over the last 22 months has been to reduce lead time and price of radiators. Over the past 17 months we improved production processes and invested in the business and people to achieve a 10-14 day turnaround. In mid-February we moved the business from its location for the last 15 years in San Luis Obispo, CA to Paso Robles, CA. Production was disrupted for almost four weeks. We resumed production and retain our lead time reduction goal. Our prices were reduced roughly 30% in late 2006 and have not changed despite the increased cost of materials, packaging, freight and virtually every other aspect of our business.
A round tube core, 6 fin per inch hand assembled radiator costs $725. The vast majority of Model A radiators we sell are priced at $595. All prices are posted on our website http://thebrassworks.net/modela_radiator.aspx#tab1 .
Every radiator is pressurized to ~10 pounds as part of the testing in the production process. Radiators do not proceed with a visible leak. It is inconceivable that a solder joint as described in the posting existed and was overlooked. However, we are human and it is a handcrafted product – if the leaks exist it is covered under the product warranty.
Our warranty guarantees the product to be free from workmanship and material defects for two years of the sale date. If a defect occurs we will inspect and correct it at our cost. We do ask that freight be prepaid until we can inspect the radiator. We do so because over thirty years of business we have experienced fraudulent claims and received damages not covered under warranty e.g. screws being drilled into tubes to hold aftermarket products. If the warranty claim is valid, we cover all freight costs.
In the case of this customer, we asked that this radiator be sent to us per the terms of the warranty. The customer was beligerent and instead offered for The Brassworks to pay 25% of the cost of the radiator to the customer or “read all about it” on this forum.
We value our reputation but cannot respond to threats of slander or libel. We hope forum members appreciate that there are two sides to any story.
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