I have been putting this off, but I think this needs to be said. I am extremely dissapointed with my Pedders lowering springs and the customer service I received.
Lets a look at what was done:
I volunteered my car to be used for a DIY manual. I thought it was a good deal and jumped on the oppurtunity quickly. My mistake, I should have asked more questions.
From this thread
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76529
1. Pedders Drop Coils
s CAMARO DROP COILS
220032 "Camaro 2009 Front drop Coils & Ride Height with 20"" Wheels at 657mm $92.31
220032 "Camaro 2009 Front drop Coils & Ride Height with 20"" Wheels at 657mm $92.31
220033 Camaro 2009 Rear Drop Coils & Ride Height with 20" Wheels at 660mm $92.31
220033 Camaro 2009 Rear Drop Coils & Ride Height with 20" Wheels at 660mm $92.31
SUB TOTAL $369.24
SHIPPING $33.23
TOTAL $402.47
total with Misc. expenses is $500
NORMAL RETAIL FOR BAY AREA WOULD BE ABOUT $800-$825
You will be responsible for getting your own alignment after completion
COMPLETED, NOT AVAILABLE ANY MORE
2. Pedders Rear Subframe Insert Bushings
EP1200 Zeta II Rear Extreme Sub-Frame Connector Kit 255.88
Shipping $23.03
PARTS TOTAL $278.91
MISC EXPENSE $51.09
GRAND TOTAL $330.00
NORMAL RETAIL FOR BAY AREA WOULD BE AROUDN $410
COMPLETED, NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE
3. FRONT PEDDERS RADIUS ROD SNUBBERS
EP6578 CAMARO Front Radius Rod STIFFENING SNUBBERS (new) $78.27
SHIPPING $7.04
SUB TOTAL $85.31
MISC EXPENSE $29.69
TOTAL $115.00
NORMAL SHOP INSTALL PRICE $210.31
I assumed that the MISC charges were for special tools, grease, or :iono: and didnt pay much attention to it. Well, there was nothing special used at all.... NO grease, no special tools, nothing that the average Joe has in their toolbox. $178.31 in MISC charges? Hmmm OK. I figured, Pedders gets their manual written (with pictures of my car to use), I get the parts installed for free. Good Deal right?? WRONG.
I shelled out $945
Then we get to the noise problem. See this thread.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84049
Now I am no slouch when it comes to turning a wrench. I have built several cars from the ground up, including suspensions. Torn apart engines, transmissions, rear ends, on and on. I know when something is wrong and can usually figure it out myself. Just like in this situation.
It took a PM to the head of Pedders USA to get a genuine effort to solve the problem. Even then, it was a week to get a response. By this time, I had already found the solution and fixed it myself.
I am glad that
Jeanius got his car looked at by Mike (
DMS), and they found the same thing I did. I have not received any communication from Pedders or DMS about doing the same thing for my car.
My feeling is this: Pedders was more interested in selling more parts, and protecting their image of "proven" technology than taking care of me as a customer. Even now, the 2 installs that were done are "mysteries", but there is nothing wrong with the coils, they are all "identical". I would have gladly returned these for a refund, but was told "NO". Now I have to sell them for a serious loss.
I am already looking at getting coilovers, because my wife is unhappy with the ride quality with the springs. (Happy Wife, Happy Life). I will not being buying Pedders coilovers, or anything else from them.
I wish this had turned out differently.
Jason
