Thurs.21.09.06. We have had another day sifting through the Rimmers order attempting to compile the final cull. Chris has made further contact with Mark at Jigsaw Racing. As well as being able to supply excellent engine components he can also access most of the Triumph range of parts.
He understands that Rimmer Brothers have let us down badly and claims that the parts that he sells are of the highest quality. Given this latest information we have been extremely ruthless increasing the level of the returned goods. Even the recognised quality branded products such as Spax, Automec and Borg and Beck will be sent back as a protest against the shite they had the audacity to send. Being prudent, it was necessary to verify their ‘returns’ policy so as not to fall foul of penalty clauses, before re-packing the order, so I spoke to Andrew Monday to clarify the procedure. It was at this point that Chris became impatient impressing, rather forcefully, upon Andrew that we were ‘more than’ disappointed with the quality of many of their products: but his experience was sufficient when he shrewdly repelled the assault by “I shall investigate this thoroughly and phone you back straight away, routine”. “Listen, you don’t need to investigate anything, your stuff is shite and it is going straight back”, Chris plainly pointed out.
It was still not clear as to how the goods should be effectively returned so I contacted Rimmers once more, via ‘Toby’. He vouched that everything we were not happy with could be returned, without exception. The full value of the parts would be met, without question. “Provide the relevant paper work and the reimbursement process would be initiated immediately without prejudice or argument”. I suppose that sounds fair enough, I thought, but I had forgotten that the quotation in June was approximately 10% less than the present invoice and that the total amount shown was £1997.17 when a cheque for £2065.68. had been posted to Rimmers five days earlier. Chris seized upon this ‘small detail’ to take issue with the smug Toby who again promised to ‘look into it’. His tone became very patronising when he reminded us that the original order was placed in June, naturally there had since been a price increase. “Send the friggin’ lot back, I’m not standing for this, they are just fuckin’ cowboys, like the rest!” And so Rimmers list was enlarged once more. We did salvage the worthwhile products of genuine quality but it certainly was an exercise in damage limitation. The more that we sent back the less hurt we would suffer from the price hike but it would also be foolish to return everything when we still needed to source those basic bread and butter items.
On a brighter note the positive conversation with Jigsaw Racing lifted the day. Mark articulated with knowledge and, hopefully, honesty. Coming from a race background he was able to describe with experienced authority as to how the Burlington should be set up. The correctly weighted springs, shockers and other factors he knows, from first hand that would be perfect for the vehicle. He could comfortably converse about spring to weight ratios, load dispersal, negative and positive camber, the appropriate cylinder head, four-branch banana manifold and twin piped stainless steel exhaust systems. He could access brilliantly machined parts from Germany and the UK, “none of your far eastern muck” and, just as everyone else claimed, he would be generously competitive on all prices. I wonder if we have at last found a ‘diamond’ or yet another ‘dog turd’?
The day had been virtually rescued but there still hung an air of despondency in the garage. My next day tasks were to complete all the paperwork, do the maths on the bits that we are to retain, gather all past correspondence with Rimmers and last but not least, contact Chic Doig who may have a LHD steering rack. This component needs to be sourced immediately as this vital ingredient should move the project forward. The returned stock list could also double as an order request for Jigsaw Racing or even, Chic. I looked forward to a morning of infinite spreadsheets, endless databases and nonstop laborious number crunching. Pas problem.
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