A Good Shanking

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Does the size of your shank matter?

Yes
1
20%
No
0
No votes
It's what you do with it that counts
4
80%
 
Total votes: 5

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MattMe
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by MattMe »

I was quite surprised when I saw the feedback too, given the reputation he has around here.

Shame eBay feedback is character restricted.

I saw his response to other negative feedback was along the same lines of the email he sent me. Nice.

I was gob-smacked. I'd not been aggressive, or even complained, I simply asked whether it was correct. I just want to make sure what I'm doing is right - I'm not a trained mechanic, just someone who enjoys old cars. I ask a lot of questions. :geek:

I'm sure he's right in that the shank length doesn't matter that much, but there's a reason why Ford would have used a particular bolt, and there's absolutely no excuse for talking to anyone like that, in my opinion. But then I'm not running an eBay shop selling bolts for a living, so what do I know? :lol:
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by sheff »

MattMe wrote: I'm sure he's right in that the shank length doesn't matter that much, but there's a reason why Ford would have used a particular bolt, and there's absolutely no excuse for talking to anyone like that, in my opinion. But then I'm not running an eBay shop selling bolts for a living, so what do I know? :lol:
It's possible that Ford along with other manufacturers do over engineer things and possibly the shank length or even having a shank will suffice. Anyone selling a replacement part should offer the same if not higher spec. If your car was investigated after an accident and found to have failed due to a sub-standard part who would be at fault?

I work in the Aircraft industry..... Fortunately for everyone we don't buy parts from ebay!
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by MattMe »

sheff wrote: I work in the Aircraft industry..... Fortunately for everyone we don't buy parts from ebay!
Clearly you don't work for Ryanair.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Andrew 2.8i »

pbar wrote:Looking at his ebay ratings though, he must be doing something right, in the last 12 months 1872 positives.......Although it isn't very nice to know that, should you have an issue, you shall be met with replies like the above
Hi,
By the sounds of it, those 1872 people haven't had cause to ask a question about their parts.

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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Andrew 2.8i »

By the way, I'm shocked and appalled by the responses Matt has received simply for asking a question.

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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by pbar »

Andrew 2.8i wrote:
Hi,
By the sounds of it, those 1872 people haven't had cause to ask a question about their parts.

Andrew.
Yes exactly, my point was that they must all have been happy with the service they received. And only two were not (and one of those includes Matt here). I found that surprising considering his overall reputation/attitude, as discussed on here. I was expecting to find loads of negatives.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by sheff »

Andrew 2.8i wrote:
pbar wrote:Looking at his ebay ratings though, he must be doing something right, in the last 12 months 1872 positives.......Although it isn't very nice to know that, should you have an issue, you shall be met with replies like the above
Hi,
By the sounds of it, those 1872 people haven't had cause to ask a question about their parts.

Andrew.
I am one of those positive feed backs, as I bought some front brake pipes which were okay...... Perhaps I should contact him to say the pipes don't fit very well and could I return them :lol:
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Andrew 2.8i »

Hi Neil,
sheff wrote:I am one of those positive feed backs
As am I. I'm just thankful I didn't have any reason to click on that "ask seller a question" link! :lol:

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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by MattMe »

Martin at CapriGear has confirmed he has bolts exactly the same as the original, only nice and shiny.

Wish I'd known that to begin with :doh:
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Caprigear »

I don't understand why I don't get asked for parts until after E Bay and every other outlet on the planet. I have been breaking the cars for over 20 years and I also restore and rebuild cars from scratch.
If I haven't got the part then I will almost always know where it can be obtained.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Stewb28i »

Looks like a bit of conflab on this one!

I believe that 'standard' bolts (and there are many standards when it comes to fasteners) have the thread length specifically defined. This is normally based upon diameter & bolt length.

I'd concur with the statements made here that if everything is pulled up to the correct torque (which will depend on the thread of the bolt in question if different from that specified by Ford) & assuming that the bolt being used is strong enough to cope with the clamping force then all is well.

If something does come undone then the thread will rapidly wear also causing damage to the hole. That's the risk & why Ford originally specified a bolt which was a 'good' fit in the through hole & all potential bearing points not being threaded.

You could get the originals replated - have done this on several bike restos. If you can find a friendly plater they will do a bag full of fasteners for very little money. It's the cleaning up that costs!

Can't comment on the other subject as I've had no dealings with CS.

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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Peter-S »

Caprigear wrote:I don't understand why I don't get asked for parts until after E Bay and every other outlet on the planet. I have been breaking the cars for over 20 years and I also restore and rebuild cars from scratch.
If I haven't got the part then I will almost always know where it can be obtained.
With the greatest respect Martin, if you google 'Capri spares' for example it's three pages in before you appear, if somebody does get that far and looks at your website it hasn't been updated for six years. Vat is still shown at 15%! Any time you post up on here that you have a part there is never any indication how much you might charge for it. It's you business of course and you've been doing it for a long time but in my humble opinion this is part of the reason why your not always first as a point of contact. What you sell and how much you sell it for needs to be out there.
Fair enough if you don't agree with me, its just some input from a long time owner.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by pbar »

Peter-S wrote:....if you google 'Capri spares' for example it's three pages in before you appear, if somebody does get that far and looks at your website it hasn't been updated for six years. Vat is still shown at 15%!
It can be costly to have someone run a website and/or keep it updated. But perhaps a better option may be to do a one off revamp whereby there is simply a homepage with info that spares are constantly available, and the services which are available with contact details of course. Just my humble opinion :)
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Caprigear »

Thanks for the feedback. I know the website has lapsed. I used to keep it updated when there were plenty of cars coming in for breaking and I also had mailing lists of owners of particular models and when one came in for breaking then everyone on the appropriate list got an E Mail.
Now the breaking side of the business is almost non existant - I have only broken three cars during the whole of this year I feel a website would probably be better suited to highlight the restoration and rebuild side of the business.
I still have ads in Classic Ford and Retroford magazines.
I'm told that Facebook is the way forward for getting the name across to more people but I don't really know for sure.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Peter-S »

pbar wrote: It can be costly to have someone run a website and/or keep it updated.
The flip side of course is that it can be costly not doing it. It's a case of striking the right balance.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Peter-S »

Caprigear wrote:I still have ads in Classic Ford and Retroford magazines.
I'm sure you need a better presence on line. Do you know if you get much business from those ads? Might be better investing the money elsewhere if you don't.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by MattMe »

I have to agree that keeping on top of a website for a business like Martin's probably isn't practical as listing every single last bit and piece he has available, as well as keeping it up to date would be a full time job in it's self. Keeping stock of new parts may not be that difficult, but I imagine when breaking a car and then having to update a database of all the parts you have would be a nightmare. Interior, engines and large parts not so bad, but if you're getting down to bolts and fixings... Yikes!

I don't imagine social media being any better either, to be honest. The way you attract customers through those channels is usually through a constant stream of posts, keeping your name in people's mind. It won't hurt to have a page clearly, but unless you're updating that very frequently I wouldn't expect to see that drawing you any regular custom.

I'm usually more than happy to ring and have a chat about any parts I'm after if it's second hand. For new parts, I guess I'd usually shop around online and see where I can get the best offer. Unfortunately that doesn't always correlate to the best (or even correct) part.

Like I said on the phone the other day, Martin, I personally wasn't even aware that you stocked that many new or refurb parts, I always saw Capri Gear as more of a breaker. Probably just a historic thing. I'd guess updating the website (even if just a holding/contact info page) may help overcome some that.
At the end of the day there aren't that many places that specialise in Capris, so you're definitely operating within a nice little niche; and personally I think you do a great job.
It's probably more a case of making the communities aware of what you offer as a business.
Last edited by MattMe on Thu Nov 19, 2015 2:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Andrew 2.8i »

Hi All,
Keeping a website updated with spares for sale would clearly be impractical. However, there needs to be a mention that used parts are kept on the shelf and that new parts can be supplied.
The website doesn't even mention that Martin is involved in the restoration side of the business. Perhaps some photos of recent work need to be posted.
Just my opinion of course.

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Re: A Good Shanking

Post by Caprigear »

It's tricky as I run the business single handed. Any computer stuff is usually done either before work or after I get home in the evenings.
As you can probably imagine it gets a little too much sometimes!
I started the restoration and rebuilds some years ago to run alongside the breaking side of the business but as the breaking side is declining I find myself doing more and more of the other stuff. It's very satisfying turning a car from a basket into a show car but it is also very hard work.
I was in conversation with someone today about re igniting the website so I hope to get it sorted shortly.
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