4x4 Mag - The "B..weld Experience"

The "B..weld experience"

by Graham Scott

This years Billing Land Rover Show was rather a disappoinment for me, not only due to the rather reduced range of suppliers and lack of bargains but because of a bad purchase from a Doncaster based company that specialises in roll cages. At Billing I thought I'd have the ideal opportunity to purchase a cage for my Landrover, meet the guy who makes it, tell him the specification of my motor and see the quality of the product. Far easier than purchasing over the phone or making a special visit to a workshop to see the cage. How wrong could I be?

Having spent some time looking around to see what there was, and who would do the best deal I located a firm who where on the stand next to the people I had my galvanised chassis off. After speaking with the owner and having the opportunity of informing him of exactly the specification of my galvanised chassis Land Rover and telling him exactly how I wanted the roll cage to be made I felt really pleased that at least the Show had provided me with this opportunity. As regards the specification, some of you will know there's a great deal of variation in Land Rover chassis, depending on models and engine types etc., etc., With my chassis I already had the cage mounts fitted so I knew what all the measurements where between each mounting point, as I say I'd come with the exact details hoping to be able to make a purchase. I was also fortunate in being able to meet the boss, and as we sat and discussed it he said he would take notes and make one up for me to the exact specification that I wanted. We talked about the price and at £245 it seemed a good buy, and this was a special "show price". Decided to have a think and would get back to him if I wanted to proceed.

I knew that a similar cage off Drew Bowler was more expensive but that Drew would fit it and everything would be tidy, however, price was an issue and since I'd done all the work on my Land Rover myself I thought I'd finish the job and fit the cage. Wandered back that same day and did the deal, paid cash which included delivery, no receipt because he'd mislaid his receipt book, one would follow in the post and all would be ready for despatch with 21 days and he'd ring me when it was leaving the workshop. I was a happy man, roll cage on the way and the sun was shining too ! This elation was to be short lived.

A month passed and no cage and no phone call. Contacted the workshop and it had been delayed due to staff on holiday and some off-sick etc., etc., "don't worry it'll be with you soon". Nearly another month later (that's two months since I parted with my £245.00 cash and still no receipt) the cage arrived. I was not a happy man, and the sun was not shining. Won't bore you with the details, however, suffice to say the mounting points of the cage where the incorrect distance apart and so it was not the cage I had ordered. Simple, I thought, give them a ring and get it returned to them and they supply the correct specification as I had ordered. Well, if only life was so simple. I should have known by the delay that something had gone wrong, and remember I paid cash and no receipt had arrived. Well I rang and the boss was out, left a message with the other boss (his wife) with my works, home and mobile phone numbers for him to ring me back. Three days later no return call, so I rang again. Wife didn't know anything about it at first so I presumed he must have had two wives (Surely one is enough? ed.) and then there was a memory spasm. I was promised a return call from the boss.

A week passed ... wrong roll cage in the garage, £245 cash gone, the boss not returning my messages. I was very unhappy by now, nothing worse than a communication break down, for whatever reason, just a quick phone call and get in contact. Simple !? Unrelenting I rang again ... again the boss was out, surely not still spending my £245 cash !!! One of his workforce informed me that the cage had been made to the exact specifications he had been given and that it must be right. I did, however, know better since I had the Land Rover and the Cage and there was no way this cage was going to fit into my rag top.

Finally I tracked down the boss almost in "Cooke Report" style and got no satisfaction whatsoever. He had sought legal advice and was talking about legal proceedings. Hold on ... all I wanted was the right cage that I had ordered and a receipt for my £245.00 cash. Hang on a minute, aren't we all in that BIG LAND ROVER HAPPY FAMILY, that BIG BILLING LAND ROVER SHOW FAMILY where everyone has a common interest ??

Alas, no joy the dread of the motor-trade ... an honest mechanic, simply seeking a humble existance on a meagre income of Cash with VAT but no receipt. Trading Standards anyone? "Yes officer" I will be happy to supply the exact details to the right authority before this happens to someone else. Beware before you buy, and most certainly pay with the Credit Card, don't part with those hard earned reddies until you receive the goods you ordered. I am now poised to spend almost twice as much money again and make a phone call to Drew Bowler to order that roll cage which I should have purchased in the first place, from a PROFESSIONAL who does have regard for his customers.