Re: IML: is a 440 a 440?/be careful

["Frederick Joslin" <fljoslin@xxxxxxxx>]

This reminds me of a bad experience that I had with a local repair shop. I had taken a GMC Suburban in to get the rear end rebuilt.

While I was leaving, I asked about rebuilding specifically the 1969 no surergrip 8 3/4" Chrysler rear end in my Imperial. The mechanic went on to tell me that he knew everything about these rear ends and that it would be no problem to re-build it. I asked for an approximate price if I brought the rear end in to the shop to which he said, why would you want to bring the whole rear end in. Just bring the car in. It was then that I realized that he did not know that the center section was removable and basically knew nothing about the 8 3/4" rear ends at all.    

 

This was AFTER they had my Suburban. I was stupid enough not to ask for the parts that they replaced and strongly believe that I was charged $900 for a rear end fluid change. Not only that, but shortly there after the Suburban rear started to leak. They had not used a gasket but only some kind of sealant which not only leaked, but was also almost impossible to get off.  I replaced the fluid myself which voided any warranty on their work. I went to the Better Business Bureau, but all they will do in their conciliation process is have you take the vehicle back to the same place. No refund, no other mechanic to verify the work done.

If you say no to them doing any more work, the business does not get a bad mark. Total waste of time. 

 

So yes, quiz the mechanics and beware of them quizing you and being a member of the BBB is not worth much to the customer, but lots to the company.

 

 

----- Original Message -----
From: "PAUL WENTINK"
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: is a 440 a 440?
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:16:17 -0400


It seems very odd that a shop would go through
so much trouble to provide incorrect
information on something that would be so easy
to verify. Especially since none of the work
described as being done was related
specifically to the engine. I have discovered
this tactic is usually used to determine how
much the owner knows about their own car,
adjusting the cost and amount of work
accordingly. I have most often seen it used at
new car dealership service departments, but
these guys sometimes move on and go to work for
private shops.

Shops that I do business with know that I am
frighteningly/completely familiar with my cars,
and are careful about telling me what they
think needs to be done. Questions that "quiz"
the owner are usually a ploy to see how much
they can get away with. I would be very
suspicious of this. Also, the front suspensions
of these cars are so complex, I would never
trust anyone to touch them except for front
suspension specialists, and only then after I
have "quizzed" them about their knowledge and
experience. Although I admit that I have over
paid for work, and made my share of innocent
mistakes with shops, I have seldom been talked
into having something done the car didn't need,
or charged for something done that wasn't.

I would not do business with someone who
insisted on peculiar and incorrect alleged
facts about my vehicle. It is bad enough when
"know-it-alls" acting as casual observers do
this, but it sends up a giant red flag coming
from a "good" shop.

Paul W.


-----Original Message-----
From: dansgarage@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, 6 Oct 2007 10:05 pm
Subject: Re: IML: is a 440 a 440?



Hi Eric....thanks so much for all the extra
info. I stopped by the shop today to
talk with the mechanic and see how he was doing
with all the things I am having
done on the car (wheel bearings/universals/front brake shoes/tranny
pan-gasket/front alignment sleeves/etc) ....the car is suposed to be ready
Monday (maybe) so I'm going to check again then
and when I make sure it was also
alligned I'll let the mechanic know about the casting numbers for the '66-'72
Imperials and see what he has to say then! He
was SOOOOOO sure that the numbers
he was showing me were the displacement!
I really appreciate all your info and all the
comments & data from the other Iml
members!! Thanks everyone!
Dan Melnik


---- Melissa Swenson wrote:

=============
Good evening fellow Imperialists.
I realize I may be a little late to jump in on this thread but I may be able
to clear up a little confusion on casting numbers. These types of things can
keep a guy or gal up at night!
Good news, it's a 440! The number that the mechanic was referring to is,
quite appropriately, is the block casting number. ALL 440's '66-'72 had the
same casting numbers-2536430. This refers to the block only. It also has
nothing to do with displacement. For the record, '73-'78 440 blocks are
numbered 3698830-440- now with the displacement following the casting
number on the side of the block. Also cast into the side of the block is the
month and year the block was cast. On the pad under the A/C compressor
usually stamped is the displacement, in your case B440, a date, and maybe a
symbol or two regarding casting screw-ups and now having undersize bearings
as a result. VIN numbers were not added to blocks until the '68 model year.
Another tidbit- sure while I'm at it. ALL 413 blocks '59-'65; 2205697.
I am pretty sure your '66 has the original engine. Check your intake
manifold number on the runner just ahead of the carb-2206000. Or your carb,
Carter AFB #4131S or #4137S with clean air package. Sleep well my friend!

Eric
65 Crown-no exhaust-neighbors awake
----- Original Message -----
From: "Klebert L. Hall"
To:
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2007 10:12 AM
Subject: Re: IML: is a 440 a 440?


> > From: "dansgarage@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
> > Subject: Fwd: Re: IML: is a 440 a 440?
> >
> > Sorry! those numbers (430) are CAST into the
> > passenger side NOT stamped!
> > used the wrong words!!
> > Dan
>
> I don't know what those numbers mean, but it's a 440.
>
> The only 430 I know of was a Lincoln / Ford engine from the late
> '50s... You'd be able to tell immediately if somebody'd made the
bizzarre
> effort for that engine swap.
>
> -Kle.
> '69 Crown 4DHT (temporarily mothballed)
>
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Fred Joslin