Hi All
I ordered a gearbox from this company in the UK http://www.guess-works.com/ and would like some feedback from anyone else who has used them as they appear to be giving me the run around. I ordered a gearbox from them two months ago and recently inquired as to how long it would take. The owner emailed me and told me the gearbox was being "freighted out on Monday".
That was a month ago and a subsequent inquiry was also met by the same promise "yep, it's definitely going out on Monday".
It's now Wednesday and again, no UPS/DHL email or any notification from the company that this actually happened.
I'm seriously worried I've done my dough as the owner John never answers my emails and sounds evasive when called on the phone.
Has anyone else used this company and had a similar experience or am I just being paranoid? (PM would be fine if you don't want to publicly comment)
Cheers
Dave

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Your imagination is only limited by the size of your wallet
"61 850 original and crusty (Mavis)
"64 Smooth Roof Van (Colin)
"67 Deluxe resto project (Monty)

Living up to the name 'Guess Works'! Guess when the work will start!!

I just looked at the website and got a quote for a rebuilt gearbox, pretty cheap, almost too cheap! My finger are crossed for you keep us updated.

Hmmmm maybe poke around on the UK Mini forums...good luck

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"Show me the Mini!"

I've placed 2 separate orders with John and had no dramas, even relatively quick with emails considering the time difference.
However I didn't order an entire gearbox, only a rebuild kit & some extras.

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

From what I have seen in the UK, most people don't have issues with him.

Thanks for the replies fellas
I "Guess" my main beef is that when I asked a month ago about a time frame (on a Friday) he basically said it was going out the following Monday.
I recently made the same inquiry and the reply was the same.
Both Mondays have well and truly gone and I still have no notification that the gearbox has been sent so it's pretty obvious he doesn't have it ready yet.
Now if he had of been upfront and told me it would be 2, 3 or 4 months away, I'd be OK with that.
As he hasn't delivered on his promise, I'm now not sure I can trust his word or in fact whether or when the gearbox will actually be delivered.
Worst still, I don't know whether I can get my money back if he doesn't come up with the goods.
I'm heartened by your remarks Shane as at least I know he does deliver eventually.
I'll post another update if/when the transactions progresses.
Cheers
Dave

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Your imagination is only limited by the size of your wallet
"61 850 original and crusty (Mavis)
"64 Smooth Roof Van (Colin)
"67 Deluxe resto project (Monty)

Yeah keep your chin up Dave.
I must admit I do give some people the benefit of the doubt more often than not, and I have been plugging his tech section of his website more than a few times on here too.

You are purchasing an entire built gearbox. If you look at his 'shop' sections, both new & 2nd hand, some of the items are 'preorder', which probably means he needs an exchange box for some of these parts. I'm guessing (excuse the pun), you haven't supplied a gearbox for rebuild & are purchasing one outright. Maybe he just needs the time to source a few items from exchange boxes?
I do agree with you though, if someone says a time when it'll be ready or posted, it would be good to be kept up to date on any delays!

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

He is a frequent member/poster on theminiforum uk, and seems to have excellent technical knowledge and does good work from what I've read on there.

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He's got good reports on the MiniMania forum in USA too.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

A carefully worded message on one of the UK forums that he is involved with might get the message across. If not then if you paid with. Credit card you can contact your bank and reverse the payment mabe

I've now got a refund, I was sick of the continual promises but no gearbox.
I'm now rebuilding it myself.

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Your imagination is only limited by the size of your wallet
"61 850 original and crusty (Mavis)
"64 Smooth Roof Van (Colin)
"67 Deluxe resto project (Monty)

A while back I purchased Two Four speed syncro type Idler gears from Guess Works.
After Emailing him to confirm condition was "Good Second Hand" I proceded with the purchase.
On arrival at my place I inspected them and found them to be unsuitable to use.
Admittedly I have very high standards and also know what I am looking at but found the so called "Good second hand parts" That Guess Works had supplied to be Rubbish. They went in the Bin, could not be bothered arguing with him or sending them back to the UK.

I would have serious doubts about the standard of their parts selection for any rebuilt Gearbox.

Dave

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