Bad Experience. Post on Zapco forum....

Background:I purchased a 2002 Lightning about 10 months ago with the intent of converting into a full custom show truck. I started with the suspension, wheels and other show-quality essentials before moving toward the stereo system.For the stereo system outline, I consulted Audio Tune in Pico Rivera, CA. I've known the owner for quite some time so I trusted he would lead me the right direction. I ended up purchasing one 9.0 and one 4.0, an SX-SL, all symbalink cables, SLB-U, and other accessories. Basically, I laid down about $4,000 in Zapco parts alone. For subs, I went with 4 10" L7s. I also chose a Clarion 925DVD, Clarion disk changer, Nesa monitors, and Alumapro 15 farad chrome cap. Since Audio Tune didn't plan on having their new bays and experienced installer on the payroll until August, I had no choice but seek out a different shop to do the work.Now to my story:I was fortunate to meet Mike Longuera at the Forbidden Fantasy show earlier this year where he was representing Alumapro and Zapco. Although Bob & Robert (Zapco) had offered to do install at a great price, I couldn't get up to Stockton to their shop, so I turned to Mike for advice. After chatting with Mike for a while, he recommended Automotive Entertainment in Pasadena.The following week I was at Automotive Entertainment making plans for my install. We discussed it and agreed to a cut-through, fiberglass box, fiberglass amp display, and a set of Dynaudio 360 components speakers. Although I wanted the Alumpros, he convinced me to go with the Dynaudios.So I drop off the truck the last week of March. Since I had been told by other shops the job would take 2-3 weeks, I assumed the truck would be ready in mid April. Well, April came and went and I finally got my truck back today. I was very dissappointed with their craftmanship and customer service and here's why....1). Truck had 1/2" coat of dust all over the truck, in the engine bay, in the bed, and in the cab (keep in mind I have suede seats). The truck was originally delivered to the shop immediately after picking it up from the detailers. (Truck is detailed every month)2). Both my Zapco amps which I delivered to them new, wrapped in their boxes were scratched badly and are still covered in dust in their display case.3). My SX-SL processor was also scratched and incorrectly installed.4). My front bumper was scratched badly.5). My brand new (2 months old) tonneau cover was chipped in several places.6). My Kicker subs are covered in wood dust and were mounted as such in the box. The subs weren't mounted flush in the box- there are gaps between the sub and the surface of the box.7). The inside of the box is dented, dusty, and contains frayed cotton pieces left over by a dusting rag.8). The switch for my neon lights was wired "Mickey Mouse" style as my neighbor put it.9). My visors sag.10). My headunit and SX-SL are not properly secured and the stereo jumps out of it's mounting bracket when the screen opens.11). The entire system sounds terrible!12). A few of my Zapco components were not used when I was told by Zapco and Audio Tune that they would compliment the amps and entire system.13). Whereas all other shops quoted me 2-3 weeks to do the job, it took Automotive Entertaintment 7-8 weeks to the job and a very poor job to say the least.14). I didn't get the installation I requested.I spoke with Joe at Audio Innoviations (another Zapco dealer) who was patient and listened to my rant and offered to redo the system without charging me an arm and a leg. Even though Automotive Entertainment offered to repair my system, I'm not taking my truck back to them. I'm going to consider my loss ($4,000) as a life learning experience and going to Audio Innovations to have my system redesigned and reinstalled.Our truck club is 50,000 members strong and I'll be damned if any of our members ever set foot in that shop.Bob/Robert/Mike- Thank you for all your advice; I greatly appreciate it. You offer what I consider to be the best products in audio entertainment...period! I'm very disappointed Automotive Entertainment was unable to appreciate my love for Zapco products and my quest for a good, high-quality installation.You have no idea how much I regret not traveling to your shop in Stockton, but I hope this email will help other faithful Zapco customers in choosing a shop to install their Zapco equipment.Thank you offering this great forum to allow your customers post about their experiences with your products.Armando Montalvo, MBA

Sounds to me like you had an experience that many other auto enthusiasts do with shops that do not care about the customer, rather the mighty $$$ !! Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with these guys and they charged you $ 4000 for the installation ?? Wish I could do that around  here Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Velocity Motors wrote: Sounds to me like you had an experience that many other auto enthusiasts do with shops that do not care about the customer, rather the mighty $$$ !! Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with these guys and they charged you $ 4000 for the installation ?? Wish I could do that around  here

Other shops in my area share your views.  They can't get over me paying $4,000 for an install.

LOL  Definitely a learning experience for you. BTW, nice truck !! Ever consider vertical doors ?Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Velocity Motors wrote: LOL  Definitely a learning experience for you. BTW, nice truck !! Ever consider vertical doors ?

Nice!  That's definately something I'll have to consider when I get ready to take on the body work.  I'll be sure to save that link.

Hey man,      I'm sorry to hear about your terrible experience with a private shop. As much as I am a Chevy man myself, you got yourself one hell of a ride there man. Do good things!!!! Cary

If I were you I would ask the shop for a refund in writing and send it certified mail. If they don’t want to give it too you I would take them to small claims court. Your chances of recovering some if not all of your losses are very high. Especially if you have it redone the correct way from another reputable shop, and have that receipt in court.

Unfortunately, I would have to agree bberman. If they did not meet the expectations that you set when you talked with them, especially leaving out components you wanted and paid to have installed, then it is breach of contract. I would take as many pictures as you could, of all of the work and anything the broke in the truck, and then get it reinstalled and sue them for what it cost to have everything replaced, don't forget they damaged the tonneau cover and from the sounds of it a majority of your equipment.Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.