Art Houser's Rear End Service & High Performance Parts
Art Houser's Rear End Service sold defective 12 bolt rear end Ripoff

If you are considering buying a rear end from Art Houser's Rear End Service & High Performance Parts,
READ THIS FIRST.:

I first found Art Houser's Rear End Service & High Performance Parts on an internet search for a Chevy 12 bolt rear end. I liked what Art Houser had to offer because his expertise was supposed to be in early model Chevys. I called his shop and left a message inquiring about a rear. This was the only time the man ever returned any call of mine (before he received my money). While talking with him on the phone, he explained all of the features of his rear ends and what I would get for the price. During the conversation I asked if the rear would make noise. He humorously stated: If you want it to make noise, you'll have to pay extra.

I ordered a 12 bolt rear end with a disc brake conversion on 5-21, for a price (with shipping) of $2,700.included in this price was supposed to be a parts list of the necessary items to adapt the brakes to my car as well as the proper spring u-bolts for the rear. He does not take credit cards so it had to be a check. The check cleared eight days later on 5-29. He told me that he typically takes ten days to two weeks to deliver a rear. Sounded fair enough.

After three weeks of not receiving anything, I began calling his shop and leaving messages to find out status. Once again, the man never returned a single call of mine after he received my money. I then emailed his shop and was told repeatedly that they would check on it. After numerous emails, I finally received rear on 7-25. So instead of two weeks, it took two months. When I picked up the rear from the freight company, there were no parts, no parts list, just the rear end. Another email to which they responded: Art is sending itemized list and bolts - which were torn away from the package. He can follow up with you about other details.

Again, after several weeks of not receiving anything, more useless phone calls to his shop and several more emails. I finally received these parts at the end of November, a full FOUR MONTHS after promised!

Now for the good part. As I began installing this rear in my car I noticed it was leaking fluid from the cover. $2,700 for this rear and it leaks! I emailed his shop with a couple photos of the leak to which they responded:

I showed the email and photos to Art. The rear may have been roughed up in transit. Art will send new cover, gaskets, and fluid at our expense. You can replace yourself.

I never received anything! I had to purchase a new gasket and fluid myself; the cover was not damaged. When the installation was complete, I test drove the car only to find a few more surprises. It began leaking from the front pinion seal. This I could not fix myself.in addition, the rear made a loud pronounced whine. At first I thought I might be more sensitive to noise because it was my car. So I had a quality mechanic drive it. He said: This doesn't just make noise, it makes a lot of noise! He referred me to a local rear end expert, and suggested having him drive it. He concurred that it whined much too loudly.

I contacted Art Houser with this information. He assured me that his rears are guaranteed and he would make good on fixing this problem. Since I lived in the Phoenix area and his shop was in PA, he directed me to have it fixed locally and he would reimburse me for it. I went ahead and authorized the local rear end expert to perform the repairs. The rear end work was completed on 3-26-04, for a cost of: $837. I sent a copy of the paid invoice to Art Houser for reimbursement. He said it would be no problem and he would take care of it.

At this writing eight moths later, I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING! Once again I spent many calls to his shop and many more emails to no avail. Some of the many responses were: I spoke to Art. He will get reimbursement to you shortly.

I relayed to Art that you had not received it yet. The reimbursement check went out long already, and we are surprised you have not received it. Art will send a replacement to you.

I just spoke to Art moments ago. He had sent it but will check into it. We regret any inconvenience, and we aim to resolve ASAP.

I cannot understand why you have not received it. It will be brought to Art's attention.

After eight solid months of being told the money went out and it would be checked into, it is obvious that they are not going to reimburse me. This means I have paid $3537. For a 12 bolt rear end from Art Houser. If I knew it was going to cost me this much for this rear end when I first contacted him, I would never have considered buying from him. Would you?

Company: Art Houser's Rear End Service & High Performance Parts
Country: USA
State: Pennsylvania
City: Mertztown
Address: 264 Chestnut Street
Phone: 6106826310

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