My Bernbaum Rant

[1940Mopar]

I try to avoid calling them because on every occasion prior to my experience just 2 minutes before writing this mail, I've had no assistance in getting the parts I need. So from now on, I'll avoid them all together.

I called seeking some throttle linkage for my 1940 business coupe. The "help" told me they didn't have any. I then inquired whether they had any linkage available so that I could do a conversion to a later model plymouth's linkage; to which he replied "I'm not going to be able to help you." It seemed to me that he had linkage available but was unwilling to sell to me because he didn't feel like getting up from in front of a TV (whose background sound was audible to me over the phone) to look up the parts.

I'm done with them and hopefully won't offend anyone who may have had a good experience with them in the past. You would think that companies like AB who have been around since before the big chains would pride themselves in good customer services. Apparently he doesn't care...and so I don't care to give him any more of my business.

[Don Coatney]

Omari;

I have never used them. Not that they may have had what I needed but I have heard so much negative stuff about them that I looked elsewhere before going to them. Your post caps that off.

[1940Mopar]

Post Caps????

As far as the linkage is concerned, I've purchased the Lokar universal throttle cable only to find that it does not seem to be a piece that I can hook up without changing out my pedal to a different model. I may go with 50 plymouth linkage and pedal to solve the problem since it seems like Pete's worked really well with the Lokar cable. I'm not sure. I'm waiting on my carbs from Stovebolt and my custom intake to see how the existing linkage will work with the new setup before committing to swapping in newer model linkage.

[claybill]

why dont you just go to a junk yard and look for one. i have a box of linkage stuff...unfortunately i cannot tell if it is a complete 40 set or not....

it is quite easy to fabricate. one carb or 2???

claybill

[Joe Flanagan]

I was visiting my family in New England once. They're not far from Bernbaum. I drove over to the Antique Auto Cellar in South Weymouth and while I was there I asked the guys if Bernbaum had any idea of how bad his reputation is. They just laughed and said, "He doesn't care." He may think he has a corner on the market, but after a few bad experiences, I never buy from him now. And I always find what I need somewhere else, so he isn't the only game in town. What cracks me up is one time I saw somebody once spell his name "Burn Bomb."

[Normspeed]

I've had my numerous problems with Roberts in Mass. but I feel lucky that I learned about Bernbaum on this forum before I mistakenly ordered from him. Roberts and Bernbaum are both on my no-no list.

[knuckleharley]

This is pretty funny. I called them just yesterday looking for a windshield divider for my 48 Plymouth. What's really funny is it sounded like the guy on the phone was trying to be helpful,because he even took the time to tell me,"We don't carry body parts. We sell rubber and some mechanical parts." I then asked him,"You do sell NOS parts and buy NOS parts,right? Isn't a windshield divider bar a bar a NOS part?" I know they have sold body parts in the past when they have them,but it seemed like the guy on the phone didn't know this.

I'm still looking for the divider bar,but I did find the vent window repair kits I was looking for. I should report that guy to the police for sexual assault because he tore me a new one.

[Captain Neon]

I'm beginning to think that businesses that pride themselves on their longevity are ones to avoid. "We must be a good company. See. We've been in business for over 20 years. I don't know why you could possibly have a complaint. We've been in business for over 20 years, and have served thousands of customers in that time and we have 20 employees. How could you possibly have a problem with us?"

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, I have never bought from Burntbridges, oh did I say that, I meant Andy Bernbaum.

But I have phoned enquiring about parts, I already had the heads up on there attitude, so what did I do, I came off crusty,gruff, demanding, and very assertive, they, he , answered all of my questions without problems. I just took the lead, and was not going to be treated like a chump.

Now maybe they have a some of the market monopolized, who cares, with a rep like theirs they are guaranteed to scare away business and customers, I will avoid buying from Berbaums at all cost, because of there reputation, have bought from Roberts, they are better, but I do detect a " Take the Old Mopar customer for granted attitude", will buy only if I have too...........Fred

[David Maxwell]

...and told him my own horror stories; the lack of service, the poor quality parts, the refusal to take back incorrect parts etc. He decided to give him a try for a couple of parts he needed quick. As expected, he had all the usual problems associated with Andy. I guess some of us just need to learn by experience.

[tankwilson]

I must be the lucky one. I have ordered from Andy and gotten just what i ordered and no problems. Thanks for the heads up.

So who is a good one to order from????

[Joe Flanagan]

I've had good luck with Roberts. Vintage Power Wagons is excellent. Kanter also is good. I've bought stuff from Andy B. before and not had a problem but it's the attitude I don't like. Luckily I never had to return anything.

[Guest rockabillybassman]

I've had several orders from AB, but never by phone for obvious reasons. He's given me no reason to not use him again. I've had electrical, rubber and engine parts from him with no problem.

[David Maxwell]

...99% of mine are from Steele, but the one part from Andy is cracking like it was 60 years old and it was a recent reproduction. All the Steele parts are perfect.

[steveplym]

Ordered from Andy B a few times and usually got the part right. Ordered a water pump several years ago that leaked, he actually took it back and sent me a different one. Last year I received a throw away type oil filter from him that did not have threads in the top. He took that back, but apparently just put threads in the top of the filter and sent it back to me. Doesn't really matter now as I have a cartridge filter. He is always gruff and short. I don't like to deal with the attitude. I've ordered my last few items from Roberts and Kanter.

So far had good luck with Roberts. The man was very nice on the phone and sent me exactly what I asked for in good condition. Kanter was very helpful too. VPW is also a very good business as I have not ordered anything from them and they still answered my technical questions. Very good business.

[Normspeed]

Roberts is nice on the phone but on 60% of my orders he sort of "zoned out" and either sent a wrong item or left an item out of the order. When that happens, it's tough luck, customer pays the return shipping on the wrong stuff, and if he left something out, it's tough luck, you gotta pay separate shipping for his mistake. Last time, he sent me the wrong carb kit, I mailed it back at my expense, and he shipped the correct kit, but it was very obviously sliced open with key parts missing. He was unapologetic and I never ordered from him again.

After that a friend ordered three items from Roberts even after I warned him. Paid for overnight shipping. Only two items were in the package, and yup, Roberts told him no free shipping on the part he "forgot". Said, "well next time you need parts, just order that one again". Another bad transaction, another lost customer. He doesn't seem to care.

Also, the pedal draft seals I bought new from Roberts disintegrated in less than two years. Bad quality rubber.

[Rodney Bullock]

I pride myself for being the kind of guy that can get along with most people, not all. I am very impateint, I need instant gratification. I hear what all of you are saying and understand you. I get along with Andy B because I know what his strengths are, he has helped me on many accations. He ships very fast. It suits me fine. They do have nos parts however you have to know exactly what you need. They sell new parts as a whole. The guy that did my Studebaker motor was by far the most difficult craftman I have ever dealt with, he ended up teaching me so much I could not have paid him for lessons. I have found that the more difficult the man, the more he has to offer. just a thought! My advice to you is to find a good junk yard that has some Plymouths around the years you have and start striping them. I did this in the early stages of my restoration. My linkages is from a 1941 plymouth my motor is a 1953. If you have the full set up it can be done. some of the hobby takes some hunting

[Frank Blackstone]

for over thirty years I have learned that I am in charge of my feelings and I can not blame others if I let them bother me. All that said I generally like to follow Rodney's example to put up with bad behavior just to learn something. Again all that said I can still present a formidable defense and offense to anyone that thinks I can be intimidated of bullied. I have an iconoclastic predisposition that has run in our family for generations and have successful engaged with large corporations and bureaucracies, from U.S. Army to Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. I have never lost yet on any engagement I chose to take to the limit. A tactic I learned from a world class executive is to come out swinging if you see the bully is spoiling for a fight, as they are basically cowards and will cower from anyone who stands up to them. I think I cut my teeth on intimidating ex cons that worked in the local junkyards that tied to rattle you if you were an ill informed shopper. Friendly, life's too short to fight, F. Frank

[John Mulders]

I have found that the more difficult the man, the more he has to offer. just a thought!

Totally agree on the statement Rodney !

On Bernbaum, mixed results.

Know a similar type on the island (works on boats and knows the engines inside out). Maybe his brother. Wish his shop would have a small delivery door where you push the engine in, write down what is wrong and get the engine back repairer properly. Should not have client interaction!

John

[1940Mopar]

All of what has been said here I agree with. I'm an attorney, a relatively young black male trained at the University of Alabama School of Law,

The old guy on the "Paperchase" has nothing on some of the professors I dealth with down there LOL. Born and raised in Alabama. Son of a Spitfire West Indian Mother from Jamaica and mean streets of Cleveland Ohio father. I can hold my own with most anyone. I'm not easily if ever intimated by anyone and my collective life experiences have given me a level of confidence and experience to deal with almost every situation I encounter. It also helps that I carry about 230 lbs on my 5'8" frame and pretty much look like a wide stump. Intimidation is what I do, just by walking down the street.

That stated. I am also quite aware of what I claim as confidence (my wife sometimes calls it arrogance) and I strive to make sure that my encounters with all individuals are pleasant. I make great effort like Rodney to get along with everyone I meet and usually succeed. I have tried various tactics with AB and none have succeeded in getting me past his unwillingness to provide any level of customer service.

I'll take Rodney's advice and start looking for a decent parts car. I think the most frustrating part about all of this, is that I don't need much from anyone (including AB) that sells parts just a meager attempt to look up a part and let me know if he has it to sell it.

[JerseyHarold]

For what it's worth, I met Andy over 30 years ago at a Chrysler meet in Pennsylvania. After that one brief encounter (a conversation on the show field) I vowed never to deal with him and never have.

Harold

[captden29]

i have felt the wrath of his attitude over parts sales with this man.i can tell you firsthand, having been at his residence that he does not need anyone's money. his place is absolutely stunning and he has collections of antiques that are worth far more than our mopar parts. that said, it does not excuse his gruffness and if it were me i would be nicer knowing how well off i was. i bought my 1954 chrysler convertible from him and it was actually a pleasant transaction.he was very honest in his description of the car before i went to look at it.i have dealt with roberts, i think they are a father/son operation. nicer, but they do screw up orders.i suppose we sometimes have to deal with whoever we think has our parts, but i have found over the years that nobody, not even me, is indispensible or the only game in town.given time, anything can be found elsewhere and sometimes better. capt den

[Rodney Bullock]

WOW, There are so many mixed feelings here. I think I get along so well with difficult folks because after the dust has cleared I am still there:) all dirty however I have the part in my hand. I think that is my bottom line.Anyone that knows me understands that I have gone to ends of the earth to find parts for my cars, I like the hunt. I have been to the back roads of this country and met all kinds of folks. I remember the red truck I drive(1953) being the only buffer between me and a very angry Person, I came in on the wrong side of his property. The old truck and my demeaner changed his mind as to my intent. A couple of hours later I had everything I was after and more, still hear from him to this day. I know i can take care of myself however that is not my first resort. It is by far my last. On the Studebaker side, they just lost a vendor Shephen Allen. He was by far the cream of the crop. Great customer service, great shipping accuratcy just fantastic. His father passed and he just does not want to sell to the public anymore, from what I have been able to put together his father was DR. Cade the gentleman that invented Gaterade, like Mr. Burnbaum they don't do it for the money it's the love of the hobby, let's face it with these guy's helping we have alot of parts availible to us.

[Tom Skinner]

Ditto Rodney!

I need a Fluid Coupler and Clutch disk for my 48, where praytell else would I get them if I cop an attitude against Andy Bernbaum.

I will call him and make an order because the previous times I have called him he was extremely helpful.

If some of you guys are to sensitive to deal with him, maybe you should shop

elswhere. Bashing Andy B. is just plain wrong, and misdirected.

The Bible tells us to go to our brother and try to settle our differences with him. Complaining on-line is not going to do anything but stir it, and when you stir it your going to get some of it on you.

He (Andy Bernbaum) in my opinion, is my Parts Hero.

Tom Skinner

Huntersville NC

[Normspeed]

Tom, just my own opinion, but I do not consider it bashing, wrong or misdirected when I am alerting other forum participants to problems I've had with a repeatedly troublesome supplier. And yes, I do shop elsewhere, as do a number of others, as evidenced by the notes in the thread.

Glad to hear you've had good exeriences with Andy.