I'm sure most and perhaps all of you are familiar with the IPD company that specializes in Volvo's and parts for them.
I was looking through their website looking for parts for the project I'm working on and came across a picture of the front of a 544 and beneath the picture a place to click for parts. The picture really caught my eye because it was the Volvo (now recoginized as the OKC Volvo) when it was about 3 years into the restoration. The grill surround was painted red (same as the car),and nerf bars I made from Stainless Steel tubing because I had not yet found a decent grill surround, or bumper. It was obviously my car.
I called and talked to them about finding out where they obtained the picture. They promised to get back to me, and they did exactly that-several times. They could not find where the picture came from, and offered to remove it from their site at once. I replied that they were welcome to use it, and that removal would accomplish nothing. I was very impressed with their reply to my questions. Tonight I received a confirmation of my "order" which I never made, and the total cost to me is $0. It is a few small items for a B18 engine, but the gesture was very large. I've ordered several items from them, and will continue.
I believe they are and honest Organization.

I'll have to say that my experience with them is limited to one transaction, which was so bad that I've never returned.

A couple of years ago I ordered some small 'hard-to-find' pieces for my PV. I placed my order and received an e-mail saying that they were temporarily out of stock. OK, they'd get to my order later, right?

Over a year later they sent my package, and the stuff they sent me I would have thrown out rather than put on my car. I remember that part of the order was a pair of rear license plate lenses & covers. The lenses I received were cracked, scarred and discolored. The chrome covers were rusty and dented. Like I said, something I would have thrown out.

I can only assume that I placed my order at a bad time and it was 'filled' by a new employee. I'm sure they wouldn't have remained in business with that level of parts or service.

They do have a few things that I'd like to have, so I might try them again one day, but it won't be soon.

Except for my current ignition problem and the damaged paint (remember the egg-throwing episode?) I consider my PV 99% done. I've moved on to a Fiat Abarth, which is taking up most of my time and money lately.

This is weird -- ipd doesn't sell license plate light lenses nor the chrome covers for any vintage model. Not trying to sound rude, but I was one of the two people who created and wrote their Vintage Catalog, and I'm very familiar with their product line. Maybe you got some parts that one of their employees had lying around their garage at home?

Either way, bummer. I wouldn't be happy with such parts either.

Best,

Cameron
Rose City
http://www.myspace.com/swedishrelics

hey skeet,

In my book, this is what is known as integrity. Not never making a mistake...but admitting it when it happens and making the proper amends (as others have mentioned). ie, being human.

Personally, if I feel screwed over by someone, and they won't admit it, I don't return for more. It's sometimes funny to watch em skwirm afterward too - like when they keep insisting to anyone who will listen "I have high ideals! Look at who I am, afterall, damnit" But their actions speak louder than anything.

thanks for the good story

While my experience with IPD has been somewhat limited, I do think they have some really nice guys working there. Cooler than I'll ever be, but not ones to rub your nose in it either :-) And I will say, they put on one mean garage sale, so if you're ever in Portland for this event, check it out, as it's quite a show.

belinda

That is good to hear. I know others have had less than good experiences with IPD, I have not... they have always been helpful, prompt... I've personally never had a problem with bits I've bought.

Some years ago, they did get a bad batch of camshafts, one of which my brother installed himself in his 1800. The issue basically resulted in a recall of the bad cams, and they were willing to compensate for installation costs. My brother sent them his list of costs.. a few hours of his time, a large pizza, and a 12 pack of beer.

They sent a new cam and a check for his 'expenses'... even the beer.

--
-Matt I ♥ my ♂

I think you are absolutely right. Since they are human they are NOT perfect,
and once in a while the guys on the phone have a bad day (or perhaps they didn't
get the desired PR training) but I will have to say that nearly all of the time
they have treated me more than fairly. Sometimes it did take some persistence
to get the nature of the problem across, and personnel changes have occasionally taken a minor toll. I would guess that my most major complaint is that they have at least partially left their first love, the B18/B20/B30 engines. But I guess OHC is where the money is and you can't stay in business or provide services without money.
I sure would like to be able to buy a good B30 cam from them though....
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

I have only had good experiences with ipd. I do use them mainly for my 240 as it does seem that they are getting away from anything that's older than that. There probably is more money to be made in FWD now. Sometimes the shipping is slow and expensive but that's due to geography. A few times I have been stumped with my 240 and I have called them up just to ask a question. They were helpful even though I wasn't buying anything at the moment.