House of Cobras

HIQ · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2001, 03:14 PM

http://www.kitcar.com/consumeralert/home.html

House of Cobras (Watch List--serious customer/consumer complaints are reaching us, and HOC is not
returning our phone calls. Orange, California; 8 November '01)

Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with House of Cobras? I visited them earlier this year and was very impressed, but I see them listed on the kitcar.com watch list.

Any feedback?

If owning a Cobra is half as fun doing all the research to buy one, I can't wait! Brent Mills is doing the Cobra world a huge favor with this site.

Sonny · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2001, 08:13 AM

i had heard thru a friend that they sold out, and the new owner isn't up to speed. someone in their area cover our six and go by there.

Enzo Alibrandi · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2001, 01:58 PM

I make it a habit not to post anything negative but if we feel that you may be burned and we sit on first hand information that isn't the correct approach either.

We did deposit a check from Woodruss a week or so ago that has come back with insufficient funds and then redeposited. We have since sent two more checks since that time from Woodruss and I'm not sure if they will clear or not.

I called Woodruss this morning and was told I would be called back as the owners were late arriving due to traffic. I called back and the same nice gentleman that works there told me that "Dean said, there is money in that account."

We don't like chasing money and its this type of thing that makes it hard for everyone and makes it difficult to accept cod's. As an owner of a company I wouldn't give a message like that through my employee. I would have the courtesy to call back. Makes me think its not the first call they've received.

My first hand experience. Will let you know what happens.

Paula Alibrandi
Finish Line

HIQ · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2001, 02:17 PM

Hope they are justing having a few issues dealing with the ownership transition. If they are not responding to both their customers (as indicated at kitcar.com) and their supplies then they won't be around long.

Tom T. · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2001, 04:22 PM

Paula,

If only everyone adhered to the same simple, straightforward, and honorable business practices as you and Enzo, the world, and this hobby, would be much the better for it. Best wishes for a great holiday season--Enzo's getting a pretty cool toy!

TT

Enzo Alibrandi · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2001, 12:02 PM

We did receive a call back yesterday afternoon from Dean at Woodruss and he spoke to Enzo and sent overnight a replacement check and added $30.00 for banking charges.

Paula Alibrandi
Finish Line

Cal Metal · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2001, 12:53 PM

HIQ:

If you search some of the older threads on CC, you will find that there was quite a stir a number of months ago concerning HOC--not to be confused with HOC--Midwest, if memory serves. I believe they are not connected to one another.

HIQ · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2001, 01:03 PM

Thanks.

wicked fast · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2001, 01:32 PM

I too would like to thank Paula and Enzo for their outstanding service.
They are one of the best suppliers to deal with in this hobby and many other dealings that I have on a day to day basis.

Hey Brent,
How about a vendor and car manufacturer of the year???

I nominate FinishLine for vendor, and Mid-States for car
manufacturer.

Once again, THANKS Paula and Enzo!!!

427orFIAisOK4me · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-2001, 03:49 PM

All;
I've had some good & some great experiences with Dean Woodruff and HOC... Phone calls could be returned a little faster but I get the call never the less. Also, never knew the HOC management prior to it becoming a "Woodruff Shop" so I can't do a compaison there.

Dean is building me one of his insane 418 strokers (505 hp & 528 ft. lbs torque) on a very tight time-line in order to make the SAAC Vegas 6 event. A business in trouble would be taking my money and not retuning my phone calls… Instead I get calls informing me that they expect to have the engine installed in enough time for me to put 1000 miles on it prior to the Vegas event.

On the few "Cobra event" days I've attended, Dean has been all over my and the other cars hanging out near his trailer. Granted it's a wise business move but he seems to really enjoy helping tune the cars and make sure they are in good safe shape.

I'm a Cobra rookie having my Superformance for only five months now. I’m learning very fast in part to Dean's knowledge and patience… HOC has been invaluable.

Brent T · #11 (**permalink**) 01-07-2002, 07:22 PM

Got this information off the HOC website. I hope they make it!

New Management Team at House of Cobras
We are Cobra Connection, Inc.
We are doing business as "House of Cobras".

House of Cobras opened in Orange, California in early 1996. Originally owned by Dave Radke, and B.J. Andrews. Eventually Dave bought B.J. out and continued running the business on his own. In early 2000, several factors, including the downturn in the economy, had put enough pressure on Mr. Radke that he decided to leave the industry. At the same time Dean Woodruff, who had been building the engines, and many of the cars, for House of Cobras stepped in. Forming a separate company called Woodruff's House of Cobras, Dean began selling and repairing Cobras and other kit cars
On January 1, 2002 Cobra Connection, Inc., began operations as House of Cobras, Dean Woodruff and Dave Shapero are committed to excellence in building Cobra-replicas and other kit cars. We plan to move from the famed Orange location in late January 2002 to a new 8500 square foot building to house the machine shop and build shop