XKE Unlimited

scratch · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2002, 05:29 PM

I hate to beef about businesses, because I know it's tough out there...but every Cobra instrument I have purchased from this company has been faulty.

First the "Cobra special" seemed like a good deal, however the tach was fogged up and looked used.

I returned it for one that is slow and non responsive.

To make them "feel special" I ordered an extra instrument at the same time...oil temp gauge.

It doesn't work at all.

Sound to me like these folks are being sent bad inventory, or don't have any quality control, or don't care.

WHAT a hassle, after installing all this new hardware in my dash.

scratch

scratch · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2002, 05:30 PM

...also, I forgot to mention their instruments are not color matched...some have green lights, some have white.

scratch

Cobra20646 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2002, 06:48 AM

Scratch,

On the name of this business.....

Is it XKE Unlimited or

XK's Unlimited out of San Luis Obispo, Calif? (www.xks.com)

They are a distributor of Stewart Warner and all the SW gauges I recently bought from them have been perfect.

- Jim -

bonyhadi · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2002, 07:23 AM

Their shop does beautiful work. I have had problems with fullfillment of an order with them, gave up and bought the product from Enzo at FinishLine. I felt that they had an unwelcome attitiude about 'phony replicas'.
At car shows I have attended where they display their wares their representatives have been most outspoken about 'replicas.'

gary_bowers · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2002, 08:08 AM

I also have had some interesting moments with XK's Unlimited. I picked up one of their "Xmas Specials", a california car duster at USF $19.95 (approx. $32. CDN). It took almost five weeks to get to me and my landed cost was over $145. CDN. Over $70. was for shipping. I would suggest that they may be a wonderful company to deal with in the lower 48, Canadians should likely think twice. Good product, just way out of line when looking at total cost of ownership. ... Gary

scratch · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 09:53 AM

Bonyhadi;
Their stance on "replicas" make sense as they are either a Superperformance or SAI distributor.

Cobra206;
I am discouraged with SW gauges, and although XK-SLO have since made good on 2 faulty gauges, I now have another one frozen...

And the electric tach is very slow, unresponsive.

This amount of trouble I've had can only be manufacturer defects...I also have discovered that SW is having financial problems.

Hate to go with non-era gauges but I need data about the engine performance!

scratch

Jamo · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002, 11:30 PM

I dropped in on these folks a year ago while on a business trip. I was welcomed and proudly shown around the entire facility--got to talk to some good people who were enjoying their work--which is a treat to behold. Two guys were lovingly turning an XKE into a Lightweight replica for a gentleman in England (says a lot for them since many shops exist in England that do that sort of thing).

I told them exactly what I had, and the two front managers I was talking to asked all about it over coffee with what seemed to be genuine interest.

I've bought a few small items from them via shipment--never had much trouble with time, cost or the product. I received one bad switch--they told me to ship it back at their cost. The next day I received the replacement (they didn't even wait to receive the faulty one.). One of my clients, an owner of a very large mixed vegetable shipper (you probably eat his stuff) has an concours XKE and swears by these guys.

On any given day, anyone can have a bad experience with any shop...

RickLee · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002, 11:51 PM

Jamo

Yeah they are really nice guys. I met them at the historics in Monterey last year I have some pretty good pics of one of them spinning out thier jag exiting turn two.

scratch · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2002, 07:19 PM

OK OK, I now have a change of opinion, they have treated me very well...

I would like to change my beef to Stewart Warner...which are cr** gauges...period.

scratch

Robert Marsh · #10 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 06:52 AM

Just an F Y I:
We at Shelby American changed to Auto Meter gauges for both the 427 s/c and the 289 FIA and Street Car simply because we were continually having faulty gauges from other manufacturing source.
XK's is one of our dealers -- and I know they will take care of their customers. They sell Smiths.
If you want Auto Meter gauges call us at Shelby 702-643-3000 and ask for ext 38.

Bob Marsh

scratch · #11 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 11:44 AM

Robert,
I was just in LV last week and had the honor to meet Mr. Shelby and shake his hand...something I was worried about ever doing since we both are children of the 60's (well I was a teenager).

I like the "signature" gauges you have on display, but can't afford them!

Anyways your operation and showroom is impressive.

Chow...Bill

Jack21 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 12:28 PM

If you want original Smiths, try europaspares.com in UK. Have purchased numerous items from them. Pretty much like buying from any other on-line shop, and prices aren't bad. (Keep in mind that their prices are listed in U K Pounds, not US dollars. Multiply by 1.6 to get $.)

I used Autometer Sport-Comp electronic speedo and tach, and "Z" Series for smaller gauges. Couple small problems, and some custom work (green tach bulb) taken care of promptly. Not dead nutz original, but they look good, and work perfectly.