Beware West Coast cobras/Vern Redel

[Back in Black]

VERN REDEL recommended and installed the Edelbrock Torker 2 intake. The only decision I had here was single plane or double, or have a massive hood scoop installed which he did not recommend (If I kept the original Victor Jr. Intake) So VERN REDEL'S installation of the Torker 2 intake was the culprit in my motor dying at 3,000 miles due to water getting into the cylinders and oil. I have pictures and the witness of the engine builder who originally tore the motor down. There's no excuse for such shoddy work and much worse Vern Redel HAS NOT HONORED HIS WRITTEN WARRANTY.

Then there's the clutch and TO bearing issue.. VERN REDEL did not adjust the TO bearing correctly if at all.. it was so far out of the proper setting that the car was DELIVERED to me with blown hydraulic line 0 rings. Vern knew something was wrong and he even paid for the first repair to get his final money from me. He must have known he did something wrong but he will not now pay for the repairs or even respond to my registered letters or e-mails. The mistake I made was not holding out 10 grand for the one year of ownership. I would never recommend this guy to build your cobra. The ostensible reason the WCC is a decent car if built by a good builder is that Vern had little to do with it's creation. He's basically a salesman. He had almost 2 years to build my car and it languished in an unheated stall and in fact had rust on some parts that I am having to re-chrome and repaint now due to this. Let's not forget he almost killed me and or my passenger by sticking a piece of RADIATOR HOSE in as the filler tube between the Lemans cap and the plastic tank he calls a "fuel cell". Get this: NO HOSE CLAMPS WERE TO BE FOUND AND THE TUBE WAS LOOSELY LAYING IN THERE. It should have been fuel grade tubing with SS hose clamps. The first time I filled up the tank a strong gas smell arose at my first pit stop, ...my trunk was saturated with gas! I have a battery and 600 watt amp in that trunk! We could easily have been a BBQ. A minor additional point is that my trunk still smells like gas because my premium wool carpets were saturated I will likely have to pay more to have them replaced when I finally put a real aluminum fuel cell in there. The topic of this thread bares repeating: Beware West Coast cobras/Vern Redel!

The tranny repair is being handled by a very good local shop and I will repeat my instructions to check bellhousing alignment, thanks for the heads -up!

[Back in Black]

I am reasonable and if Vern Redel will agree to pay for the costs of repairs to clutch and motor I would even agree to removal of this thread. if not then it needs to stand as witness of my "experience".
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Note: While I should be out enjoying the spring weather in my new "turnkey", it sits in my garage covered in dust sans tranny and motor. Likely will be into June before she lives again, and next year before I sort out all the problems and get her the way I ordered her. I cannot trust this car for long drives until then, almost 2 years after she was delivered. The loss of this car this spring is something which cannot be repaid. You guys that received working cobras with no problems, try imagining having your car in this state
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Again, if anyone knows what the part number/make of the front passenger's side steering tie rod is for the West Coast front end is, please post here, I would appreciate it. It is broken after 3,000 miles. I have yet not raced or used this car hard or fast at all. Don't know why it broke, yet...

[bibt1272]

BIb

Just got of the phone with Vern. We talked about your car for a long time. Its probably none of my bs. but I sure would like to here, that both of you worked out your differences. He had said that he would like to work it out with you. Good Luck! Hope your back on the road soon Terry

[Back in Black]

Vern has totally ignored my 8 e-mails and a registered letter that was signed for by someone at WCC. I have the return slip so I know he got it. It's obvious what's going on here... as I said Vern is a salesman.

The good news is that my car is about 3 weeks from being back on the road. I have just completed making up the bronze colored plexiglass side windows for the hardtop, and matching wind wings. Gonna post that in a new thread as soon as I can get pics

[Back in Black]

Have all my aluminum parts except the intake polished and ready for "Zoop"

The intake has been port-matched and I am going to polish it today.. it's gonna be a mess so I'm doing it out in the yard

Here's a pic of yesterday's work:

[Cracker]

bibt1272

The throwout bearing is not of concern when indexing the bellhousing. If the bellhousing is not within the centerline tolerance (.007 but up to .001 is fine) the output shaft will be stressed resulting in poor shifting, worn bearings, synro/fork wear, etc. It is not difficult but rather time consuming to do it right.

[Back in Black]

Do you or does anyone here at CC have a link to exact instructions for the alignment process? I seem to remember a post about this at CC ....

[David Kirkham]

BIB,

Sorry to hear about the headaches. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you out.

As for the alignment of the bellhousing, you MUST do it or you will have bad problems with your tranny.

David

[jschiller]

Link to Lakewood alignment instructions if that's what you need....


http://www.priveye.com/images/lakewood.htm

[Back in Black]

NOW I know why the Richmond 6 speed was leaking after only 3,000 miles! The poor thing was likely under stress. The internals look OK and the case is powdercoated and it's back together now and we will do the alignment procedure before the motor goes in the car !

That link will save me..thanks!

Another thing Vern Redel blew on my car!!!

[Back in Black]

FINALLY my motor is about to dyno this week.. likely early this week. Then within 2 weeks she should be back on the road Man am I looking forward to THAT. Will let you all know what output I got with the rebuild and port matched intake.

[ByronRACE]

I purchased a second hand WCC kit that was sold in 1981 out of west-coast cobra distributor somewhere in LA that sat in a warehouse for 20+years.

When I found West Coast in Canada, and contacted Vern, he was very helpful. In fact, the only parts I've purchased from him is an assembly manual, and a radiator...and he's answered several DOZEN emails from me asking (sometimes stupid) questions, and has provided me with multiple digital images helping me piece together the stuff in the kit that has been sitting around in dusty boxes since 1981.

I know I've cost the man more money than he's made, but he still graciously responds to every request. Yes, sometimes it takes a day, or occasionally a week, but he always responds.

I can't say anything bad about the man...he has treated me well. I'm not discounting your experience; just sharing my own.

Byron Reynolds
RACE Systems
San Jose, CA

[Burnd]

Originally posted by ByronRACE


I know I've cost the man more money than he's made, but he still graciously responds to every request. Yes, sometimes it takes a day, or occasionally a week, but he always responds.

I can't say anything bad about the man...he has treated me well. I'm not discounting your experience; just sharing my own.

Byron Reynolds
RACE Systems
San Jose, CA

I have been following this thread, and frankly I have to echo your sentiments. I just recently purchased a WC Cobra (not from Vern) and have pounded him with time consuming questions as well as flown up to Canada and imposed on his personal and work time. He's returned my calls in as timely a manner as his schedule permits and has been extemely helpful. HE HASN'T MADE A NICKEL OFF OF ME IN THE PROCESS, yet he's been patient, responsive and informative regarding issues that I was looking to address, (since this is one of his earliest kit cars). With all due respect, and in fairness to Vern and his organization, this THREAD TITLE has not been representative nor characteristic of MY dealings with West Coast Cobra, Vern and staff. I have spoken with numerous other WC Cobra owners and their opinions of WC Cobra's car design, build and Vern are also stellar. We recognize that there are always two sides to a story and sometimes both parties coincidentally have a bad day and frustations become even more exaggerated. This group are all car and Cobra buffs, and everybody wants to see Back-in-Black get his Cobra up and out on the road. I genuinely hope that Back-in-Black gets his machine and issues with Vern, Back-on-Track and puts an end to a thread that is not in any way indicative of what I have seen with West Coast Cobra. Good Luck with it.

[MAXVELO]

I have to agree with ByronRACE and Burnd, I didnt buy my car from Vern yet he has been extremely instrumental in giving me whatever info, be it schematics, advice, suggestions etc. I cant say that I have any complaints. I can say however, If I got trashed on the net by a customer at one of the most popular Cobra sites in the Net, Id probably write that person off also!!
Just my logical way of thinking.

[Back in Black]

So the above comments are to be taken with a grain of salt. I was a Vern defender while my car was being built.. in spite of several private e-mails from prior WCC customers warning me about Vern and his "Practices". I have absolute proof of everything I am saying.. including digital pictures and the witness of professional mechanics.. as well as the return registered mail card from WCC signed by "someone" there...but never responded to.. my letter specifically noted all that I have said on this thread.. but was, like my 8 e-mails, utterly ignored. If this is who you are defending then your motives must be suspect.. I have a WRITTEN warranty that has NOT been honored. Nothing any of the shadowy "Vern defenders" here can alter the above facts with their comments.

[MAXVELO]

Look BIB, Im not defending anyone. Im (were) merely conveying my experiences with tha Man you have continued to trash. I'm not saying that there is no truth to what you are saying either. I do remember hearing however, that you requested some parts other than what Vern suggested (cant remember the exact parts) be installed in the car (I may also not know what the hell I'm talking about either). I have had fairly good experiences with the Man. I do know it may be some time before I get answered like a week or two at most, but I always get a good answer! I live in New Mexico and only met Vern because I bought the car and needed parts and such.
All I ever heard before I Re-built my car was how nice yours was and the guys here a CC would always tell me you had the nicest WCC on the site.I really think you have a Bada$$ car and I hope you get to enjoy it soon. I feel this is a terrible dillemma between you guys, But in my opinion I think you may have burned any bridges as far as resolving anything by the post's that have been left here over this situation. And again "I may also not know what the hell I'm talking about!"
Gary

[Burnd]

Originally posted by Back in Black


If this is who you are defending then your motives must be suspect.

"Defending"??? Motives??? Look BIB; I really don't want to get into a pithing contest with you just because YOU had a bad experience with this outfit. That is not the case with everybody, and contrary to what you may think, not everyone is going to wave pom poms and agree with you and cheer you on. Habitual whining doesn't help your cause or maybe vendetta. I know guys on the East Coast that bought multiple Stallions from him and they keep going back. WE happen to like him, his work and his cars. Thats ALL anybody is saying. A couple of bad apples doesn't make the whole crop bad. I am sorry to hear you had so much difficulty, but it sounds like you'll be "up & smoking" soon. I wish you the best of luck with it, cause it sounds like a storming machine. Be happy. It's a short visit and getting shorter. I survived Nam and Cancer. That keeps some stupid problems with my car in prospective. We're not the enemy guy.

[bibt1272]

BiB

My car is almost finished. Vern is building an aluminum custom gas tank for it. It will then be ready. I have watched the construction of this car every two weeks since it was started and the quality of the workmanship is outstanding. I purchased the 514 crate just like you. As you know there is no warranty on the engine from Ford. Vern has told me on several occasions that he cannot warranty the engine and transmission. The heads and intake on this engine need to be retorked after several miles do to the alum. heads. Still there is no garantee the intake will not leak. See intake gasket leak tips from the professionals. All of them have had problems. http://www.network54.com/Forum/85220. Vern sells this car less engine and trans. The owner is responsible for engine and trans . I chose the crate, because it is the cheapest way to go. The engine builders were twice as much money. I can't hold Vern responsible for the engine and trans. I also know the trans and clutch are not rated for the hp. of the 514. They recommend the automatic. On your behalf I have talked with Vern about your car. He said he would like to work something out with you. I would suggest that you call him. I call him once a week and 70% of the time he answers the phone. BiB, you catch more flies with honey than vinager. I agree with B and M this thread hurts all of us who have a wcc including yourself. I have seen over 18 kits and completed cars built by Vern over the last 10 months and it's a hell of a custom cobra you and I own. I would rather hear the positive things about our cars than the negative things. Call Him. I would highly recommend this cobra kit to anyone. Especially those who want to use a big block. Hope your on the road soon.

[Back in Black]

I have a WRITTEN warranty from Vern Redel/WCC which supposedly covers ALL work performed by Vern Redel/WCC.. there are no exceptions in this warranty.. VERN did the intake and he also screwed up my hydraulic TO bearing install and several other major and dangerous mistakes... the warranty is worthless, as is Vern's word. Maybe he has learned his lesson lately and realized it can't be the old "business as usual" in order for him to stay in business, but his reputation and track record speak for itself. I would never trust him again.

I am happy for you that you believe your car will be OK. I would not personally put any money on this faith you have, since I have just spent 10 grand out of my own pocket fixing all of Vern's errors! At least I am not dead from the "gas tank filler neck radiator hose trick" he pulled on me!

[MAXVELO]

It is ever so evident you dont want to work this out with him. I think you realize your threads have put you past the point of any reconsideration from him. Like Bibt1272 said "you catch more flies with honey than vinager" it seems you jar has only vinager. Im sorry to see you bite your nose to spite your face. Did you re-tourqe the intake?The wheels after 200 miles? There is a very critical break-in period. I still check all fluids after each drive no matter how short or far. I know I contantly have to re tighten stuff at least every other drive. I.E. header bolts, valve cover bolts etc, etc. this is not a maintenace free cars. You must be competent enough to maintain the basics. A novice mechanic need not own one since they require someone with alot of knowledge & experience to keep them tweaked properly (not insinuating anything) but some things are your responsability after the purchase....