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Old November 8th 06, 03:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Doug Palmer
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Posts: 38
Default Aircraft Spruce Rant

Thanks for all the compliments folks. Sounds like others have enjoyed the
wicks experience. My point wasn't necessarily to stay away from Spruce,
they do have a huge inventory, but to give the smaller guys a chance because
they seem to try harder.

The plane is a Spencer Amphibian. The flying surfaces are getting painted
now, I am hoping to have it airborne in the spring. Engine is a Continental
Tiara 6-285-C2, Prop is a 84" 3 Bladed MT reversible.

No I have not heard the UV smooth Prime nightmares, Clue me in. Most people
I know using it love the stuff. I did notice that Polyfiber changed their
recommendations for dry time from 24 hours to 3 weeks which did pique my
curiosity.

Thanks, Doug

"Doug Palmer" wrote in message
ink.net...
I have now been working on my project almost ten years and generally
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty has been the benefactor. Their website now
states that orders placed before 3:00 PM will ship the same day. This is
bull****. I ordered two gallons of UV smooth prime on Saturday and for
some reason they have not managed to put two gallons of paint into a box
and get it out and it is tuesday. I called them to ask when it would ship,
and I get attitude and an exasperated it should go out today sir.

Dealing with the spruce crowd has been a roller coaster ride. At times
they shine, then they will simply act like a third rate mail order house.
Most companies after you have spent 40-60K with them would give you some
sort of customer service and recognition as a return customer, not these
guys, hell, they seem to go out of the way to tick you off.

I'll be done soon, and not dealing with Spruce will be nice. I already
went with Gulf Coast Avionics for my radios as they had good phone support
and good prices - I highly reccommend. I bought my Wheels and several
other larger cost items through Wicks, again better prices. And I must
say, I enjoy calling the folks at Wicks for stuff. Their people are
friendly and there is a family feel on the phone. Unfortunately being a
northern California builder I often go with Spruce because once they fill
the order it only takes two days to get here UPS ground.

I guess the point of ths rant is to encourage builders to go with some of
the other good guys. The folks that have treated me right include Wicks,
B&C Specialty, Gulf Coast Avionics, RST, SKyGeek, Vans, Airparts Inc,
Mezimer (MAC), Grove Aircraft, Aero Parts and Supply, Sacramento Sky
Ranch. I'm sure there are others but I just cannot think of them now.

BTW the project is halfway through being painted, some photos can be seen
at http://www.whitealbatross.com/Webplane/index.htm

Thanks for listening!

Doug