Fords Refinishing

[gpo1956]

What kind of turn-around time have you guys been getting from Fords for a standard re-blue?
I sent mine in and it was received on 9/7. I was quoted the standard 10-12 weeks. Since last week was week 12, I called this morning. I eveidently took them by suprise. They hem-hawed around and then came back and said that due to the Holidays it would be at least 2 more weeks, but they wouldn't guarantee that. I've heard nothing but good things about their work, but I've gotta tell you I'm pretty p.o.'d at their "thats the way it is, take it or leave it" attitude. And on top of everything, the only contact between us has been made by me. No acknowledgement of receit, no up-date on the work, no "sorry, but we're behind". I'm not very impressed a this point. For a little, I'd just ask them to return the gun and my money.

 

[gpo1956]

What kind of turn-around time have you guys been getting from Fords for a standard re-blue?
I sent mine in and it was received on 9/7. I was quoted the standard 10-12 weeks. Since last week was week 12, I called this morning. I eveidently took them by suprise. They hem-hawed around and then came back and said that due to the Holidays it would be at least 2 more weeks, but they wouldn't guarantee that. I've heard nothing but good things about their work, but I've gotta tell you I'm pretty p.o.'d at their "thats the way it is, take it or leave it" attitude. And on top of everything, the only contact between us has been made by me. No acknowledgement of receit, no up-date on the work, no "sorry, but we're behind". I'm not very impressed a this point. For a little, I'd just ask them to return the gun and my money.

 

[gtivan]

there has been some discussion recently about fords. not for the best. do some searching on the forum's search engine and you should come up with the thread.

Jailcop
Member
Posted 10 October 2007 08:50 AM
Sadly it's time to announce that WGR - formerly Williams Gun Repair will no longer have anything to do with restorations on nickel plated revolvers. Our main source for renickeling, Fords, is not reliable so to continue doing business with them would be of no benefit to us, our customers or their revolvers.

Genie
Williams Gun Repair
Princeton, Texas

 

[Jack Flash]

I can understand your frustration. It seems like any of the well-known shops in the gunsmithing industry usually make slow progress and communication is not their strong suit.

Hopefully, the end result will reward your patience. Good luck.

 

[arfmel]

been there, done that, got the tee-shirt.

It went on so long I became concerned that they had lost the item I had sent to them. Eventually it showed up at my door, several weeks after it had been promised. They did a nice job but I can't say I felt good about any other aspect of the transaction.

 

[m-1911]

I sent them a hammer and trigger in August to be case hardened and still have not seen it, called last week to check on it and they said they would call back, I am still waiting for the call.

 

[jeremyws1]

With 3-4 month lead time, Ford's should stop taking orders for a while. They do great work (I had my father's K-38 done), but they are trashing their reputation with poor service.

 

[BUFF]

"Gunsmiths' years" are inversely proportional to "dogs' years." Only once in 35 years of active shooting has a gunsmith had a job finished for me when promised.

 

[gpo1956]

Well, 14 weeks and still no word.

 

[gpo1956]

Called Ford's today. They said it "went in" yesterday and should be ready to ship back in 2-3 days. Said they would call when it went out.

 

[DHENRY]

This early postwar K-22 was refinished by Fords, to my specs, at the 'top of their game'.
Generally, when you're dealing with artists, you have to take lots of deep breaths.
And practice p-a-t-i-e-n-c-e.
Don

 

[sigp220.45]

I'd say that one was worth the wait. Wow.

 

[buckeyeshooter]

I'd wait a year if I knew it would come back that nice.

 

[Muley Gil]

DHENRY,

Now that's purty!

 

[klondike]

My gun would be happy if looking that good. Very Nice.

 

[jefats]

Patience gpo1956,

I know it seems like time moving like molassas in winter but I'm sure you'll see the wait was worth it.

Here're are a before/after pics of a badly treated Pre 24 Pinto. Ford's does a heck of a job.

 

[DHENRY]

jefats,
A gorgeous pinto!

 

[DWFAN]

I know exactly how you feel. I do it to my clients all the time. I have good intentions but, "**** happens". You have to understand that sometimes the easiest job turns into the job from hell. The right finish and color can sometimes take more than one try. If your doing a restoration it gets even worse. Detail is everything and I mean everything. Without it you end up with junk. Be patient. A good craftsman that is hurried will get you no more than you could do yourself. Antagonize him and the results could be devistating. Remember, Michaelangelo did not punch a time card.

DW

 

[gpo1956]

Well, I got the gun back on Friday. It looks good, but there is another small problem. When I sent it in I included a cashiers check for $200 and give them my credit card number for the the balance of shipping (since we didn't know what it would be). Guess what? They charged my credit card for the entire amount. Now I've got to get with my bank and verify the cashier's check cleared and go through who knows what with them to get it credited back.

 

[m-1911]

I sent them a gold palted hammer and trigger for a 2nd Model 44 HE to be striped amd color case hardened in August along with a check for $80 to cover the work. The check was cashed long ago. Two weeks ago I called to see what was the status, I was told it should be done "soon" but they would call me back "shortly" and let me know when it would be finished. Originally whne I called they told me 4 to 6 weeks. I now realize that "soon" and "shortly" are relative terms, but we are in the 5th month of waiting now. I will certainly think long and hard before I send them any further business, nor would I ever tell others to use their services. They may do good work, but they sure need help in learning how to run a business and how to treat their customers.