Fords Refinishing

[Pdxrandy]

The world she be a changing!

These folks are artistic people, they don't go sit in front of a computer and hack this stuff out. It is not production, each and every firearm is special in their mind and "heart". It is not a cut and dried deal, it is craftsmanship, deal with it! Would you want them to crank through your job and half ass it just to get it out on time or do it correctly so it is perfect and be a little late.

I restored an old car, I learned if I wanted it done correctly and I could not do it myself that "most" of the time I had to wait longer than the first estimate. Was it worth it, heck yes. I had the option of going to a "hack" shop and having it on time, you decide what you want.

Not a flame but words for thought.

 

[DHENRY]

Gary,
I believe I might have sent a record.
In 2005, I sent an old 38/44 HD down for a Master reblue and re-casing of the hammer.
Gun left here in early May.
Came back in mid-October.
Several calls between us determined that there were 'issues' with bluing uniformity.
The job ended up very well-done.
IMHO, re-casing should be a quick, no-hassle process.
Don

 

[mikepriwer]

Gary

One of these days they will come across the word "imminent" and start using it.
It was very popular with computer programmers years ago, when describing how soon
a project would be completed.

Randy

No - you are wrong. Ford, and others, have made committments to customers, and
like any other business, we expect them to live up to that. Its not a question
about quality of work. Its simply a question of business ethics. They can just
as easily be realistic about their delivery dates, instead of telling fairy tales.
They know what there backlog is, and they know how long it will take to finish
a project. They just don't want to turn away work , so they lie about completion
dates.

Not knowing how long it will take to complete a project is tantamont to not being
able to properly price a project, and that only means one thing - eventually
going out of business. Since they are not doing that, it must be the case that
they are just not being truthful about completion dates.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[m-1911]

Originally posted by Pdxrandy:
The world she be a changing!

These folks are artistic people, they don't go sit in front of a computer and hack this stuff out. It is not production, each and every firearm is special in their mind and "heart". It is not a cut and dried deal, it is craftsmanship, deal with it! Would you want them to crank through your job and half ass it just to get it out on time or do it correctly so it is perfect and be a little late.

I restored an old car, I learned if I wanted it done correctly and I could not do it myself that "most" of the time I had to wait longer than the first estimate. Was it worth it, heck yes. I had the option of going to a "hack" shop and having it on time, you decide what you want.

Not a flame but words for thought.

Randy

I think you totally missed the point of my posting. I don't care how long it takes to get it done right, that is the most important thing. But don't tell me a job will take 4 weeks and then have it take more than 5 months. And don't tell me you'll call me back later today and never return the call. If that is the kind of service that you expect from someone, then Ford's is your kind of place.

 

[jeremyws1]

I've had one experience with Ford's...

I sent my father's K-38 to be reblued. They said it would take 4 months, and I received it back very close to that time frame. Unfortunately, I received it back with a stripped and polished (bare metal) hammer and trigger. There was also a very noticeable screwdriver scratch on the side plate from reassembly. I was very disappointed with the hammer and trigger because the case coloring was wonderful before I sent it to them. I sent the gun back, and they recased the trigger and hammer. They also fixed the scratch.

Although they are very nice people, they won't ever get another project from me.

Result...

 

[mmcbeat]

I have used them and they did an excellent job on a 19-2. That being said, I will not use them again because of the slow turn around time and the lack of professionalism when you call them. If they could run a business as well as they can refinish guns they would have a winning combination.

As a point of reference, I just had Accurate Plating & Weaponry hard chrome a HK P7, I got it back exactly two weeks after sending it in.

 

[gpo1956]

Pdxrandy,
These guys are NOT artists. They are supposed to be business people. Its just another case of someone not having to honor what they say, because they have more business than they need. Just because someone has a particular skill does not excuse them from needing to honor their commitments. These guys obviously say one thing and then do what they want when they want. They can continue to operate like that if they wish. I'll not support them with my money
again.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

The guys at Fords do great work, but they really do take their time. It took me 4 months to get a Master Blue back last year.My suggestion would be to make a reservation with them and have them call you when they can do it.

 

[gold40]

WHO would you suggest I use instead of FORDS, for an S&W revolver high gloss refinish/refurbish?

Thanks for your suggestions?

JERRY

 

[VonFatman]

gold40,
I've been happy with TJ's in Aurora, CO. They have done two hi-polish blue jobs for me.
If you are interested, here is their number:
303-363-1911.

I am sure others here can provide you with the names and numbers of other reputable places to do such work.

Here's the M28-2 I had re-blued. It had come to me with a nickel finish which was flaking off...I had seen their work at a local gun show and knew I'd be happy if the gun looked as nice. I'm well pleased.
The photo is not the best...but it's the only shot I currently have to offer.
Bob

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Based upon what I've read in this thread, it seems several fellows have had unfavorable experiences with Fords, yet others have had very positive experiences. But nearly everyone has been disappointed with their failure to deliver on time as promised.

I've had a taste of both with them. So, I suppose that this inconsistent service is typical of their business. In my view, the comments made here are adequate to illustrate that fact. I can say from my own experience that they are good and well intentioned folks and I don't think they are deliberately lying to customers about their turnaround time. My impression is that they are very disorganized and are entirely out of touch with their own production schedule. In most cases a mistake can be corrected, perhaps even forgiven. But they really need to address the reality of their turnaround time and manage their operations like a genuine business.

There have been a few other posts on Fords and some comments suggested there were issues within the company such as health problems and a move of their operations. I do know that negative threads about them have appeared in the last year or so. It is all too unfortunate because when they get it right, their work is very, very good indeed.

 

[jeremyws1]

Originally posted by oldflatfoot:
I can say from my own experience that they are good and well intentioned folks and I don't think they are deliberately lying to customers about their turnaround time. My impression is that they are very disorganized...

+1

 

[DHENRY]

Folks,
I have experienced the 'scheduling' and artistic issues firsthand, in the old-car restoration business.
Or...
Anybody out there ever restored an old house?
There does seem to be a disconnect between the craftsmanship capabilities and the 'run-the-business' facets of ALL 're-doing' businesses.
The notable exceptions would be, IMHO, David Chicoine and Gene Williams.
Don

 

[Sebago Son]

Well next time order an El Paso Floral Carved Holster and Belt Rig at the same time.....

That way it'll make the wait worthwhile....

Drew

 

[merlindrb]

I think I may hold the record on this one, or possibly Wordsmith (David C) has me beat as he's waiting on the same supplier...

There's a company that "restores" firearms up in Wisconsin. They're extremely well known in professional circles and are anything but cheap (circa $1800 per gun!). However, they guarantee that the finished gun will be absolutely perfect, as in like new! So, in July 2005 I sent them 2 guns.

The first was an RM that went to the Western Cartridge Co. for ammo testing. It needed to be completely restored.

The other was an 8 3/8" barrel K-32, built as a presentation gun for the retiring secretary of the NRA and engraved with his name at the factory. The end of the barrel was pitted on one side and needed to be refinished. The gun was otherwise perfect.

I've phoned them twice in the past 30 months and both times they told me they've not started and offer to send the guns back each time. If not, they're going to "get to it as soon as possible".

Is 30 months and still waiting a record?

David C. - care to comment on your experiences?

 

[A10ACN]

How about 10 years from a VERY well known 1911 Pistolsmith??? Yeah. Quoted 5 at the time of ordering and was quoting 7 at the time of receiving. Yeah...

 

[jphendren]

Dave,

I can't believe that you have not received that RM back yet. I've intended to ask you about how it turned out several times but have always forgotten.

Jared

 

[DWFAN]

David, I humbly apologize even letting you know who these folks were. I have the feeling that they would have gone some were else.

DW

 

[merlindrb]

Hey Paul, Merry Xmas mate! No sweat. I made the decision after looking at all the options. I'm certain the guns will be worth the wait when I get them back, I just won't send them any others. It certainly wasn't your fault.

I've another gun with Dave Chicoine at present and will post pics when it gets back. I've big hopes for that one. It's a 4 1/4 inch blue gun that had been very badly nickeled at some time in the past. I'm having it put back into original condition and blued. Fingers crossed.

Jared - I'm a patient man (especially when I've no other choice!)

How's Haiti A10ACN? 10 years is a VERY long time!!!!! You now hold the record and I'm happy to concede the title to you!

 

[gold40]

While my experience won't set any new records, I have had two recent "long waits" on shotguns:

1. I ordered a new SxS RBL shotgun from Connecticut Shotgun in December 2005, and prepaid in full. Only 19 months later the gun arrived! The shotgun is nice, but that was slow!

2. I have another old Remington SxS being completely refurbished & rebuilt, that has been at the gunsmith's for 16 months. He does beautiful work, but not very quickly. It will be worth the wait.

Some craftsman just take a while do do quality work....

JERRY