Hatch Vent Ripoff

NC2Stay · 01-19-05, 02:24 PM

I wanted one of those rear hatch vent adapters so that I could raise the coupe hatch a few inches and get better air flow. Sounded like a good idea.

I ordered at Ecklers. I saw that they had two versions - one for $30 and one for $40. The difference was that the cheaper one required the top torx wrench to fasten - the more expensive one required no tools.

So, I bought the $40 unit. It works fine, no problem with Ecklers or the unit.

But the PRICE! $40 for a twisted piece of metal for the latch and a second piece of plastic to hit the switch contact is crazy!

And, my latest browse of the Ecklers website shows that they have INCREASED the price to $42!

Well, I will probably keep it, but I just feel ripped off. Did I miss something?

Bob

Blu ByU · 01-19-05, 02:39 PM

I just got mine from Corvette America for $30. It's solid metal, but like you said it requires the tool to install.

wannavette · 01-19-05, 04:52 PM

I've realized that once the word Corvette goes into the description for anything you buy the price is raised 40%

WhalePirot · 01-19-05, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC2Stay

I just feel ripped off. Did I miss something?

Yes, for similar money, you could order the wind wedges, as I did, many years ago, from an unnamed sponsor. They attach with double sided tape and are cheap plastic pieces that stick to your mirrors to minimize wind buffetting and are "found on the newer cars". One lasted a day; the other about a week.

I've not ordered from them since and am VERY careful about what I order from all specialty cataolgs. At least I didn't get stuck with a 55 gallon drum of snake oil.

XJ6GUY · 01-19-05, 05:46 PM

you could allways shove a 2x4 block between the hatch and the body and use a bungy cord to hold it down. price,$2.98..looks from other drivers...priceless

NC2Stay · 01-19-05, 05:52 PM

Sounds like a redneck joke...

Bob

XJ6GUY · 01-19-05, 05:58 PM

no ,actually i have a vert but before i would pay $40 i would probably do that except i would be sure you could not see the bungy cord from the outside

Fishman · 01-19-05, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC2Stay

...but I just feel ripped off. Did I miss something?

The consumer always ends up eventually footing the bill for all the R&D.

BTW... bought one for my '84 a while back... worked well, but I did think it was a bit pricey at the time.

WhalePirot · 01-19-05, 06:59 PM

Thanks for the research. Now, how well does it work?

If it works well and pains you to even look at it, I'll pay $15 for it!
me

you?

Anything to help a guy out!

NC2Stay · 01-19-05, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhalePirot

...how well does it work?

Hell, I don't know! Its too darned cold here at the NC beach to run with the windows open, much less the top off!

But it does seem to work as advertised. You kind of have to twist it in place - the instructions are useless - but once you get the hang of it, it goes in pretty easily. Once in and the hatch closed, it seemed to be pretty solid. We'll see..

Bob

ProEMTPFF · 01-19-05, 07:20 PM

Don't feel to bad about Ecklers. I live where they are and the other day I was pricing some Flowmaster mufflers for my car online and I found them in CA for half the price Eckler wanted. I called Eckler because of thier "No Hassle Guarantee". Check out the link to thier site below to see what it says. Anyway, they have a "price match" guarantee "ya right" and I thought I'd just go down and pick up the mufflers instead of waiting for delivery. I told them of the price from the other seller, gave them the web site to verify the price, jumped through ALL the whoops Eckler requires and they say "NO, we won't sell at that price. We will sell them for 10% over our cost". I in turn said "well, thats not what your guarantee states". We went back and fourth over this and the end result was Eckler said "NO" and I bought from the place in CA. I did however report them to the Better Business Bureau and to the local Fraud agency with all the info. They have contacted me back and stated something will be done SOON. I will avoid at all cost doing any business with them again.

"Eckler Lowest Price Guarantee" NOT!

NC2Stay · 01-19-05, 07:59 PM

You might check to see if the other vendor actually is selling the same part, or that its not a return or a second or a blem. I would think that with Ecklers buying power they should be able to get the best price.

BUT, let's not turn this thread into bashing the vendors. I just wanted to comment on the sad state of Corvette accessory prices.

Bob

ProEMTPFF · 01-19-05, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC2Stay

You might check to see if the other vendor actually is selling the same part, or that its not a return or a second or a blem. I would think that with Ecklers buying power they should be able to get the best price.

BUT, let's not turn this thread into bashing the vendors. I just wanted to comment on the sad state of Corvette accessory prices.

Bob

It was the exact same Flowmaster part number at Eckler and at Performance Peddler. The price at Performance Peddler even had free shipping and was still half the price Eckler asks before shipping. They were not seconds or blems they were perfect. Eckler is the most expensive palce to buy vette parts.....always have been and I'm sure will alway be that way. There is NO excuse for them not to honor thier so called "Lowest Price Guarantee".

unleadedbrew · 01-19-05, 08:08 PM

From another thread..............http://www.corvettegadgetman.com/products.html

Gordon

HPG · 01-19-05, 08:50 PM

I bought one from the Gadget man and it worked fine. Forgot the price but it was much less that $40. Just looked on their website, $23 free shipping. And it does take only a few seconds to install.