turbo anyone?

[ppc]

Originally everything had to be installed by a Safari authorized/trained installer. When that didn't fly MAF started to sell them off to get rid of them. When they realized that there was a shortage of the kits and their relationship with APS had gone to sh*t they could demand more the sale and installation.

 

[Photoman]

When they first came out with the turbo they had a booth at a Las Vegas show that was in the last week in October. The turbos at the show promotion were about $2600.00 - $2800.00. I could never attend the show as I went to Churchill at that time for the Polar Bears. I called and had several talks with them trying to get one unit. After several calls they agreed to sell me one at $3200.00 and were to call with the shipping price. When they called back they said they changed their minds and did not want to do a single. I would have to become an East Coast dealer, buy six units at $3200.00, and they would fly someone over to train me for the installations. First, I did not want to be in business again. Second, I did not want to buy six units and try to get rid of them; and last, I thought if they ever saw my garage the guy would just laugh and get back on the plane. :

Bill

 

[landtank]

around that price range and they couldn't keep them in stock. But at $6500 installed, I'd be surprised if the sold 3.

 

[Sammy Jenkins]

One thing I don't get is that why do they have to do the installiation of the turbo? That adds another $1500 to the already $6K unit. Is it just another way for the seller to make a couple bucks, or do they actually care how the job gets done?

 

[mot]

[quote author=Sammy Jenkins link=board=2;threadid=15368;start=msg154912#msg154912 date=1084326344]
or do they actually care how the job gets done?
[/quote]

That is what they told me after I had purchased them.

I wanted to have them ship the kit to my address in Utah because after purchasing the kit earlier this year, I found out that my stay in Japan was going to be extended. And I did not necessarily want to leave the kit lying around at MAF, taking up valuable shop space, not to mention having it sold/damaged, etc... by accident or whatever. I even told them that even if I ended up not having the kit installed by them I would not ask for a refund. Yeah, I know. I just knew that I would sleep better at night knowing that the kit was somewhere secure or closer to home (my wife's parents' place).

MAF insisted that the kit be installed there by them because they knew that the job would be done right and that I would be a happy customer. Because if problems should arise after having it installed by someone else, I (or the shop) will blame the kit, not the installer themselves.

Anyway, I did not have much choice, because as far as I was told my kit was (is) the last one and I had already paid for the kit and installation, in full. Al promised me that it would be safe. I sure hope so.

Anyway, I don't know what their initial intention was regarding "in-house installation only", but I would like to give MAF benefit of the doubt that at least when/after I purchased the kit they wanted the kit installed by them so that the kit would be installed "right". The fact they even offered me a full refund for it backs up my feeling somewhat.

FWIW.

mot

 

[yomama]

Man-A-Fre is a goodshop (from talking to them). I have spent a couple hours on the phone with AL, talking about Cruisers. Of course ANY business wants to make money, but I also do think that MAF does indeed want you to be happy with the purchase. MAF also wanted someone else to install the turbo on mine, but the only certified installers are on the East and West coast (I live in Minnesota). I think being as nobody else was near me and the fact he trusted my ability (after showing him what my Cruiser looked like before I bought it and after).
The install is not a install. I am not even quite sure where to scale it. I think the worst part of the whole thing is having to drill and tap into your intake manifold for the water and drill and tap into your oil pan (you think drilling a hole in your fender for a snorkel takes balls......) Not even sure where this thread is going anymore??? Just thought I would share my experience (since I saw my name mentioned ) Also I have alot of info on the Safari Turbo on my website if anyone is interested.

Yomama

 

[mot]

I wasn't planning on installing it myself as I'm not even a man for the most part. : I'm sure I will be happy once the kit is finally installed when (or if ) I get back to the US.

Thanks for your website info. I'll have to check it out.

mot