I got an email from a forum member telling me of his problems with both getting an orderand communicating with CPRACING, I replied that I had already ordered their Strut Brace with firewall support ( yeah, that one ), but that I would report the outcome.

I bought the item fot 90.00 plus shipping. I received the item yesterday ( less than 2 weeks after I purchased it on Ebay ). I was surprised that I got positive feedback from THEM before I received the item OR gave them feedback first ( that's a little unusual, but a good thing ).

It arrived packaged well enough, BUT one edge of the black paint was scraped. This is not a big deal, however since I would have to remove my fan to see it when mounted. But I had planned to have it blasted and powdercoated anyway , so WTF... call me lucky or whatever, but I'm just telling it like it happened.

 

I bought the same strut bar from CP RACING through E-bay. I had no problems with them as far as the transaction goes. They were very courteous and shipped my item promptly. However, when I got my strut bar it didn't mount right. One of the mounting plates that goes on the strut tower was way off. I don't know if it is because my car is screwed up, or if they welded the plate on wrong. In any case had to cut the plate off and re-weld it. Painted it up. No big deal really. I just wonder about their tolerances on those strut bars...

 

It was me that email you. I am glad you go the part and did not have to wait 4 months for it. I did get my light kit, 3 months, 3weeks later. It is nice, but was not worth the wait.
Here is to brighter future for CP RACING........
Chris K

 

You are right. There's nothing high tech about them at all, but they will serve the intended purpose, I hope.

Another thing, I don't like the idea of using the big honker bolts they send for the firewall connection. I think I'll put some strip rubber behind the 2 places they touch and let it ride "floating".


Wankler, Thanks, man. I realize that the good service I got may have been partly as a result of you getting on their *** when they weren't doing you right. Cheers !

 

it's caused they shipped out like 30 strut bars on one day lol

 

I didn't get any bolts with mine, and it arrived too warped to install. Matt (MosesSA22C) was going to use it for his car but found the same warping problem. When I called Chris about it he insisted they are welded on a jig and all are a perfect fit.

 

The finish damage I have on mine is indicative of shipping damage. The pieced together box covered it up, but no wrap or foam or bubble **** to really protect it ( although luckily I don't care about the finish or I would be raising hell. Powdercoat and forget !)

 

No problem here either, I just ordered my diy light kit, and it's already on the way.

 

i heard CP racing ripp off people, i got 2 of my buddys involved in rotarys so like typical 1st timers they knew nutting about them went to CP and got their 1st cars and both was crap for the money went a 2nd time and got the same crap aww well good luck guys, i know i wont be coming there

 

You mean going there...

 

I've seen them made, and they do use a jig.
I also didn't get bolts with mine, but I just grabbed a couple from the local hardware store.

Mine went in with no problems. I had the bend the top part of the fusible link block away from the strut tower about 1/4", and I had to remove the VIN plate from the firewall. Other than that it was bolt and go.

MUCH stiffer and more responsive front end now.

 

I've heard pleanty of horror stories like yours, but I've been taking my cars to CP for years and never had a serious complaint.

In fact it's going back into the shop in a couple weeks for some rust repair and brakes.

 

So what is CP Racing's facility like?

I'd imagine it's a dude (Chris Campitelli) and maybe a couple other guys, doing this in a simple backyard garage, or maybe they have a couple bays in a commercial area...

Based on their backlog (It took several months for me to get my R&P kit. Many others concur.) and the consistency (or lack there of) between several of the same products. (Either it fits well or doesn't fit at all, according to some.) I don't imagine they are a large establishment.

Not knocking them; I guess everyone starts out small.

 

You hit the nail right on the head Pele.

It's basically Chris Campitelli and his partner Pat Plante (hence CP...) plus a couple other guys. And it's actually a BIG backyard garage that he rents up here.
It's a big shop, but not much for creature comforts. A couple lifts, a storage area, office, fabrication room and a paint room.

They usually try to build up a stock of parts, but somtimes they get a bit behind when they get a run on a certain part, or get swamped with shop work.

As for fitment, I've never personally seen an issue, but I've heard enough stories. Remeber also that these are old cars, so occasionally a chasis might be warped enough that a stock sized part won't fit.

As for their quality of work, I've never had an issue. The shop isn't a lot to look at, but as you can probably tell from their products, looks are NOT everything for these guys. They make stuff that works good, for a good price.
I've gotten them to do my exhaust (budget exhaust, but good job on it), a carb cleaning, a new engine + install, plus some used parts (gas tank, starter).
Plus my car is going back for some rust work and a TII brake upgrade.

I can honestly say I've never had a complaint about the quality of their work.