What's with Gamut Service Inc.??

Bob Hoffman · #1 10-02-2006, 12:38 PM

Anyone know if Charlie & Gamut Services are still in operation ?
I sent them a check in July for their tilt stiffner retro kit.Seems like a nice enough guy,spoke with him several times ,each time was a different story , last time it was in the mail - that was two weeks ago .Now I can't even reach him on the phone. If they are no longer in business I would like to know so I can get on with my building , right I've got my canopy off and waiting for
this kit to arrive. A shame really as it looks like a good retro kit that would help aleviate twisting that is prone to "tilts"
Sooooo if anyone knows what is going on I would appreciate an update.
Surf & Fly
Bob

Mike Ice · #2 11-03-2006, 09:19 PM

Bob, and others.

I do not know if Gamut Services is still in business or not. I ordered one of the composite canopies and almost 3 months later have not recieved it or a refund that I demanded. No answers to emails, no answers to phone calls lately. Before that lots of promises that were always broken with convincing stories.

If you wan't to hear more about this in sordid detail, contact me at: aurbo@ak.net or call 907-344-4401

Mike Ice

Bob Hoffman · #3 11-05-2006, 10:13 AM

YES,
That is what happened to me too.
The stories were entertaining - for awhile - but the kit, or my money back, or even an explination would have been appreciated.
Sorry you had the same experience,if you hear any other news please keep me posted
Bob

az_gila · #4 11-05-2006, 10:25 AM

Is this the same guy who advertised a Tucson workshop?

From a local yahoo mailing list....

> > The day will start at 8:30 and end when we all get tired of making things
> > sometime late afternoon.
> >
> > Cost: $75 for the 6 hour day
> > Date and time: November 11 at 8:30
> > Place: Ryan Field (KRYN), Cherokee Cabanas, Hangar C-16.
> >
> > Advanced reservations required by 11/1 please: Contact Charles Wilhite,
> > 817-832-1178 or c.wilhite@att.net

If so, he is is planning on being here in Tucson soon.....

gil in Tucson

Mike Ice · #5 11-05-2006, 11:25 AM

Gil,

That would be the same fellow. The name and phone numbers match. I sure do hope your function turned out better than my deal with him did. I am out $3,400 and no canopy.

Mike Ice

lucky333 · #6 11-05-2006, 11:25 AM

Hey Mike,
Bet its cold in Anchorage about now.. Very nice in Tucson this time of year..

Mike Ice · #7 11-05-2006, 11:32 AM

Yep, it is very cold in Anchorage this time of year and yes I do wish I were in Tucson not just today but all winter. This morning it was ZERO degrees. Bright and sunny but very cold.

You guys have it made with all that great RV flying and building weather.

Mike

Bob Hoffman · #8 11-05-2006, 11:51 AM

Mike,
Did you notice the other thread on his carbon fiber canopy here on VAF ??
Gil,
Yes it's the same guy. Did you pay for this in advance ?? If so you better check BEFORE going.If you are going to call 817-832-1178 don't expect an answer.
Just a heads up - good luck
Bob

az_gila · #9 11-05-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hoffman

Mike,
Did you notice the other thread on his carbon fiber canopy here on VAF ??
Gil,
Yes it's the same guy. Did you pay for this in advance ?? If so you better check BEFORE going.If you are going to call 817-832-1178 don't expect an answer.
Just a heads up - good luck
Bob

No, I'm not dealing with him... but another local builder has one of his canopies with a fit problem... I think that is why he is coming here. This builder has the canopy, but is being delayed due to slow response...

Any of my Tucson folks I visit as TC can get a free composites workshop whenever they want....

I'm certainly not recommending him...

gil in Tucson

gmcjetpilot · #10 11-05-2006, 03:13 PM

I looked into it. My first thought or concern was that every airframe is different. So each canopy needs to be hand fit. With metal frame and skirt you can tweak it. With a ridged Carbon canopy your plane better be just like the one that was used as a mold. I was assured that was not the case, but how does he really know the variations of other RV's, unless its tested on many RV's. I suspect he was wrong and is finding one size does NOT fit all.

Sure Van's match drilled parts, fuselages should be close, but how good was the RV that was used as a master mold. It could have been off, at one end of the tolerance range. With a Carbon canopy I felt culd not be adjusted for all but minor variation in a fuselage. I passed. If I go w/ a composite (skirt), I'd mold it right on my plane for a perfect fit. The composite frame and roll structure is cool, but if it does not fit its does not matter how cool it is.

As far as indication of his good intent, it seemed like he was on the up and up, but this was way before he promised or deliver any canopies. I showed interest and was contacted later and got a little brochure in the mail when he started accepting orders. He may have ran into problems on many fronts and now is in hiding. Too bad, hope you get your money back.