Rivethead Aero still in business?

mburch · #1 07-10-2007, 09:19 AM

About a month ago I placed an online order for a machined canopy handle from Rivethead Aero. I didn't hear anything about it for many weeks, so last week I emailled them to ask what was up. I didn't get a response to my email, so today I called the number on their website and got a message that "this mailbox is full" and was disconnected. Does anybody know if they are still a going concern? Those canopy handles look neat, and I was thinking of shelling out for one of the Silver Bullet steering links they sell, but not if I can't contact them.

mcb

Rick S. · #2 07-10-2007, 10:04 AM

Matt,

I hope so

, I have $124 out there for some RV-10 latches and trim brackets, about three weeks ago I ordered them. I originally mailed a check and it came back as address unknow

, but I when called Dave he said the address had changed, I went to the site and noticed the RV-10 section was up and running and ordered them on line. I have not tried to call him again but my email last week went unanswered, I believe he has an uncle building a -10 who put out his contact info (cell phone) on the Matronics list. I'll see if I can hunt that number down again or he may even monitor this forum and respond. They put out a video on you tube last month to show how well their RV-10 door latches work so I assume ($124 worth of assumption)

that they are just busy...

I'm going to post to the matronics list and see what I get there and respond back to my favorite place, right here

.

sf3543 · #3 07-10-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mburch

Those canopy handles look neat,
mcb

You can make your handle look like that in about 30 minutes. Basically, all you need is your sanding wheel, a glass of water, sandpaper and some polish.
Just grind it down to the shape you want, using the sanding wheel. (Dunk it in the water whenever it gets hot so you can handle it.) Once you have a good shape, then sand it smooth by hand and then use some aluminum polish to shine it up.
I did mine and it looks as good as the one you can buy...assuming you can get it.

Rick S. · #4 07-10-2007, 12:42 PM

Actually I have the recessed, locking door handles, I polished them myself if that counts

I ordered the latch pin recepticles and magnetic pins for the doors and the trim bracket for the elevator trim cable to access plate connection instead of the welded nuts

Van's supplies.

I got several replys about Dave at Rivethead, everyone says he is about a month out on delivery after the order is recieved, but guys have been getting their stuff as recently as last week.

All mentioned that they he is just slow to respond to inquires, mainly because they are not providing the parts as a main business but in their spare time, while working their "day jobs".

I can live with that especially after seeing the quality of the stuff they sell. No bad things or negative comments, I didn't expect any either but figured I give a shout out to see if anyone else was experiencing problems.

If I had access to a bridge mill and a lathe I would do my own, on the next RV I will budget that in my tool costs, which will equate to the same tools cost cost

as this build because I already have everything else!!

skidmk · #5 07-10-2007, 12:58 PM

I received my handle and "flap" push rods from them early June,,, real nice stuff... took awhile to get it though. Worth the time, as long as he's still in business.

Mike

Captain_John · #6 07-11-2007, 10:23 AM

Matt, Dave is TERRIBLE with communications!

I left SEVERAL messages for him and in his leisure, he replied.

I got my stuff. It is EXCELLENT quality, but you will wait a long time and then one day... it arrives.

Leave him messages (PLURAL). He will finally respond.

Frustrating, I know.

I am like you. Just call me and TELL ME what is up! I hate being in the dark. I am big on customer service. It is important to me.

CJ

PJSeipel · #7 07-11-2007, 10:41 AM

I placed an order back at the beginning of June. After several emails and forwarding him the paypal receipt a couple of times, I received an email that they were shipping and my RV-10 handles and door blocks arrived on Monday. It was kind of a pain having to follow up so much, but they're absolutely beautiful.

PJ Seipel
RV-10 #40032

mburch · #8 07-11-2007, 12:01 PM

Well, I sent another email today, for whatever that's worth. Can't leave a phone message because the voicemail box is still full. I hope I either get the item I paid for, or I get my money back.

On the bright side, I had a small snafu with an order I placed with Avery that was resolved quickly and to my complete satisfaction this week. Can't say enough about how great those folks are. The homebuilding community needs more businesses cut from the Avery mold.

mcb

Rick S. · #9 07-11-2007, 03:30 PM

Everytime I check into a shipment it shows up or reveals itself.

I just received a Quantum shipping message that the parts have shipped and will be delivered Friday....so yes they are still up and running.

jswareiv · #10 07-11-2007, 05:28 PM

I also ordered the lever and the bullet for the tailwheel. I did not hear back from him when I e-mailed, but the product did show up and I love it. I think Dave has another job and does this on the side. If you are in a hurry, forget it. I will be at Oshkosh if you want to see what they look like, 203HW.