The reason I even asked about the cost comparison is just to gather data. I fully intend to use Mr. Partain.
I have a vivid memory of accompanying a friend to the local freight office to pick up his Zenith 701 kit and as the forklift rounded the corner, parts were pouring out of the smashed crate. I had the Titan factory deliver my Tornado kit and I will surely have Mr. Partain deliver my 7 QB.
I did talk to Barbara at Van's yesterday and the cost of freight company shipping from Aurora to Arlington for a 7 QB and finish kit is just short of $2100. Mr. Partain's dedicated service is a few hundred less than ABF, but when you subtract the no longer needed crating charge, the savings are considerable.
So, considering the $$ savings plus the dedicated service, you can't beat it!
By the way, while talking to Barbara, I asked about the delivery date of the QB. I expected to hear after the first of August as originally scheduled, but she said it was now closer to the end of this month. The only kicker is that the finish kit will not be ready until the first of August.
Do I wait and ship both at once? Do I ship each separately? Trying to contact Mr. Partain right now...
I ordered the 7 QB on the 30th of May and delivery could be only a month's wait.
Ken Korenek
Arlington, Texas
18 hours into the Empennage