PAR-METAL PAR METAL DIY CHASSIS QUALITY (OR LACK THEREOF)

[lsaudio]

I just experienced my first ... and last purchase from Par-Metal.  They are builders of DIY chassis located in N. Arlington New Jersey.
 
In all my decades in audio, I have never experienced a more dis-organized, sloppy mess of a vendor.  This outfit is run by a Mr. John Ngo who I personally placed my order with. I doubt he suffers from Alzheimer's or intentionally lies to his customers ('cause that would last about a minute with Lockheed, Boeing, Nasa etc.) Maybe he just lacks the ability to write down specifics.  Par-Metal boasts on their home page (par-metal.com) that they deal with such companies as, Lockeed, Boeing, NASA ...  bla, bla, bla. Impossible !!! (if they operate with the lack of competence I have experienced.)
 
Here is a brief summary of my order with Par-Metal and John Ngo:
(1)  When order was received, item came packaged like the inside of a  garbage can with loose screws tossed-about resulting in scratches to the un-wrapped panels (that are supposed to be wrapped), handfulls of busted foam, a previously used and heavily worn inner box (for secure shipping) etc.
(2)  Black paint over-spray in several areas of multiple panels.
(3)  In-correct faceplate mounting holes making it impossible to mount the front panel to chassis.
(4)  Failure to counter-sink faceplate holes as ordered.
(5)  Non-vented top-panel contrary to order.
 
When I brought this to his attention, John Ngo stated he would remake another one and correct the problems I listed above.  All I had to do was return the 'mess' and within three day's (time needed to make another one according to Mr. Ngo), he would send the replacement.
Fast forward to about 10 days later .... no product !
 
I then phoned Mr. Ngo concerning the whereabouts of my item (which tech's are waiting for) and was told it hadn't shipped yet as they were "repairing" the previous unit (not re-making as promised) and would ship the following day (a week later than stated.)  He also added that the countersinking and oversrpay issues would be corrected.
 
Second item was received with the same overspray issues, wrong rear-panel thickness and no countersinking correction.  Also, he added the rack-handles to secure the faceplate contrary to my specific demands that NO handles were needed or wanted.  It was these very same handles that secure the faceplate rather than the countersunk bolt holes as ordered ableit the item was packaged properly this time.
 
Fast-forward to today.  I phoned Mr Ngo and was treated with hostility rather than apologies for negligence ... then hung-up on.
 
Just thought those of you out there looking for a reliable, quality DIY vendor should know of my experience with Par-Metal before you decide who to select.
 
-laaudio.

 

[cyberspyder]

IIRC, most people here do not order direct, but rather through Fry's or another vendor.

 

[Reintz]

Sorry to read this. I can't even imagine how bad I would've flipped out in your shoes.

 

[balderon]

I have had similar experiences with Par-Metal. I provided Mr. Ngo with a detailed 6 page (PDF) CAD drawing defining each panel and the associated customizations. The first chassis I received from Par-Metal had ALL drilled holes made 1/2 the size as specified in the drawing. For my convenience the dimensions for each hole were specified as a radius not a diameter. Apparently the person who made the chassis does not have the first clue on how to interpret basic drafting notations. As always Mr Ngo apologized for the error and agreed to remake the order.

Three weeks passes without the chassis or communications. I called Mr. Ngo and he said "it will be shipping this week" .... Another two weeks pass - still no product. I called again an demanded to know the status of my order and I need it shipped overnight. I was told it was shipped already and to expect it in a few days.

Two weeks later the product arrived. All machining was per the drawing EXCEPT the center divider was missing and the PEM nuts were not installed on the inner front panel... as specified in the drawings. Yet again I placed a call to Par-Metal. I was told the center divider would be shipped next day delivery this week. To save more aggravation I decided to press the PEM nuts in myself. Thankfully Par-Metal did machine the correct size hole.

Indeed Mr. Ngo did not ship the divider when promised and unfortunately the divider was made TOO long. My drawings specified the length of the divider for side to side mounting NOT front to back as delivered. I was told the divider would be remade and shipped out in a couple days.

Almost two weeks pass - and once again NO delivery. By this time my patience was wearing very thin. Nearly 4 months had passed since I ordered the chassis and I still did not have what I paid for. Once again I was promised the divider in a couple days. Another week passed and I finally received the part. I thought to myself now I can finally finish my amplifier... sigh. Are you ready for this? I opened the package and low and behold it was the SAME SIZE as the last center divider I received... Not only was the divider the wrong size it was NOT made to my specification. The divider should have flanges on the top and bottom with PEM nuts to secure the panel to the top and bottom of the chassis. This divider had a flange ONLY on the bottom. I was furious. I decided to take the divider to a local machine shop and have them trim the ends to the proper size. I decided I could live with the divider attached on the bottom only. I just wish I could send the bill to Par-Metal for reimbursement.

All said and done it took over 5 months to deliver the chassis I ordered and I still had to hire a outside machine shop to make it right. Eventually Par-Metal manufactured the chassis almost per the specification but it was stressful and not worth the aggravation. I think it's unlikely Par-Metal does work for any Aerospace companies.
 
Check out the "Bijou" link in my signature if you are interested to see what the final product looks like. Note the chassis has a powder coat finish which Par-Metal does not offer - nor would I ask them to do.
 
You'll probably do fine if you order one of their "standard" chassis. I think it unlikely to successfully deliver a customized chassis without multiple iterations and are at best unreliable.
 

 

[FallenAngel]

Sorry to hear about your experience, on the other side, I've never had any troubles from them and have ordered 20+ chassis by now.
 

 

[ShinyFalcon]

My experience with them was OK. I must've annoyed them for dragging the ordering process longer than needed, since I didn't know the cases' structuring (base, roof, 2x panel frame). The cases were wrapped in bubble wrap, and the box had plenty of paper filling. Box was bigger than expected too.
 
I wonder about their order form too. Do they respond to those? It's easy enough to specify how you want your case to be... (1x front panel frame + 1x rear panel + 1x front panel, or 2x front panel frames and 2x front panels)

 

[nattonrice]

I know people that have had trouble ordering custom stuff as well.
It seems that unless you order a stock product they just can't get it together.

 

[Uncle Erik]

That's a shame. I've ordered about a dozen standard chassis from Par-Metal and every one was fine. I have not placed a custom order from Par-Metal, though.

 

[FallenAngel]

Oh, I almost always order custom (2 fronts, no panels - for custom FPE panels).  I always call them, they didn't respond to email the first time and I didn't try it again. 

 

[johnwmclean]

I ordered a custom case last year, I had to call direct from Australia as my emails went unanswered. The first chassis was the wrong size, the second was also the wrong size, third time lucky. I will never buy from Par-Metal again. Good luck OP.

 

[regal]

I've had nothing but good experience with PAR-Metals.  They are not a supplier I would go to for custom expensive chassis,  custom for them is basically a 20 series in what ever dimensions you need no more.  
 
As a DIYer on a budget I honestly wouldn't build anything if it weren't for Par-Metals budget 20 series,  there are no other alternatives in the price range.  So I disagree with your posting negative experiences here,  many of us can't afford the alternatives and your posting may make them think twice about selling to individuals.
 
I think you are trying to buy  cavier at Applebee's, JMHO.

 

[johnwmclean]

Quote:

So I disagree with your posting negative experiences here,  many of us can't afford the alternatives and your posting may make them think twice about selling to individuals.

I disagree. Where should we post our negative opinions then? Companies should expect good and bad feedback has part of their ongoing customer relations improvement. The information contained here is very beneficial and is exactly what this company needs to know.  

 

[regal]

Quote:

I disagree. Where should we post our negative opinions then? Companies should expect good and bad feedback has part of their ongoing customer relations improvement. The information contained here is very beneficial and is exactly what this company needs to know.  

I'm just paranoid of losing them as a vendor.  Individuals like us are probably <1% of their business and likely they could decide to quit selling to individuals should to many picky customers expecting something they are not complain publicly.
 
They build a solid "Ford" case for a good price,  if you want a fancy and extravegant Rolls Royce look elsewhere and dig deeper into your wallet,  again JMHO.
 

 

[johnwmclean]

Undeniable, they do have an wonderful products for a great prices. Let’s not forget there is also positive posts included here from customers who’ve had years of experience with the company, so it’s not all negative. I for one do not wish the company no harm, only to bring to light areas that need attention and improvement.
 
The op was promised a service that clearly was not provided, I can’t see the analogy with over expectation from customers in terms of a Rolls Royce product. As an overseas customer myself, the major gripe I have is the lack of response from emails, I’ve had to resort to calling to place orders. Having the wrong size chassis sent out twice was annoying, but as they promptly shipped the order out again it was no problem. 

 

[qusp]

unrealistic expectations Regal?? youve got to be kidding right? They offer a service that it seems in some cases they are incapable of providing (whether due to lack of skilling, or lack of due care). If the OP is to be believed (1 and only post, but there is a bit of a theme here) instead of making it right, he was met with rudeness (he was hung up on) and a waste of time and money (possibly with a product waiting on the result). no doubt he wasnt reimbursed for return shipping (international shipping for a case is not cheap) they 'repaired' the case instead of remaking it. etc etc if receiving what you order and pay for is expecting too much, then what do you suggest is to be expected?
 
to be fair I have also seen good results from the standard range, but custom is what I was interested in
 
I have also emailed more than once with no response