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Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

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Old Jan 9, 2012 | 10:28 PM
  #1  
DeltaElite121's Avatar
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From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

TDS is one of thirdgen's sponsors, but I just wanted to make a post about Lon because he really goes out of his way to do the right thing. I took some advice from fellow thirdgenners and placed an order through him for the first time. I made some mistakes on my order, and he called to validate things with me just to make sure I was on the right track (since my order was a little... strange after reviewing it). Come to find I had ordered several of the wrong parts because I wasn't paying attention. He also gave me the rundown on questions I had for him, and it's good to see he actually knows what he's selling besides giving a generic response you'de typically see elsewhere.

All in all? Probably one of the most honest guys I've dealt with. He takes pride in doing what he does (helping people, NOT just selling products), and it's a hard thing to find these days. I've got more parts on the way from him, and I'll continue to use him for parts I need. He also packed the stuff REALLY well, wrapped everything inside of the boxes, compacted all the hardware together, etc. Really just a pleasant experience, particularly considering I did a lot of jumping around with partnumbers with him.

Thanks Lon. I appreciate it.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 06:53 PM
  #2  
DeltaElite121's Avatar
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From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

front and rear sway bars arrived. Powdercoating is top notch, and everything was packed extremely well.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 07:10 PM
  #3  
gbayfisher's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 820
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From: Ontario
Car: 1987 Trans am GTA
Engine: D1sc 383
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4.11
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I concur,

Good, honest guy and a pleasure to deal with.

I ordered the wrong parts from him as well, he quickly called to confirm. Outstanding service, prompt, efficient.

thumbs up for TDS
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 07:19 PM
  #4  
//<86TA>\\'s Avatar
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From: Central NJ
Car: 86 Trans Am
Engine: 408 stroker sbc
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: Moser full floater m9, 3:70 trutrac
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

dealt with Lon a few time, great guys and TDS is a outstanding company. I need to order some headlight rebuild kits in the future
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 07:31 PM
  #5  
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 456
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From: New York
Car: 1990 GTA
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I have ordered parts from Lon a few time, nothing but the best of service, TDS is fantastic, I highly recommend them.
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 11:55 PM
  #6  
90IROC1's Avatar
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Car: 90 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: M5 5spd
Axle/Gears: 3.42 POSI
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I have dealt with Lon a lot owning 4 different 3rd gens. He's top notch and a great guy.
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 05:10 AM
  #7  
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
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From: California
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28 5.0 HO
Engine: 355 - 12.5:1, 2x600cfm tunnel ram
Transmission: Coan racing TH 350, 5k stall
Axle/Gears: stock 10 bolt w/3.73 posi
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I ordered the Alston Subframe Connectors from TDS last month and was very happy with their product and service. I even received a call from Lon that day! I recommend Top Down Solutions to everyone, and will be a returning customer myself very soon.
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 04:03 PM
  #8  
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: cemetary in NY
Car: 85 z28,01 sonoma,05 envoy
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Im ordering some parts this weekend, thanks for the good reviews.
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Old Jan 31, 2012 | 05:19 PM
  #9  
DeltaElite121's Avatar
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,366
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From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Originally Posted by Dusk2600
Im ordering some parts this weekend, thanks for the good reviews.
No worries. Lon really is a cool guy, business aside. He'll give you the inside scoop on just about anything you want to know, just ask him.
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Old Jan 31, 2012 | 05:59 PM
  #10  
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From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Great to deal with.. nothing but good things to say about him.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 01:18 AM
  #11  
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 34
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From: Washington
Car: 87 Frankinmaro
Engine: ZZ4 short block 67 327 462 castings
Transmission: TH350-c out of Y body
Axle/Gears: 97 4th gen Torsen 3.23
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Pretty much what everybody else has said. Ordered a set of Alistons and the 36mm bracket kit mailed on monday got em today and they are beautiful,plus three emails from Lon with updates on everything. so nice to see business done this way. Thanks Lon

Last edited by frankinmaro; Feb 17, 2012 at 01:22 AM.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 03:51 AM
  #12  
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 21
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From: Hampshire, UK
Car: '86 IROC
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

He's always dealt with my orders to the UK well too, which makes a change from some of the big players.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 05:24 AM
  #13  
fbodyalltheway's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 120
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From: Fox valley, Wisconsin
Car: 1992 firebird. 1984 Trans Am
Engine: 3.1L. L76 coming soon
Transmission: 700R4. T56 coming someday
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

ordered a headlight repair kit about 3 years ago. shipping was fast. instructions were really good and kit came with extra hard ware since the factory bolts usually snap. the kit is still holding strong. headlights work great. (was having the problem were the lights would rise with just the parking lights on.) Would have to say I agree with everyone. Great service and I will be a returning customer.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 10:01 AM
  #14  
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Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Lon and I had a chat back and forth about my order that was made in error several weeks ago. Seriously... who does that? A+ customer service. I didn't know our third gen's came with different size sway bars. Hence, they need different size mounting hardware. Lon schooled me. Thanks Lon.

Steve
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 12:30 PM
  #15  
eboula24's Avatar
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 212
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From: columbus, oh
Car: 1984 camaro z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 sp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

yeah all i needed was a $7 retainer clip and i felt like i was buying a new motor like my order was that important.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 03:37 PM
  #16  
Richboll's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,051
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From: Huntsville, AL
Car: 89 Black IROC-Z convertible
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Good information to have. I plan to order some things from there.
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Old Feb 17, 2012 | 11:07 PM
  #17  
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

My philosophy is simple, treat my customer as I'd want to be treated. I've been an F-Body enthusiest since I bought my 'vert nearly 21 years ago and know what is like to try and buy parts for these cars. I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,

Lon
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Old Feb 18, 2012 | 04:51 AM
  #18  
Dusk2600's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: cemetary in NY
Car: 85 z28,01 sonoma,05 envoy
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700 r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

got my interior lock/unlock stickers on friday, fast shipping and nice product. Thanks, be back for sure
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Old Feb 18, 2012 | 03:23 PM
  #19  
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 525
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From: United Kingdom
Car: 1989 TTA
Engine: 3.8L Turbo V6 - VIN 7
Transmission: 200R4
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

+1 for Lon !!!
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Old Feb 18, 2012 | 04:18 PM
  #20  
Kwik89GTA's Avatar
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 386
Likes: 6
From: Silver Creek, GA
Car: 1989 Bright Red GTA
Engine: Grand Sport LT4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I have ordered quite a few things from Lon over the years, always a great experience!
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Old Feb 18, 2012 | 05:45 PM
  #21  
TPI-Formula350-'s Avatar
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 4
From: Long Island New York
Car: 89 Formula 350
Engine: Forged 385 H/C/I
Transmission: 700R4-4300 Stall-lockup
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt 3:70
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I got his graphite 36mm front sway bar bushing....A+
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Old Feb 19, 2012 | 11:00 AM
  #22  
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Posts: 216
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From: Southeastern Wisconsin
Transmission: Automatic!
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

I ordered some swaybar bushings from Lon back in late fall/early winter and was very pleased as well. I even asked about the shipping cost, which was high for just rubber bushings and he knocked it down as the quoted price was for the metal brackets as well, not just the bushings. Something he didn't really have to do but did any way. Would definitely recommend.
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 09:16 AM
  #23  
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Posts: 13,414
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From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

^ Agreed, I ordered the Alston subframe connectors from Lon a long long time ago (6 years? 7 years? wow) and he was very helpful & accommodating. Everything shipped out fast and was packed well.
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 11:54 AM
  #24  
lonsal's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 37
From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

The TDS site is upgrading to a new software package. OSCommerce that it was using won't cut the mustard any longer. I'm getting used to the back end of the new software and look forward to having the site back up once my web guy is done tweaking it. In the meantime, my phone and e-mail are still working. Patience please, you'll like the changes.

Lon Salgren
626-369-0040
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 01:12 AM
  #25  
lonsal's Avatar
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From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

OK, Top-Down Solutions new and improved web site is FINALLY up and running. Thanks everyone for your patience.

Lon
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:06 PM
  #26  
DeltaElite121's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 1
From: St.Louis, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 377
Transmission: TH350; Circle D 4200 converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Originally Posted by lonsal
OK, Top-Down Solutions new and improved web site is FINALLY up and running. Thanks everyone for your patience.

Lon
Very good. I think I've got a few more new additions I need to order anyways. I'll give you a call.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 01:56 PM
  #27  
GMan 3MT's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 556
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From: Houston, TX
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T5 WC
Axle/Gears: 3.42 T2R
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

After seeing a few more negative posts for other vendors, I just wanted to add another good review to this thread for TDS.

Sadly, it's only the second time I've ordered from TDS. Last time was back in '03 for some SFC and such. Since that car was turned into a racecar, most of the build was removing stuff or adding non-factory parts. Funny enough, my login info to TDS was still there for my recent order!

I've now got a '92 RS streetcar that will be getting some upgrades and some restoration. Just received my order from TDS for a wonderbar, SFC and some misc parts. Can't ask for better service. I'll be ordering more stuff from TDS for this car the more I get into it.

Thanks Lon!
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 02:11 PM
  #28  
lonsal's Avatar
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25 Year Member
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5,964
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From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Car: 90 RS 'Vert, 88 IROC-Z, 88 Firebird
Engine: 305 ci tbi, 305 ci tpi, 350 ci tpi
Transmission: WC-T5, WC-T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.27, 3.27
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Thanks for the order. Welcome back.

Lon
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Old Nov 26, 2012 | 04:01 AM
  #29  
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From: Winter Haven Fl
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible camaro
Engine: 383 superram
Transmission: Level 4 Vigilante 3000
Axle/Gears: 3:42,Torsen, moser axles LPW girdle
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Yeah really nice to deal with, I ordered my Alston's connectors a few years ago and didn't install them till last year. Lost the install sheet so I emailed him back to get some install tips. In a timely manner, he answered me and emailed me the install sheet! No doubt about quality here...It seems like he really cares for his customers, I referred him to my F-body's friends which will look forward to buy from him for their needs!

5 Stars seller
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Old Nov 27, 2012 | 06:27 PM
  #30  
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 684
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From: K.C. Mo.
Car: '89 GTA 9,000 MILES
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Top-Down Solutions (TDS)

Ordered from him couple times. Great guy but USPS priority shipping is too expensive.

Need to offer Parcel Post which would work for most of his stuff.

Other than that great to deal with.
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