TheSamba.com :: View topic - California Pacific aka J-Bugs

Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:07 pm

Charged me for main bearings that were back ordered without telling me on the 1st. They said it would be back in stock in a couple days. Got most of the order that week. Called on the 7th about the bearings. They said they would look into and call me back. No reply. Called them again on the 10th. Blamed it on the vendor and told me to wait another week. I told them to cxl the part. Now because my order is under 100 bucks they’re going to back charge me for shipping. Not my first order with them but for sure my last.

Fri Jan 10, 2025 10:37 am

Well, I ordered a new Carburetor from Jbugs and it came with a sticking throttle linkage that wouldn't return to its resting position, even after loosening the bolt at the linkage.

I called them, and the rep was really helpful. He troubleshooted with me over the phone, and was really gracious and understanding overall. Sent me out a new one, and was very apologetic for the issue. Honestly, I know they are just a parts distributor, but I think there are people who work there that are really trying to do the right thing.

Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:19 am

The JBugs 50001-1 Two Tip Exhaust version really looked promising . I liked the more correct pre heat even though I wasn't using it.. seemed more thought was put into it.. so bought it.
https://www.jbugs.com/product/50001-1-jbugs-vw-2-tip-exhaust-system-with-stainless-steel-tips.html

Overall very nice in and out of the box.. looks much better than the EMPI version I cut up in anger and disgust from ZERO fitment.
I was pleased..until..trying to bolt on....still was not a direct bolt on fit. The tips were a proper size and length but whacked out of position.. It at least almost fit.. :x

I can fabricate.. :roll: .. I had to extend the #2 tube about 18mm and cut a relief near the left muffler 3/4 attachment. The tips were not aligned level so had to really make a twist to make them look appropriate.
Took me about 6 hours of thought, sweat, tweaking and welding until I was satisfied. This should be a bolt and go.. but was not the case.. .. just another case of crap VW parts..

On the flip side.. its the sound I wanted and looks good after the mods.

Im not recommending it for those who are not prepared to cut n weld before driving.

I took pictures and sent an email to JBugs with a suggestion to do some in house quality control. Have not heard a word yet.

You've all been advised..

Mon Aug 25, 2025 11:50 am

Thank you for your order and for your feedback! I apologize that this didn't go as expected. My imagination wanders a little as I have seen your other post about also not being able to fit the 3418 EMPI exhaust as well? I'd like to know more about what you had seen. I have not come across your email as of yet (On a Monday there are hundreds to go through) As of now I have been unable to see your photos. I'd like to invite you to send that to me directly at my personal email if you would. I can be reached at [email protected] You certainly have my attention, I'm wondering if this was possibly tweaked in shipping or something as this has been one of our best fitting and performing exhausts up until this report. The same engine not fitting 2 different exhausts is also interesting, there may be something to explore there. Below I've attached Sam's installation video on it, wildly enough he didn't even have to loosen the heater boxes with this one. I look forward to hearing from you, we do want to see that you are satisfied.

https://youtu.be/PmHFQzDyAvk?t=894

[email protected]

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: The JBugs 50001-1 Two Tip Exhaust version really looked promising . I liked the more correct pre heat even though I wasn't using it.. seemed more thought was put into it.. so bought it.
https://www.jbugs.com/product/50001-1-jbugs-vw-2-tip-exhaust-system-with-stainless-steel-tips.html

Overall very nice in and out of the box.. looks much better than the EMPI version I cut up in anger and disgust from ZERO fitment.
I was pleased..until..trying to bolt on....still was not a direct bolt on fit. The tips were a proper size and length but whacked out of position.. It at least almost fit.. :x

I can fabricate.. :roll: .. I had to extend the #2 tube about 18mm and cut a relief near the left muffler 3/4 attachment. The tips were not aligned level so had to really make a twist to make them look appropriate.
Took me about 6 hours of thought, sweat, tweaking and welding until I was satisfied. This should be a bolt and go.. but was not the case.. .. just another case of crap VW parts..

On the flip side.. its the sound I wanted and looks good after the mods.

Im not recommending it for those who are not prepared to cut n weld before driving.

I took pictures and sent an email to JBugs with a suggestion to do some in house quality control. Have not heard a word yet.

You've all been advised..

Fri Aug 29, 2025 8:44 am

Im going to update this one ...

I forwarded the prior email (unanswered email from Jbugs sales) to Jaime and it sure seems JBugs is concerned of the products that they sell.
A definite sense of pride was felt in the correspondence I received.

I rarely complain and I'll admit .. I was very frustrated simply due to the extra work I had to do unplanned. I didn't want another member to have similar issues and also those to be aware of potential issues. Once I started alterations I wasn't even thinking about a refund just wanted the job done to enjoy some quieter Fall VW driving.
I only sent the initial email with the information that they may have a problem in parts quality control. I in no way asked for or implied for a refund of the product ...yet one was sent even before I received an email response from Jaime

Ill be returning to JBugs for future parts purchases simply due to the customer service alone.

Thank You Jaime at JBugs .... respect earned.

.