A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP's John Hinckley retires

[JonB]

A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

Fellow owners:

I begin few topics here, but I have a request-

If John Hinckley Jr, plant manager at CAAP has touched your Viper Ownership experience in some way, please mention it here! Sort of a "Retirement Tribute" on the occasion of John's just-announced retirement. In John's farewell address John was highly complimentary of VCA and Viper ownership. I am sure Tony and Joe will share them soon. Until then, I'll start:

As a VCA regional prez, and a VCA co-founder, I knew John's 2 predecessors at Mack and CAAP. And many of his colleagues at TV/SVE. I assure you there is NONE BETTER than "JPH". Over the years, on behalf of many members, owners, (and occasionally myself,) I have come to ask "above-and-beyond" favors and considerations of this kind and helpful guy. "All Prayers Were Answered".....and a few times the answer was NO ! But he replied promptly and honestly, with YOUR interest at heart.

CAAP pickup would not be a reality without him. Nor the great CAAP store. NOre the GT-2 "Assembley Cam" that took 20 photos of the build-out of every GT-2 !! He made sure half-shafts were available to owners at VOIs drag venues. I could go on and on with a bible's worth of kindnesses that I personally know about from just this one Dodge Guy. But NOW its your turn.

John, best wishes to you and Linda on the occasion of your retirement at month's end. Thank you for your helicopter service in Viet Nam; for being a part of Mark Donohue's factory race team; for correcting (live on Speedvision) classic guru-Keith Martin's rare mistake on Corvette restoration; for being the consummate car-guy-extraordinaire, from Ferrari, Corvette-GS Camaro, and Viper. But especially for Viper.

As much as you have been appreciated, you will be missed. I hope we see you on Woodward, and at VOI-7 in Detroit.

With sincere thanks........

JonB and...........

 

[Mike Brunton]

Re: A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

John probably doesn't know my name, but I sure know his.

Back in 1998 when I ordered my Viper in February, I was told it'd be there in 2 weeks. In the 6 months until it finally showed up, I was calling the 1-800 number at Chrysler like crazy. Finally, one of the folks at that # gave me a direct # to the factory (I've heard that's a major no-no) and I called, and got (I think) John Hinckley's secretary. I voiced my concerns, and to my surprise got a call back a little later with a very detailed explanation of where my car was, why it was taking so long, what the problems were, and a thank-you for my patience, and an assurance they "quality counts!" so they would make sure it was perfect before it got to me.

It showed up a few weeks later in pristine condition!

Tell me one other manufacturer where the manager of the plant that builds your car would go to such lenghts to make sure ONE customer was kept in the loop? I also met John at VOI and he was a super nice guy.

Thanks John! Sorry to see you go, but I hope you're going to enjoy your break from guys like me who keep you busy!

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[Wing King]

Re: A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

John, I just can't hardly believe you're not going to be there. No one else will know what I'm talking about, but I'll always treasure the image I recently created in my mind of you playing with a certain little yellow car on your desk.

You have done SO much for us. I'm certain your personal handshakes with new Viper owners at CAAP probably number in the many thousands now. It will not be the same going up there to pick up my 2003, without spending some time with you.

You are truly one of the "good guys", and have personally added a LOT to the ownership enjoyment of my cars. The welcome mat will always be out for you down here in Texas. As already said, I hope you'll come to VOI.7.

THANK YOU!

 

[Silver98]

Re: A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

Well, I never met John but I did drop his name when I came unannounced at CAAP while waiting for my 1998 RT to be delivered across the river in Windsor,Canada (Canadians are not allowed a direct CAAP delivery). I had seen his name often on the old BBS and when I mentioned his name, it opened the CAAP front door and I was a very lucky and happy customer when we (my brother and I) were offered a private tour of CAAP.

John, I wish you a very happy and active retirement.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Re: A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

John,
It is really sad to have another great friend of the Viper retire
and even though it is very deserved, many of us will miss your
assistance and passion for the Snake. I know that there were many
times you assisted us and other dealers and your courtesy and
commitment were beyond reproach. A simple thank you is never
enough, but we hope you will grace us with your presence at future Viper Invitationals or Viper Days. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!!!
Bill Pemberton
Woodhouse Chrysler

 

[Skip at Viper Days]

Re: A Tribute--Please Read! CAAP\'s John Hinckley retires

John,
This string will probably reach to the moon. It should because you went there and back for all of us. Many thanks for your support and making the delivery of my GTS special.
Thanks!