Yeah, 11,000.00 is a lot of money to lose. Sorry to hear about Dave's diagnosis, it's a devastating disease for the person and family. I agree, it isn't an excuse to just take someone's money with no remedy.
His wife seems to be the one that took the $. Sorry to hear he isn't well. Tempting to pursue legal remedy as it's not right for them to take your money even though nothing had been done and it seems they knew nothing would get done. Of course if they are so broke that they defrauded you, suing them might be pointless. Don't lose faith! You are so close! Take a break and then get that thing rolling!
Most small claim verdicts are $5k or less. Just because you receive a verdict in your favor dosent guarantee you will recover a dime. I’m going through similar issues with a contractor on unfinished or faulty issues in a new home. $150k + and 6 years in the courts. Why can’t people do what they say or promise anymore ? Seems its becoming more of a standard in the way of doing business anymore for some people.
You may get a judgment against him but it usually turns out to just be something to wipe your rear end with....
It’s too bad there are so many of these types of stories in the hobby. I know some cars wind up in body shop jail for years, usually with rare parts missing.
Oof. I'd tread lightly- you may go viral for opening a lawsuit against a man with alzheimers. I could only guess you might win a judgement and put a lien on his estate.. What kind of rebuild were you getting for 11k?
I saw your post on FB today. This sounds like a no win situation, and I wouldn't blame you one bit for being irate about the whole situation. I really hope that you can get your car back together and enjoy it, without any further thievery. Glad you got the numbers parts back with the motor, too!
She had her opportunity (several opportunities in fact) to explain. Having a spouse incapacitated and dealing with all that may have gone unnoticed, unattended or unfinished sucks, I’m sure, but doing right by his clients is part of being a grown up and business partner. (My unsolicited 2c.) Patrick
Thats correct Duane. He's in a home of some sort now. The last time I spoke to him is when I got the bill for my engine. Ever since then i've been dealing with his wife Sherry.
Last night when I spoke to her on the phone, I told her I would just like my engine parts that I paid for. She said she's can't do that. I asked where all the money went, and she didn't have an answer. As soon as I asked if I was scammed from the get-go, and you never intended to build me an engine she got really defensive and hung up shortly after. Looking back now I personally think I was set up. The bills I got said engine machining to date and no machine work was done. I got a bill for engine parts purchased but don't have any of them I even got billed for engine assembly and testing She made me think my engine was being built but nothing was happening.
I find it important to know what people's experiences are with vendors. To the best of my knowledge there is no Yelp or Trip advisor for car restoration outfits. It at least gives you a heads up to vet who you are dealing with.
I have a friend who had some issues with various vendors and he was able to recover some of his money through his Hagerty spare parts coverage but it was only for a few thousand. I didn’t even know that type of insurance existed until he told me.
If it weren’t for threads like this, we’d still be having members sending money, cars or parts to people like Jim Burek or Mark Reeves… Patrick
Dan, I’m glad you got your original parts back. It sucks to have to eat $11 000, to say the very least. That kind of money doesn’t grow on trees around my place, that’s for sure. I’d be devastated. Especially since Dave was such a respected person in the Buick community. That’s all gone now. As far as gossip goes, this is not a smear campaign, just a fellow member sharing his experience and looking for suggestions. Nothing more. Good luck, Dan. I’d love to see this car completed. It’s a beauty.
Threads like this are important, thief’s need to be held accountable. Even the best buick builders have people waiting 5+ years for engines so it’s not rare.
Clearly fraud. Was there handwriting on the bills? Who does the billing? Most likely it is her. Dave was probably oblivious to everything if his condition is truly that bad. Talk to the district attorney's office there. It may also be mail fraud if they mailed any of this stuff to you. I have sympathy for folks in bad condition, but this looks more to me like outright theft, by Mrs Kleiner. However, a judgement may deservedly follow her around for the rest of her life, whether you collect or not. People who steal need held accountable. You have receipts stating work was done and parts were purchased. This is felony fraud, not just a few bucks over a misunderstanding. Or take a deep breath and close that book and move on; however, at the very least, law enforcement should be notified, IMHO. Who knows what other scams she has going on.
I know what it feels like dan .. i have been burned my self in the past seems anything you can’t not do yourself is a risk … thank god i was able to have jw do my engine & trans it was worth the wait & the money… hopefully somehow you get past this disaster its a terrible feeling
Air dirty laundry? Think what you may. But what I think what she is doing is by far distasteful. I for one applause him, the op, for taking the guts to express what happened to him. To give us the opportunity to make our own decision. Business is business. Extremely well said.
