What a fool I was. Thats it for me.

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    Author Topic: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.  (Read 20904 times)

    Offline dutch

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #15 on: November 10, 2011 - 02:40:03 PM »
    that`s one crappy story  :P   I`d say letting it rest over winter would be the best thing to do ( please check your antifreeze  :scared:  )
    some of us have had a bunch of body damage right after resto, some blow up their engine or trans... keeping these cars alive will come with ups and downs all the time.  remember You DO own a 70 challenger!  It may have some unexpected issues, but you own one of the most loved musclecars ever.  Might as well enjoy the heck out of it   :burnout:   get it going and enjoy  :2thumbs:

    ...someone has to....

     :useless: :useless:
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    Offline 4Cruizn

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #16 on: November 10, 2011 - 04:09:32 PM »
    I would put the car into hibernation for the winter but still mentally work on it.  From the list that you wrote, I would find someone to wet sand the paint like I had to do, straighten the body panels to acceptable positions, then source some of the wrong parts, and in the early spring . . . make it good and try to enjoy it.   Dave at Roseville in Michigan has alot of the parts needed, probably 4 or 5 hours drive from you. 

     http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/
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    Offline burdar

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #17 on: November 10, 2011 - 04:35:17 PM »
    According to pictures I've seen you're running an orange MP box.  That could be your main "no start" issue right there.  Get that thing off of there and get a cheap parts store box.  The quality of the orange boxes have gone down hill in the last few years.   
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    Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #18 on: November 10, 2011 - 04:41:25 PM »
    Quote from: burdar on November 10, 2011 - 04:35:17 PM
    According to pictures I've seen you're running an orange MP box.  That could be your main "no start" issue right there.  Get that thing off of there and get a cheap parts store box.  The quality of the orange boxes have gone down hill in the last few years.   

    The questionable orange boxes are stamped "made in China".  So if you see that, it could be a problem.
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    Mike

    1970 Challenger - SOLD
    2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

    Offline Sonnythebull

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #19 on: November 10, 2011 - 05:49:54 PM »
    Quote from: Cdnchallenger on November 10, 2011 - 09:42:16 AM
    Just need to get this off my chest so I can get on with the rest of my life.
    I purchased a vehicle about a year ago from a fairly well known individual on this website. I did not know this person and had never seen the car in person. The car was 1500 miles away. Everyone told me I was a fool to do this but I trusted my instincts. We talked for quite some time on the phone and as I listened to his stories I just developed an overall good feeling and somehow knew that I was doing the right thing.
    I had a chance to purchase the car that I had always wanted. I gave him what he wanted for the vehicle and we agreed that he would work on the vehicle. I would get a spreadsheet of his time worked as well as a listing of parts and supplies that he had purchased. I paid these amounts promptly and without question. I would purchase the big ticket items myself and have them shipped directly to his shop. I ended up spending double the amount on this car compared to what I had originally planned, but that was also my fault. When given options for building the vehicle I would always purchase new parts. I wanted a vehicle that I could be proud of. Much to my wife’s displeasure I was beginning to spend money we did not have but I was past the point of no return.
    I would periodically get pictures sent to me to update me on the progress.
    3 months turned into 6, then 9 and finally into a year. The car was apparently ready to be shipped to me. Over the previous year I had never once complained about the time it was taking to get the car completed.
    Finally it arrived at my house. The back of the truck opened and I was like a kid on Christmas morning. From a distance the car looked fantastic. The truck driver got in the car to back it off the truck and guess what? It would not start. 15 minutes later we rolled the car off of the truck and  pushed it into my garage with the help of my neighbors.
    One month later the car has been driven a total of 50 feet. It died at that point and was again pushed into the garage. Luckily for me I have 2 long time friends who have been Mopar fanatics since birth.
    Here is a partial listing of things we have found so far: (Not just mechanical).
    1 Various size spark plugs in the car.
    2 Wrong alternator brackets.
    3 Incorrect oil dipstick and tube.
    4 Incorrect power steering cap.
    5 Leaking power steering fluid.
    6 Low level of transmission fluid.
    7 Chipped drivers windshield
    8 Wiper arms that looked like they were found in a junkyard
    9 Scratched and nicked new Rallye Rims.
    10 Loose rear bumper brackets
    11 Orange peel paint, paint drips.
    12 Chipped paint
    13 Dash and dome lights not working
    14 Major steering issue.
    15 Various missing metal and plastic pieces throughout the vehicle
    16 Missing many fasteners throughout the vehicle
    17 Hole in the carpet
    18 Many wiring issues
    19 Incorrect rear brake calipers that are both gouged from the wheels trying to turn.
    20 Poor fit on trunk.
    21 Incorrect gaps on drivers door.
    22 Bubbles in the vinyl roof.

    I am sure there are many more and these are just issues that have been spotted before the car has been driven. These issues will all get fixed at an additional cost to me. Once it is complete the car will be sold. I have lost interest in the hobby now. This experience has left a sour taste in my mouth. I have lost the trust that I once had in people.
    I know that I made mistakes in this transaction. I bought a car sight unseen. I trusted a person that I did not know.
    My advice to anyone new or old to this hobby is to only place your trust in people that you truly know or you may end up like me and get truly burned.

    Steve :sadwavey:
    sorry about that it is tough to get good work done.
    I have 3 ground up builds. 2 hotrods and a 1973 restomod challenger. Both shops did an awesome job with little to no issues. I'm in Ontario too. If you need help try www.oddballkustoms.com or unique rides and customs in orillia. If you want to see my cars first I'm in Newmarket.
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    Offline brads70

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #20 on: November 10, 2011 - 06:11:28 PM »
    I'm not that far from you here in Barrie, if you need something? :wave: 
    Between all the minds on here I'm sure we can get her on the road!
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    Brad
    1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
    Barrie,Ontario,Canada
    Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

    My restoration thread 
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
     My handling upgrade post
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

    Offline Ghost

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #21 on: November 10, 2011 - 06:33:06 PM »
    Certain member?  Could I ask who?  Wouldn't want other people to get burned by this guy.
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    Offline torredcuda

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #22 on: November 10, 2011 - 07:19:50 PM »
    Resto here-
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=70950.0

    It obviuosly wasn`t a complete concours resto but different size spark plugs and such is pretty shoddy.Some things like brackets,dipstick,ps cap and such are minor and easily fixed but if you paid for the correct items and the correct installation of them then ya-you got screwed.Other problems like chipped paint,drips,missing and non-working stuff is again shoddy work.Hopefully your buds and some of us here can help you out if youdecide to keep her.  :wave:
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    Jeff
    72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
    70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
    70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
    04 Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi

    Offline 74challenger03

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #23 on: November 10, 2011 - 07:57:41 PM »
    sorry about what happened, glad your putting it away for the winter. the car is worth keeping when you get it to run better you will start to enjoy it. its sad but i must agree alot of people are jerks out there. they just dont want to tell the truth. sold my 69rt charger told the guy everything about it,he came looked and bought it with not asking one question. always wanted a e-body so a bought one. ya the guy kinda screwed me. he rigged the wiring,6 burnt wires on the fuse box. but i know when i start it ,it moves me inside so there is hope. good luck and never look back look ahead
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    What does it profit a man to gain the whole would and lose his soul.

    Offline bandt

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #24 on: November 10, 2011 - 08:23:57 PM »
    Sorry to hear about that. Has happened to lots of us.

    I was told my car was all steel and rust free, had a bunch of engine work done, ie polished and ported x heads blah, blah, blah.
    Turns out I paid a ton of money for a rotten cheese filled body and a stock 340 with a cam, that ran like a turd.

    Did a resto the way I wanted, (still needs some good heads) but now I love it. Nothing looks or sounds like these cars.
     Time heals all. I think by next spring you'll be itching to get it tuned and on the street.

    BTW I'm in Cambridge, Ontario.

    Brian
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    Offline Super Blue 72

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #25 on: November 10, 2011 - 08:49:10 PM »
     :sadwavey: Hi Steve, real sorry to hear what happened.  Really is disappointing after waiting all that time. 

    Unless I missed it, have you contacted the seller to see if something can be done or get some money back to have repairs done?    :dunno:

    Like others have already mentioned, don't jump ship yet.  You already spent some money on it.  Take a break, take a deep breath and just take one step at a time.  To be in this hobby is not a fleeting thing but inside you have a passion for cars.  I don't think that passion has died but right now you need some healing time. 

    If that previous link is the link to the car, at least form those pics it looks decent, WAY better than what my car looks like.  just go down the list, one thing at a time and I think you'll get your smile back.  :2cents:  Weh life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  If you get rid of the car, what will you have?  You already made an investment into it.
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    1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

    Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

    Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger

    Offline Cdnchallenger

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #26 on: November 10, 2011 - 09:09:36 PM »
    Yes that previous link is of my car.

    My expectations for this car were very high. One of the things that concerns me most are the incorrect parts. Minor yes, but still very frustrating. Our deal was that the seller would tell me what he needed as the build went along. I never questioned why such and such was being done I just bought what I was told was needed. So, tell me I need a correct alternator bracket and I will buy one, pick up the correct dipstick and tube and I will pay for it. Hookup the dashlights and I will pay for your labor. If the calipers are incorrect, replace them. Road test the car before you ship it.  I know a lot of these things may seem minor to most of you but its the principle that bothers me. Wheres the integrity of some people? Where is the pride in your workmanship?

    The sellers only response to me has been. " What do you want me to say"
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    Offline Road_Runner

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #27 on: November 10, 2011 - 10:07:06 PM »
    I think its the rare occasion that work like this goes smoothly.  I've heard so many horror stories that yours although bad, doesn't really shock me.  At least you have your car mostly intact, and although you have a list of things needing attention it sounds like the cars is at least OK.  I agree with the previous sentiment, get it running and start getting enjoyment out of it.  If you sell it now you really lose all the $$ but if you keep it as the car you've always wanted and enjoy it, the money will be well spent in the long run.  Good luck and hang in there.

    Later, Jim
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    1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
    1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
    2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black

    Offline jimynick

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #28 on: November 10, 2011 - 10:33:43 PM »
    I think you've got a good plan. Put the car away for a while and re-group. If you decide to get going on it down the road and convince CP to come back north to  help, let me know as well. I live in Cambridge and Ajax isn't that far away. Keep the faith- remember that old Roman phrase? Goes something like "non illegitimi carborundum" - Don't let the bastards grind you down. Ian  :thumbsup:
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    Offline mopar12372

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    Re: What a fool I was. Thats it for me.
    « Reply #29 on: November 10, 2011 - 10:36:45 PM »
    (what do you want me to say?) wtf ..............
       been there done that ---> what i have done when someone doesnt do as they say well ..... i ask for money to replace or repair what IS NEEDED  to make it fair for the both of us . yes he did go through some problems if so at least be honest and up front and not just ship the car because its been sooo long . a deal is a deal . fk dude let it rest over the winter . then have your cuda-CHALLENGER BRETHERN IN CANADA come over for a bbq and some drinks to shoot the **** and look over the car and have fun with it .thats what  you bought it for right?     :bigsmile: the seller will make it right.................
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