Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I think I would mail the titles to Nick along with a letter authorizing him to pick up the cars. Then Nick can bring a police officer with him and pick them both up. Show up unannounced. This guy is stealing your money and will probably steal what he can off the cars. Get back what you can now. I speak from experience by being ripped off by a slick talking deadbeat named Lipke from Castlerock Colorado. Ended up hiring a Private Investigator to find what was left of my car.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

Charlie,

Thank you for the advice - sucks to hear that the same has happened to you in the past.

The problem I have is that only one of the cars is mine. The coupe that was sent there for final body work and paint is my car and the convertible I was purchasing from the shop so technically I guess I do not own it until I take possession of the car or title. I have paid for the car in full (only by the shop screwing me over) but the title was never sent to me.

I was assured by thier attorney that I would get a reply next week to my request to inspect the cars and remove my coupe if it was complete. I also demanded a check for the unused balance for work that I told them not to complete due to the circumstances.

If all goes well and the attorney sets a date for this to happen I think I will have Nick go there in an attempt to inspect my cars and remove if possible. Not knowing him but hearing the few comments from other people here I have confidence that he will properly represent my rights. The attorney asked about 3 times how many people I desired to send for inspection - I guess the owner must be aware of the fact that I have had enough of his bullshit and lies and will do what I have to do at this point to recover my propery and money.

Anything short of them agreeing to this I will take alternative measures to recover my monies and property. At that point I could care less if 50 guys go there and barracade them all in the shop until they come out with my cars and money.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I hate that this happened to you. Good, dependable restorers are a precious commodity. When you find one that you can trust (many on this site) - stick with 'em!

Charlie is right about taking the cops with you. Too many crazy people have weapons these days. I've had experience with taking a bunch of "friends" to recover my stuff. We were successful, but it had the potential to be very messy. Looking back - I wouldn't do it again.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I hope that some time in the future you will reveal the name of the shop........so others will benefit by not using this guy in the future.......I seem to remember a couple of years ago someone having a like experience from a restorer in the Woodtock area......Hummmm!!!

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I would not go there without the police, just to ensure that this is documented if it should go through the courts. If nick has the title and a noterized letter from you authorizing him as your agent for removal of said vehicle. Do you have proof of payment that all work is paid? This is all that should be needed, and the officer will agree and tell the shop owner to release the vehicle. All officers and police dept. are different, but i hope they don't take the easy way out and say it is a civil matter for the courts. I would also notify the police ahead of time and explain the whole situation.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

When the issue is resolved I will disclose the name of the shop that was involved in this. At this time I do not want to add another dynamic of difficulty with the shop discovering this and stating that I am slandering thier business and use this as another means to delay giving me my cars and or money.

I do not want to see anyone else go through what I am going through. Most of us work very hard for our money and our cars mean alot to us so when you mess with either of them it makes for a bad situation. With the help of the Yenko.net guys I am sure we will get this resolved and I will post some pics of the cars once I get them and complete them.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I recommend showing up with the right towing company that will scare the xyz out of them. Have them consider the state showing up going through their shop going over 'everything'. My father in law works at a towing company in chicago (melrose park), and they also tow for the state (so they have that connection).

You go in there without the state police on your side, it could get worse for you.

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

make the appointment, if at all possible get on a plane and go yourself,take Police, titles and have transportation in line....GO GET UM!

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

I would contact your attorney and get him involved. Probably worth the cost at this juncture.

I would also get the garage to FedEx you the title to the convertible you bought from them. Do you have it in writing that they sold you this car? It would be a shame for you to have invested so much money into the car and then have them back out of the deal.

Best of luck!

Re: Anyone in Woodstock, Il. Area?
 

Just a thought; you may want to consider getting your original car and the money back for the convertible.

Something tells me that if they are this difficult to deal with regarding getting the cars to you, what are the chances their work is at the level you are expecting/deserve?