Interested in helping build this guy's dream?

"chiefstinky" (chiefstinky)
04/15/2015 at 01:05 • Filed to: colorado, mustang, engine rebuild, dream car, gofundme, Rosie

The backstory is that this guy, Joe Cole, went to a shady mechanic, and got screwed. He wanted his engine rebuilt for his '65 Mustang, named Rosie. Joe Cole lives here in Aurora, Colorado, where I hang my hat. He was promised a rebuild for $900, but after shelling out $600 more, only got his car back, with no rebuild.

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Small claims court, etc, buyer beware, avoid shady deals and so on.

Bottom line though, would you guys be interested in helping Joe out to build his dream car?

I've been talking to Classic Mustangs LLC, based here in Castle Rock, about the guy's situation. They think ballpark figure of $4000 for the rebuild, but will likely require other work. Specifically,

"In car service, complete engine rebuild would be close to 4000. Given the age of the car other things likely needing to be done to make it a reliable driver like a new radiator, carb work, exhaust ect. This would push the bill even higher. The actual true cost to do restoration work on classics opens up an opportunity for rookies and home based operations to offer low prices and then the unsuspecting low knowledge customers fall right into the trap and all parties end up losing out."

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Based on their ballpark figure, I would say we're looking at $10,000 for a decent engine rebuild plus other work to get the car in shape, on the road, and allowing Joe to fulfill his dream.

Now I don't know Joe, he's just a fellow car guy with a dream. I've contacted the reporter who provided the story, and have asked her to put me in touch with him. I imagine he has to go through small claims court to try to get his money back. I can imagine that's a time consuming process, with a small likelihood of getting restitution.

So, thoughts? Would you guys kick in a small donations to help him out? If so, I will look into a Gofundme link.

All photos courtesy of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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DISCUSSION (17)

jester74 > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 01:10

I can't believe that this guy believed that someone would rebuild his engine for 900 bucks. Still sucks he got hosed.

chiefstinky > jester74
04/15/2015 at 01:14

I agree with you, it does suck, and hindsight's so much clearer than wishful hoping for a good deal.

jester74 > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 01:19

I lived in Aurora for 10 years and know some classic car guys there. They might want to help out. I'll get in touch with them and see what's what.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 01:19

900 bucks? that wouldn't even cover the cost of new pistons. sure sucks to be the end of the stick.

chiefstinky > jester74
04/15/2015 at 01:24

Roger that, thank you.

chiefstinky > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
04/15/2015 at 01:26

True, and Joe is out $1500 and got nothing. He's paid the price for his mistake. Unfortunately, there are scammers and dbags everywhere.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 02:53

this is part of the reason why I work hard. It'll be cheaper and easier in the long run if it's done right the first time.

Hi there > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 03:31

Sorry to say it but this guy should drive a camry or some other appliance. If he believed he could get a full motor rebuild for $900 on a car from the 60's... Well, lets say he got off lightly.

505Turbeaux > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 07:32

I don't want to seem cold hearted, but give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he eats for a lifetime. Aint hard to build an engine or do mechanical work on a mustang. He wanted an old car, he should just cut his losses and learn to work on it himself. I guess it is my prejudice against the internet righting all financial wrongs

cornerslide > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 08:15

This type of thing exists in home repair and remodeling as well. As much as I don't like having things over regulated, these two businesses are woefully under regulated as far as who is allowed to work on homes and automobiles. The more that is required to of someone to get into this type of work the less you would see of this type of thing. Homes and cars cost way too much to be put in the hands of non professionals. It would also help if consumers would stop believing what is too good to be true. That being said I'm sorry your friend had this happen. It's a situation that makes a person feel violated in some way and know way to make it right.

chiefstinky > 505Turbeaux
04/15/2015 at 10:01

Thank you for your comment. I don't think we should right all wrongs, but do think we can help out a wrong here or there.

chiefstinky > Hi there
04/15/2015 at 10:03

He probably has a daily driver. He made an unwise decision that he'd get a break on a rebuild, and paid the price for it.

505Turbeaux > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 10:15

I agree with you, I think I am jaded a bit by all of the people in my town whose cars got destroyed this winter without proper insurance and people were gofunding them left and right. Oh poor XXXXXX needs a car to get .5 miles to work and ice fell on the roof of it and they had liability only, so they need 5 grand to replace their Cavalier.

Regardless, I am always out to help a fellow car guy in need, but usually my charity involves - you bring me your car and parts and a 12 pack and I am going to show you how to do this yourself, even if I know the person doesn't have any mechanical ability or interest. And even I have gotten burned on that end. No beer and somehow I end up buying parts!

It truly sucks and it sounds like alot of people got burned on that deal with the guy. I lived in Denver too for some years - if I was out there I would certainly donate some time and parts to the cause.

chiefstinky > 505Turbeaux
04/15/2015 at 10:20

Whoa, you even made your own anti-gofundme article :) But that's why I put this article up, just to see if there was interest.

505Turbeaux > chiefstinky
04/15/2015 at 10:23

yeah it was deep in the winter and there was a rash of unwarranted gofundmes going on so I was pissed. Tough winter, I made it, and my car got screwed up numerous times due to ice, snow and people who dont know how to deal with either. Good luck though!

chiefstinky > chiefstinky
04/18/2015 at 20:14

Joe, Rosie’s owner, got in touch with me. Here’s his response.

“this caught me by surprise , Having worked on this car for a year and a half Ive come to a halt from all the litigation involved in trying to resolve this issue . I have taken this individual to civil court but don’t expect anything back ( He has nothing). I also proceeded criminal charges which have consumed all my time . this guy charged me 3 grand and stoled my motor, transmission and radiator .I have since replaced all three , just need to get them installed . what a nightmare this became , still costing money for all the legal aspects . I guess I still have my car , just wish I would have purchased one done . I have all new parts Ive purchased over the year, just need someone to install everything ....... speechless for any reason why some outsider would take interest ~ joe”

With that, I will probably proceed with the gofundme. It might not help much, but I’d like to see if we can help a little.

Regards,
Steve

chiefstinky > jester74
04/18/2015 at 20:15

Jester, see my latest response post. Any interest from your friends?