Rookie's First Restoration Attempt...

[BBShark]

The first clues were the dust bunnies and sand in the valve covers.

Sand? WOW!

 

[mrvette]

The first clues were the dust bunnies and sand in the valve covers.

Sand? WOW!

YO@!!!!!!!:crap::stirpot:

 

[Kid Vette]

I have gone back and forth on whether I wanted to inform you guys of what really happened with the engine I received from Mike. And, quite frankly, I was originally going to let is slide and forget the whole ordeal all together. However, I really can't not say anything after the amount of hours Rick has put in for me to rebuild my entire engine, from top to bottom, on his own time. If it wasnt for Rick and Byron, this engine would have blown up the first time it was started. I am not going to post pictures of the engine I received, as it isnt necessary. All you need to know is that I was taken advantage of, and my spirits went downhill after I spent $700 in shipping, and waited two years for Mike to build my motor for me. It has severed are relationship unfortunately. I know Mike will respond to this post, but I truly feel I needed to post this and get it off my chest. It really hurt me emotionally and financially, and I didn't deserve what happened to me.

At this point I think you need to spill your guts on what happened. Mike makes his living working on Vettes and your remarks have already cast a shadow on his reputation which will also affect his livelihood. Better to get it out in the open where he can respond to it. Just my $.02.

 

[MYBAD79]

Mike is one of the last people I would expect shotty workmanship from, based on feedback he's got all over the internet .... Personally, i only bought a few parts from him but never had a reason to complain, talked with him once or twice on the phone, seemed to be a great guy, would really like to hear both sides of this story - sand in an engine doesn't sound like something that leaves his shop but sure, if I saw sand under the valve covers I'd be quiet upset too ....

 

[stinger12]

My custom made rims arrived just in time for my birthday tomorrow!

 

[1Michel]

Wow, well what can I say???
Happy birthday Jeremy!

 

[stinger12]

I'll let mike respond To this thread.

 

[Kid Vette]

I'll let mike respond To this thread.

Looks like he chose to respond at the other forum.

You're right Jeremy, I am going to respond.

 

[1Michel]

I'll let mike respond To this thread.

Looks like he chose to respond at the other forum.

You're right Jeremy, I am going to respond.

Hummm!
Lesson here Jeremy.
Got ot be carefull and realize that this is a small world.

 

[MYBAD79]

I read the response at that "other forum" .... I really see Mike's point but I still don't understand the explanation for the sand in the engine .... See, I really don't want to get in your two's personal business but until you got this new job at this bodywork/resto place you took Mike's word as God's word and everything he said was the word of the law .... Now it changed to whatever Byron says is the new law --- one example is your wheels, for years it was the Ansen style 10x15, now a sudden change of heart and its bigger rims with modern tires that are wide enough to actually fill the flared fenders .... Don't get me wrong, i like both style wheels but you were so set on these 15" with 295 tires for so long .... And I have told you a long time ago they wouldn't fill your flared fenders and sit too far inward....
Bottom line: I still don't understand how the friggin sand got in there ....

 

[MYBAD79]

Hey Jeremy, besides all the crap that's going on : the new wheels look great and HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!!

 

[Kid Vette]

Stinger, you are doing a remarkable job and providing us all with a valuable service. Save all of your photos and documentation 'cause I see a how-to book in your future. Who knows, if you publish a book you can hire someone to do all the grunt work next time around. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to share all of this info. J:clap:

Mike and I are planning on writing a book in the future.

Well, I guess the book deal fell through. :stirpot:

 

[stinger12]

No, that is incorrect. I convinced myself to keep the ansens originally due to cost. Yeah, I know I said they filled the flares just fine, but It was always in the back of my head Karsten. And it was more than just sand, trust me.

There are a thousand ways I can respond to your message Mike, and it took me a while to make this decision.

I'd first like to start off by thanking you, and this isn't being sarcastic, for everything you have done for me over the past couple of years. I've learned a ton from you, you've always answered my phone calls, took the time to make sure I understood things correctly...the whole 10 yards. I would have been lost without your guidance and it wouldn't have turned out the way it did. You took me into your home, and had me down in Dallas for a week, so I could learn from you. I have a lot of respect for you, as much as you don't think I do anymore. You even taught me how to deal with my last employer situation, which I asked you for advice on. I couldn't thank you enough for that. I quit that "job", and got a career at Alternative Restoration, which has changed my life. I couldn't be happier now. Byron is as much as a friend to me as he is a boss. The man is incredibly talented.

There were dozens of mistakes made, but I have enough respect that I am not going to post them. I personally went to the machine shop here in Calgary and talked directly to Jeremy Butler, who measured the crank and went through the engine again for me. So for you to say that I didn't get a professional opinion is incorrect.

We are finished with the engine, and I am finished with this debate. I got it off of my chest, which was not an easy decision to make. I received the engine in February, and didn't say a word about it till about a month ago. That's how long it took me to make the decision to make a post about it. I wish you the best of luck with your business.

To get back to the thread, yes, those tires are bfgoodrich kdw's.

 

[BBShark]

My custom made rims arrived just in time for my birthday tomorrow!

Who is the manufacturer of the custom made rims?

 

[stinger12]

My custom made rims arrived just in time for my birthday tomorrow!

Who is the manufacturer of the custom made rims?

Billet specialties.

 

[stinger12]

As I said before, I am done with this debate. Onward with the build.

Driveshaft is installed. Just buttoning up the last few items on the chassis, then I'm all over the body again. Getting really excited now.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

I have been reading this thread and it's been bugging me all this time but I have kep my mouth shut, however I will speak up now.

I know what the issue is Jeremy, it's YOU! You started off with a build, doing things for the 1st time back on CF and immediately you wre commenting on how your way was the best way and the only way, telling it to people who have forgotten more about these and other cars than you can ever hope to learn in. Then there was some poor story and parts begging, followed by some kind of sponsor/money deals there (I remember that binnie guy sending money?) and then some tool begging. Then You got into contact with Mike and every 2nd word was mike is a god, all hail to Mike and I'm sure that he does good work but it must have made him feel a little ashamed..I know I would have felt that. And now that you have a couple of new freinds you treat him like ****.

I will tell you this, I was buying stuff from Mike, and it was a lot of small stuff meaning a lot of sourcing here and there from him. Then one day I didn't get a reply to my request. He was too busy with other things and I suspect a large portion of that was helping you. I paid Mike whatever he was listing parts for, if he wanted more money because of the time invested in sourcing the parts he should have spoken up and I would have reimbursed his time... however that is not my point. My point is, the time he wasted on you he could have sold stuff to others and made money.

This is a disgusting way to treat other people.. downright sickening.

Get off your arrogant high horse, it does not suit you at all!

There..flame on...or pout.. I don't care. I said my piece!

 

[MYBAD79]

In the end only Mike and Jeremy really know what was going on and what was wrong with that engine.... I have to say, I'd be quiet upset too if I received an engine that I have to take apart because it's "full of sand" ....

what's really entertaining is comments on CF from guys who are afraid they might lock the thread over there.... freedom of speech I guess is still not very popular over there....

 

[mrvette]

GOD, reminds me of the last 'war', anyone remember DB?? Durango Boy?? and his attempt to keep some 750? bux from a friend down the road a ways?? RED was his handle, I think, but his name is Mike, he on my email list, I know Karsten has met him at least once, when Tim AT was down on one of his flip flights.....Jax? Miami?? been a couple years....:beer:

 

[Kid Vette]

In the end only Mike and Jeremy really know what was going on and what was wrong with that engine.... I have to say, I'd be quiet upset too if I received an engine that I have to take apart because it's "full of sand" ....

Mike acknowledged "over there" that sand probably got in the engine when he was driving it to the warehouse. Knowing Mike I'm sure he was willing to make it right which I'm guessing would only involve paying somebody to disassemble the engine, clean it and then reassemble it.

Other than that, we just have Jeremy's word (who has never even disassembled an engine as far as we know) that "this engine would have blown up the first time it was started", "there were dozens of mistakes made" and "it was more than just sand, trust me". Specifics and pics would go a long way to corroborate these accusations. Trashing somebody's reputation on the internet, especially when it could affect their livelihood should not be taken lightly.

I think all the praise on the forums has gone to somebody's head and he's a little too full of himself.

 

[vette]

In the end only Mike and Jeremy really know what was going on and what was wrong with that engine.... I have to say, I'd be quiet upset too if I received an engine that I have to take apart because it's "full of sand" ....

Mike acknowledged "over there" that sand probably got in the engine when he was driving it to the warehouse. Knowing Mike I'm sure he was willing to make it right which I'm guessing would only involve paying somebody to disassemble the engine, clean it and then reassemble it.

Other than that, we just have Jeremy's word (who has never even disassembled an engine as far as we know) that "this engine would have blown up the first time it was started", "there were dozens of mistakes made" and "it was more than just sand, trust me". Specifics and pics would go a long way to corroborate these accusations. Trashing somebody's reputation on the internet, especially when it could affect their livelihood should not be taken lightly.

I think all the praise on the forums has gone to somebody's head and he's a little too full of himself.

I'm afraid you’re right. Should have done it another way. Settle out of court would properly have been the best way and I'm sure no one would have gotten hurt since Mike properly didn't do it on purpose. That’s how he makes his living. Why would he jeopardize it? Don’t make sense to me. Maybe there is more to it than has been posted.

 

[stinger12]

Forgot to post pictures of the seats, as they are completed. They turned out really nice.

 

[010752]

You might be able to whine to a moderator over there, but let's see if TT agrees with them.

This is what was going over there after you last rediculous post.

There really is no need to lock this thread. If you haven't noticed, I have moved on, while the rest of you keep posting about the issue, hoping to get a response or another opinion out of me, which has not changed. I wanted everyone to know what happened between the two of us, that is all. I will continue to post updates of the project, we will be starting the body again shortly, and it will be ready for paint by November, and ready for world of wheels in February.

Still don't get it, do you. :crazy2:

Probably at this stage the only response anyone wants from you is to post a sincere apology to Traccdog. For all he has done for you, all he has gotten is NOTHING from you other than trying to publicly damage his reputation, irrespective of who you think is at fault for the engine defects, if indeed any at all.

And the body frame that you claim to have researched and designed and tried to sell has been commercially available for years.

But that seems to go along with your I, I, I, look at me attitude as evidenced throughout this whole thread.

Good luck in life.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Looks like the sanitation squad messed with the thread @ CF

 

[stinger12]

Actually, I didn't send any PM's to any moderators on the other forum. However, I did send three PM's to well known members on this forum, with pictures of the engine I received from the builder.

I'm going to continue posting updates. If the topic won't stay on track then I'll just stop posting on this thread here at vettemod as it isn't worth my time. If twin turbo feels that I am invading his forum by continuing to post updates, then all he has to say to me is to stop posting and I will stop.

 

[MYBAD79]

Actually, I didn't send any PM's to any moderators on the other forum. However, I did send three PM's to well known members on this forum, with pictures of the engine I received from the builder.

I'm going to continue posting updates. If the topic won't stay on track then I'll just stop posting on this thread here at vettemod as it isn't worth my time. If twin turbo feels that I am invading his forum by continuing to post updates, then all he has to say to me is to stop posting and I will stop.

Don't worry, keep posting the updates. You're close to driving it....

See, part of the problem is that you posted about how bad that engine is but did not post any details or evidence. I don't blame anybody for all the responses favoring Mike, knowing they have no other info than your posts...like I said in PM, you should have posted all of it or nothing.
If you don't want to post any more details about what was wrong with the engine then fine, your thread, your choice.

Looks like the CF crew is still sanitizing - nothing changed over there :lol:

 

[DC3]

I don't blame anybody for all the responses favoring Mike, knowing they have no other info than your posts.

Agreed and the information I do have leads me to favor Mike. He has an outstanding reputation. Jeremy is young and worshiped Mike when it was to his advantage. As Mike said, Jeremy now has a new best friend. Will he throw the new guy away when the next car god appears?

Photos or any other relevant information at this point wouldn't change things for me. How could I trust that any additional information was factual?

It's obvious from the build thread that Mike went out of his way and called in lots of favors to help Jeremy get an engine built on Jeremy's terms and budget. Jeremy should not have opened this can of worms publicly. It's hurt his image, the image of the company he works for, and Mike's image. It's divided people who were otherwise all on board to see Jeremy finish his project. I now have no interest in seeing the car finished. I'd rather see what Mike is up to.

DC

 

[stinger12]

Well it looks like my last post didn't have any meaning. For those of you who wanted to follow the finishing of this build on Vettemod, I am sorry. I will continue to post on CF, but I am obviously wasting my time here by posting updates, as there are members here who do not want to drop this issue.

Like I said before, I have moved on with the build, got it out in the open, and don't regret any of my posts about it one bit. I said I wouldn't post photos of the engine I received out of respect, and I stand by that. There are members here who have seen the photos, and that's all that matters to me.

Twin Turbo, you may close this thread if you wish.

 

[010752]

More with the I,I,I, me, me, me crap. :bs:

You obviously don't give a crap about anything but yourself.

And to suggest you are wasting your time, and just what did Mike waste.
How ironic.

I'm sure TT will appreciate you giving him permission to close this thread. :rofl:
(But somehow I don't think he's that stupid)

Face reality,
You're nothing but a cheap, delusional, arrogant, ungrateful and short little dweeb.

Perhaps with a little education, 30 years from now you just might realize how stupid you have been.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Members do not want to drop the issue? You brought it up and then people start commenting and then YOU tell them to stop and thei should seize immediately? Dude, you have NO ide how a forum, hell even the real world works. You do NOT pull any strings. If the others want to argue this in "your" (ahum) threads then they can by all means. It would be a different thing if someone else took stuff off topic in your builds thread.. but you brought it up, made it part of this thread so deal with it. And then the little BS about me, I don't feel like anyone is invading. I feel strongly for speaking up with whatever you have on your chest...I do that, I post how I see things. If you don't like it big deal. Don't tell me I can close this thread. I can close any or all threads as I wish. I don''t do that so keep stupid crap like that to yourself ... it's just stupid.

If you want to go to CF where the sanitation crew will chisel the skidmarks out of your undies ...so be it.

It's the same thing over and over again. You praised those flares that Stan made to high heaven, later you post they are junk. You posted you and some other guy you worship designed headlights for 90mm hella buckets...when will they be junk? I designed and built those things many years ago..., you just copied them. Anyone can copy them, the plans are here on VM.

You just love hearing praise from the sheeple, there's not many of them here so you choose to leave. Your actions, your choice

You don't contribute a lot anyway, just post your updates in your glory thread. Not a big loss at all. People ask about wheel or engine specs and you get all secret squirrel about them as if they are some kind of skunkworks development unlike anything ever seen before. Newsflash, there's always someone out there with deeper wallets and bigger/better stuff than you. Being a team player who shares gets you a lot further than being a little stuck up snob. Soon more people will hat your guts. I recognised you for what you are early on. Didn't feel the need to air it publically but you brought it all to the table. Like said before, your choises, your actions. Actions and reactions, deal with them. The way one portraits himself does have a large influence on the kind of reactions one gets on his actions. A valuable lesson to learn indeed. I know a lot of people think I'm an abrasive person. I know that and I accept the consequences. I never keep my mouth shut if I have something to say. I don't here and I never did @ CF oir DC and I did not have a ban hammer there did I? See Jeremy, this is all about you, how you come across in your thread. Sorry that you figured you would get more support but the reason you did not is all on you.

Yes I saw the pics. Can not comment on the tolerance and other machining errors. There was a lot of dust and sand in there. The sludge may well be moly greasae like arp grease. Don't know the details on everything but for whatever reason crap did get in that engine. That's between you and Mike and he actually gave an explanation on that issue. You chose to move along so we can only take his word as the truth or something close to it.

As for another engine building burning down his build, that's what most competitors do... tell you that the other guys work sucks. Without factual pics of toilerances with a mic we can not comment on that at all. The others have not seen the pics at all because you chose to keep them hidden. Again your choise, your actions and the resulting comments are a direct result of that.

Grow up