JCF: It was a good idea at the time.... - Page 2

Mike48 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 02:40 PM

It is so close that JCF could finish it in a few days if they put the effort into it. But, that's the problem I've had to deal with for all these years; getting them to work the car. Cobra/AC Replica or not, dealing with John/JCF over the past 6 years and 9 months has been like masturbating with sand-paper and I'm done. I've lost interest in the car so I'll just take the money.

Maricopa · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:13 PM

Not that I don't think he shouldn't be harassed (hell, he should be strung up

) but we're not the ones to do it and I think you should be worried about possible legal action should he take exception to a bunch of people from this site deciding to take you up on your request. You should be 'harassing' him with the law but unfortunately it sounds like your arrangement means there's little you can do other than wait for the late checks.

It might be worth it to get a trailer and simply go get it.

What a complete drag, I feel for ya.

thudmaster · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:27 PM

Will he let you come up there and just take the thing out of there unfinished?

Mike48 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:41 PM

I hear you about the calls. I've also talked to John about going up and getting it/him delivering it and finishing it myself. He would have to give me some money to make up for my losses and allow me to finish the car (I did pay him in full to build a turn-key car); that he won't do. So I'm stuck with waiting years to break even.

RedBarchetta · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike48

I contractred JCF/Johns Custom Fabrication out of Coos Bay, OR to build a turn-key slabside and was promised a 6 month build/delivery time. That was over six and one half years ago...John is a nice guy...At the four year mark I asked John why the car had not been completed and his answer was "because it hasn't".

I have read every response to this thread. And I'm still scratching my head. How does "nice guy" and "horse$#!t attitude" fit in the same opening description of the issue at hand?

From my viewpoint, he's not a nice guy and definitely not a man of his word. Forget the fact that you may have lost interest in the car. You still have rights and you could still flat bed that sucker back to your place and find a willing buyer that wishes to put into it what little time (???) is apparently required to make it road worthy.

Do what you want, but please don't be coming into a public forum whining about your predicament if you're not willing to grow some and grab the bull by the horns. I honestly wish I could help you...you seem like a nice guy. Maybe too nice.

-Dean

Mike48 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 03:43 PM

Dean...please don't be comming to a "public forum" telling me not to post. And, I'm "whinining" about as much as you're "whinning" about how I'm dealing with JCF. You were credible right up to the point of getting personal. Again,the only reason I'm posting is to give warning to others that might want to deal with him. I have a contract with JCF that they are not in violation of and I am content with. And, it is my personal opion that John is a nice guy in the sense that he is personable; anyone who as met the guy agrees. Un-organized and the definition of irresponsible, but still personable. And, for what it's worth, I'm open to selling the car to anyone who wants to and go and get it. But, unless someone is going to buy it where it is, I'm not going to stop taking the monthly money.

RedBarchetta · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 06:18 PM

Mike, sorry if I came off as getting personal...that was not my intent. I wish you well with your endeavor. You ought to just list it here and direct people to John and allow them to feel his kindness, accordingly. Too bad that this guy saddled your ability to experience your dreams though, and he's paying you for the let down through some weird monthly arrangement....I don't get it and I don't want to get it. All I know is that you can't get all those years back, and that's the real tragedy here.

Mike48 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 07:08 PM

Hey, Dean...I'm sorry about the backlash. Please don't take in personally; this entire mess has got me on edge. And, I do appreciate your input. Throughout these posts of mine I've tried to be as objective as possible about John and JCF. The truth is that you are dead on about the dreams and time lost and it sends me into a near rage when I think about what it has cost me on that level. The contract I have with him is simple: if he doesn't have the car built and delivered to me by a certian date every month, he has to send me a check. This goes on until he builds and delivers the car and at this point monthly money is more appealing to me than having to do something I have already paid John to do. Again, sorry for snapping at you.

PDUB · #9 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 01:54 AM

Either I am missing something here or this thread is smellin' fishy

. It just doesn't add up.

Why would this guy be paying money to hold a car that is almost finished? That would make him a total idiot

on top of what he's been made out to be... unless it is like $20 a month (tongue in cheek

).

Doesn't this seem strange to anyone else here, too?

I'll admit, it's past my bedtime, so I could be off base... but?

aks801 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 06:48 AM

PDub: I agree with you, man. This is just ludicrous. If the car is in fact "just a few days work" from being finished, either the builder would just buckle down and do it and get out from under this, or the buyer could just pick it up and do it himself.

It doesn't add up, and I wouldn't mind seeing this thread locked down, if for no other reason than I wouldn't have to see it pop up anymore!

terry mason · #11 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 06:52 AM

I have worked with John on two Cobras and Mike is Right about John being his own person. Mike and I have meet and John and I have talked about Mikes situation in person. I have seen the car and Mike has ridden in mine on one occation. This is a very different deal than I have ever seen, the story is as Mike has laid it out. NO FISH that I am awary of.

terry mason · #12 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 06:55 AM

I saw the car three years ago and it was a long way from being done, body and bare frame only.

joe g · #13 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 05:19 PM

how much each month does he send you? this whole thing makes no sense!
No one waits 7 years for a car!
joeg

Mike48 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 07:59 PM

JFC sends me just enough to bug, but not hurt, JCF. Going up and getting the car is not an option: John has repeatedly rejected that idea and, more to the point, I'm not going to shell out what-ever money it would take to buy all the missing parts and finish it when I've already paid, in full, to have it done. I've only really "waited" for about 18 months before I started trying to put pressure on him. I say "trying" because nothing really worked, it only pissed him off...Daily calls, no change; letters of offers to quit, no answer/no change, letters demanding a delivery date, no answer/no change;visits to the shop, no change; people calling/going to see John, no change; friends bugging him, no change; threats of a lawyer, no change. I've done everything but post here, which I'm doing now, and guess what? No change. I haven't waited 7 years, I've been forced to put up with them just not doing the work. None of it is rational.

thudmaster · #15 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 09:18 PM

You say you are a teacher. I hope you don't teach economics at chico state....

Mike48 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 10:37 PM

Less than a year from now JCF will have sent me back all of my money and still owe me a car. Maybe I should teach Econ. Maybe you should sign up if I do. LOL>>LOL.

HI Cobra · #17 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 10:55 PM

At least you are getting your $ back, but the whole point of having one of these
cars is the sheer fun of driving one and even better yet, the people you get to meet
who also share the adventure, which, for now, you are missing. JMHO.

thudmaster · #18 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 11:20 PM

I don't like your math sorry to say. You have lost alot of time, energy and sleep over this. You are a very patient man to sit back a take it from this fella. You may get your money back but the time lost with your family over this can never be regained. I wish you well with this endevor and I am certainly glad it is not me in it.
As far as you teaching econ and me taking your class....nah, I had enough of that long ago.

Trueoo7 · #19 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 05:07 AM

You're probably not the only one waiting, and this results in simple physics: the guy will satisfy the highest pressure first. So put as much pressure on him as you can, like calling him twice a day and/or send him 1000 emails a day (could be automated).

Just like he said.......The squeaky wheel gets the grease !!

Paul F · #20 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 07:42 AM

Rather than pick on Mike48, let's appreciate his post for what it is; a lesson for those considering the purchase of a new roadster from one of the many vendors out there. One must be cautious, especially now, as vendors may look viable, but be on the verge of collapse.

- Always give yourself leverage via a strong contract with very specific terms including payment schedules, deliver dates, and penalties.
- Keep your leverage by holding back fees unless terms of the contract are met.
- Never pay huge down payments or full fees, especially now. You have no leverage. Demand for full payment or large down payments from vendors may be an indicator that they have serious cash flow problems.
- Go with vendors that have a good track record.