Barry Martin (Sonic Motors)

[RamAirJohn]

Dayton T/A Nat's- approx. (3 yrs ago)
Purchased (1) NOS '68 Firebird 4bbl Carb Throttle Cable from Barry Martin for $70. There were a few of these sitting in his display area; all described by Barry as NOS for '68/'69 Firebird 4Bbl applications. Only identifying feature was a yellow piece of tape. Not having my notes with me at the moment, I took his word for it and his promise to fully refund my money if it was not correct.

Upon checking later that week, I discovered what Barry had sold me for $70 was actually the 2Bbl Throttle Cable that was currently (at that time) still available from GM for $25. The difference is in the length. I called Barry several times and could never reach him on the phone; always leaving messages for him to call about this matter. I never received a call (or message) back from him. Eventually saw him at the POCI Nat's in Grand Rapids, MI. I brought the incorrect cable with me that he sold me, explained to him the differences and he took it saying he'd check for a correct 4Bbl cable. No refund at that time since I figured he'd have a 4Bbl cable and that would be that. Days, weeks go by. More un-returned calls to Barry. No resolution.

I see him again at a local Mich. show last year.
Mention the matter to him and he replies:
"That was a long time ago". Then ignores me to talk to other people.

Finally, I see him at the Dayton T/A Nat's this year. Again, bring up the subject and he replies:
"I do not remember that transaction or you giving me the cable at all". He basically said that since it was so long ago, too bad.

Thing is, when I bought the cable, another '68 Firebird enthusiast I met there (Roy Aho from TX) said he needed one and also went over to buy one).

So, he received $70 for a misrepresented cable AND he received the cable back. Nice way to make money.

Barry has known me for almost 20 yrs and this is how he promotes customer service ?

I would not recommend him to anyone because of this incident nor will I ever purchase anything from him again.

[ August 26, 2002, 04:21 PM: Message edited by: RamAirJohn ]

[RamAirJohn]

Dayton T/A Nat's- approx. (3 yrs ago)
Purchased (1) NOS '68 Firebird 4bbl Carb Throttle Cable from Barry Martin for $70. There were a few of these sitting in his display area; all described by Barry as NOS for '68/'69 Firebird 4Bbl applications. Only identifying feature was a yellow piece of tape. Not having my notes with me at the moment, I took his word for it and his promise to fully refund my money if it was not correct.

Upon checking later that week, I discovered what Barry had sold me for $70 was actually the 2Bbl Throttle Cable that was currently (at that time) still available from GM for $25. The difference is in the length. I called Barry several times and could never reach him on the phone; always leaving messages for him to call about this matter. I never received a call (or message) back from him. Eventually saw him at the POCI Nat's in Grand Rapids, MI. I brought the incorrect cable with me that he sold me, explained to him the differences and he took it saying he'd check for a correct 4Bbl cable. No refund at that time since I figured he'd have a 4Bbl cable and that would be that. Days, weeks go by. More un-returned calls to Barry. No resolution.

I see him again at a local Mich. show last year.
Mention the matter to him and he replies:
"That was a long time ago". Then ignores me to talk to other people.

Finally, I see him at the Dayton T/A Nat's this year. Again, bring up the subject and he replies:
"I do not remember that transaction or you giving me the cable at all". He basically said that since it was so long ago, too bad.

Thing is, when I bought the cable, another '68 Firebird enthusiast I met there (Roy Aho from TX) said he needed one and also went over to buy one).

So, he received $70 for a misrepresented cable AND he received the cable back. Nice way to make money.

Barry has known me for almost 20 yrs and this is how he promotes customer service ?

I would not recommend him to anyone because of this incident nor will I ever purchase anything from him again.

[ August 26, 2002, 04:21 PM: Message edited by: RamAirJohn ]

[RAJ7395]

That sucks!!

I bought 2 NOS 69 Firebird tail panels, 1 69 TA hood, 1 upper RA pan, 1 lower RA pan (with screen) and 2 NOS 69 firbird front fenders from him with out a problem. The parts where very expensive and took a while to get but he got them fo me.

I guess I got lucky.

[Tom Vaught]

I have had dealings with Barry too, over many years. In defense of Barry, he sells a lot of parts. Over a period of years I am sure that he would not remember every transaction. I don't consider Barry to be a crook, just a guy trying
to make a living who will sometimes sell a part
without full research on that part. (Especially
if he got the parts as part of a group deal). I
have never personally got stung by Barry but I
have always made sure I know what I was buying first before I gave him the money. Once he has the money, his memory of the transaction fades
quickly due to the volume of parts he sells. In
RAMAIRJOHN's case, I am sure that John considered
Barry a personal friend from the number of shows where they saw each other and sold parts. Most
parts have some interchange where the part can still fit. In the Cable example, this is not the case and Barry should return John's money at the
first opportunity. JMA Tom V.

[Half-Inch Stud]

I too have transacted Sells and Buys with Barry Martin over 20years. Mixed bag; he likes to Buy the parts low and sell high...while I wanted&needed the cash. I usually set the price.

Sometimes I think he shoulda bought some items (70 Formula 12Bolt posi for $175) but he passed up.

Other times he bought parts at full retail from me and was seemingly grateful that I had the part.

Pretty sure he's a businessman first when he's at the track swapmeets. Saw him at Maple Grove and we said hi, and talked a bit about Bud Lyon's Q-Jet. (1974 455 T/A carb, over the counter exact replacement carb made in 1981)...Barry said "let me know if he wants to sell it".

H.I. Stud

[Ccass]

I was contacted by Barry Martin and asked to post this message. I normally ask all to register and post themselves but he is still in the dark ages when it comes to computers and does not use the internet. Another PY member brought this topic to his attention by faxing it to him.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
In reference to the above topic;

aka John Schuh
Highland Park, MI


Yes, I may have sold him a cable represented as new and that it would work for his application.

I received two or three calls from him and we discussed it three years ago. I thought the issue was resolved then.

I deal with up to 40 customers a day, over 3 years, that is a lot to remember. I have known this person for about 15 years as he lives in my area. I bought a few parts from him some 15 years ago at a State Fair Swap Meet. I had problems with the parts. I have had no other business dealings with him since.

I have never been in this persons home or garage and I may see him once a year at a swap meet. He never sells anything to me as he states that he does. He states a 20 year relationship or friendship. By this address, he lives 13 miles or so from me. My business shop is open to the public week days 11-7 pm He could and should have resolved any problems back 3 years ago.

I don't consider this any kind of relationship. I stand behind all parts I sell.

Barry Martin
Sonic Motors
9110 Hickory Ridge Rd
Holly, MI 48442
810-750-1421
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[This message was edited by Ccass on March 10, 2003 at 10:44 AM.]

[Ccass]

Any other details about this issue should now be resolved offline.

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Fool around, Get hurt, don't come crying to me.