[Leftyarmstrong]

Plunged into the car hobby after retiring a couple years ago with the purchase of a 1965 Lemans convertible. I could write a book here but I'll skip to the last chapter. Did everything myself, engine/trans being the last to get tickled. I was in a driveline shop and picked up one of those throw away car magazines and flipped thru it. Saw an ad for "Serious Pontiac Horsepower" and made a note of the website. I was a babe in the woods. Believed it when the guy said he was great. Well, two weeks went to two months went to something like 9 months. I figured out what a fool I was along the way but it was too late. He had my old motor and alot of money. So, I kept on a full court press and got my engine. I was so greatful to get it I didn't yell about the absence of any sort of build sheet or dyno printout. He gave me a litany of lame excuses and I just took my motor and left. It poured oil out of the rear main. Called him. He suggested I beat the pan with a hammer at the rear main. Seriously? Turned out he hadn't touched the crank. Standard bearings. The seal area looked like a plowed field. Had it polished. It cost $40. Several rod bearings were scored. Just what's in this thing? Fast forward some months: We're in small claims court in Riverside County and the judge is a female whose father owned a body shop. She smiled at the 8X11 pictures of the car. The theme from Bruce was "I'm great. Just ask me." Gave me the last word. Took a friend who came late to the party and was my expert witness. Retired naval shipyard maintenance supervisor with a long list of credentials. We ripped him a new one. I won. He ignored the claim. I got busy and never went after him for the money. Later, I joined the local Pontiac car club and when I told the story they said, "OH NO! YOU'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT BRUCE FULPER ARE YOU?!!!!" One guy looked at me and calmly said, "I'm surprised no one's put a cap in him yet." I feel like a fool but looks like I'm not alone.
I've made alot of friends in the hobby over the last two years working on my car and my Chevy truck. I've never had so much fun in my life and most of the people are great. I have friends now that are mechanics (real ones), transmission guys, rear end guys, body and paint guys and tons of other car guys and gals. My wife has been great and has joined in even though I know this really isn't her deal. An embarrassment of riches! What I'd tell a newby is, join the car club FIRST! Get up to speed and then buy a car. Thanks guys. Y'all been really great! Don