[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 ]