Really sad that all the popular Buick sites have him listed as a premier Buick engine builder and source for parts. Would be nice if all would drop him so no one else gets screwed. :spank:
I just find it hard to believe that with all the people that has backed him over the years that none of them will come forward now and at least make an attempt to help Todd in the matter. Todd has bought and sold MANY parts and cars on this site and has had nothing but great transactions each and every time. Al
It's really too bad that it has come to this. I remember Rob's 550HP 350 and being in aw with what they accomplished with it. I had only had my GS California for a short time and was hoping to someday push the limit with it. I probably would have even shipped my engine off to JB had I had the $$ at the time. There were always a few lingering with ill feelings towards him, but there were also plenty of people ready and willing to step in and defend him. I don't blame those people at all, they had good relationships with him and couldn't have known exactly what was happening behind closed doors. It would be interesting to know however, if any of those same people keep in touch with him and can provide some kind of insight into whehter or not he'll complete these projects people have paid him for. I'm actually very curious if he's producing any engines at all at this point, or is he taking people's money and parts with no intention of ever completing them. This thread will go a long ways towards helping others avoid the same pitfall that some of you currently find yourselves in, but I think more should be done. I've never had any business with him so I'm not the person to do it, but perhaps a thread in the vendor section or a sticky where people can post businesses that have burned them. This board, and the Buick population in general, have always looked out for each other. Whether someones car was stollen and people chipped in to help purchase another, or donations collected to help fund a new project or R&D. We've always been a very tight nit group and have dispplayed far more class than our musclecar enthusiast bretheren. Let's do the same here and make a sincere effort to get the word out and protect others from this same nightmare. If anybody is willing to get together a fund to help hire the services of a lawyer to represent these Gentlemen who have been, and being taken for, a ride by Mr. JB. I'm in a couple hundred $$. While we won't be able to get everyone his/ her money and parts, hopefully we'd be able to get a large chunk of the $$ back and all of the parts. I honestly feel like we've let our comrades down and it's our responsibility to help them back up. Anybody?
the problem is - with deals like this it almost always goes the same way. The service provider get behind and the NEXT job is what pays for the one currently being worked on - thats why they want money up front and in advance ... The money from the one currently being worked on got burned already usually due to poor cash-flow managment. sure, you could go after him and sue ... and win, but collecting is another issue. You cant get blood from a turnip
It is always upsetting to hear stories such as these. It seems like there are always dishonest people lurking somewhere to take advantage of the unsuspecting or inexperienced. It seems to be worse in areas where one specializes in a certain catagory. There is always a lesson to be learned in these cases even though it's a hard lesson. A lot of the problem is lack of research. People need to check around and find out how long some of these jobs take and what they should cost. Another thing that needs to be done is purchase your own parts whenever possible and don't turn them over to the builder until they are ready to start on your project. Parts purchased from the builder shouldn't be paid for until they are ready to start on the project. Also a contract is a good idea with costs and a delivery date. As mentioned it is a good idea to drop in on the shop and see how things are going. If this isn't possible try to find someone to do it for you. A little compensation for a watch dog would be better than getting totally screwed. A specialist is always going to cost more money and it is money well spent if they are honest. Not all shops are crooked but unfortunately the bad ones hurt the good guys too. Bob H.
I am sorry to hear that so many people lost money and got screwed like this. This is the very reason why I do all of the work to my cars, myself. It may take me longer than I expect, but I know it will actually get done. If I lose money in the process, it is because I made a mistake and gained experience from that mistake. Again, sorry to hear about this.
Nope we can't, but we can get all the "nice" engine blocks he has laying outside in his yard. At least his stash will be depleated (empty), so if he wants to send anyone an engine, he will have to buy some heavy bricks to put in the crate! At least these bricks will be useable when you get them. On the other hand, we have turned the "other cheek" more then I can count, and its still business as usual. I think we all expected some remorse from Jim Burek, but like i said earlier he decided to go the low road many years ago, and hasn't shown any remorse for us either. And its still going on in Texas,.. I looked it up and they still have that law about stealing horses, we could use that in court.. I think he stole at least a couple of thousand of HP from all of us, that will be enough to put him away for a long time:Smarty:
I bought my Bullet camshaft from Jim B and was a little worried after my buddy Wayn-0 let me in on his deal. After about 3 weeks though,my cam and parts came to me in great shape. It's too bad it has come down to this,but if you let it happen,you are at fault. I remember also the trouble Rob had with his motor and was there when we worked on it to pull it. That should have been a 3-4 week ordeal at most,but drug out for way longer than what I would have tolerated...
After all the hassle is the reason why I'm out of Buicks. There's too much money involved for the amount of stress it causes. That's why I tell myself, somethings are nicer to look at than to have.
Sad to hear that Rob.............i can hook you up with many nice Buick's that are done......right now......a beautiful Cortez Gold with new paint 72 GS 350 car with fresh all TA internals....and less than $20,000......take that BJ :Brow: Peace WildBill
Hi, let me introduce myself: my name is Herbert Van den Branden, I live in Belgium. In june 2008 I ordered engine parts (ported TA Heads, pistons..)for my buick riviera 67, a SP transmission, a front brake kit ....with mr Jim Burek (PAE). I paid $6700. He promised me by then it would take about 1 month to finish it all and ship it to Belgium. After many stories (all kinds of lies) like 'I had to move my shop' in november 2008, and 'it's almost finished' in april 2009 I still haven't received any of the PAID parts, and we are januari 2010. In autumn 2009 I contacted him again (after many many phonecalls and emails) I asked a full refund, he told me that he hasn't got the money, and that I have to wait. I've so had it with this man.........this is fraud. I want to sue him, but I live in Belgium so it is not easy, but I'm prepared to pay for a good attorney (proposal of 69GSCAL), we should do something about it. My engine is at an engine shop in Antwerp (Belgium) they are waiting for the parts as well. I'm afraid the riv '67 will never be completed. I'm so dissapointed,and I have put a lot of work into the frame of restoration, but thanks to Jim Burek my dream is becoming a nightmare. So anyone who has experienced the same please let me know (ddjayl,OPA, tjcole, 1970GS455, 69GSCAL. I would like to contact you guys and see what we can do to end this misery!! I ordered my parts at PAE because of the good name he had, but now in my eyes he's not an honest man who is willing to take your money but never has any intention to deliver the parts. herbert
I was contemplating getting my motor done by JB very nice guy on the phone ,but then decided not to only bcs of distance but I see many people from across the ocean and even here in the states that ended up getting swindled...... I feel for the guys that lost money,time and the frustration money comes and goes...(usually money comes hard ) but its the frustration that gets one most
Not positive, but I BELIEVE that the BBB is just a place that logs complaints and whether the offending business did anything to correct the problem that was logged. Why couldnt people who didnt get what they paid for register a lien on his property or business, like a mechanic's lien? I guess if his business is setup a certain way, there may be no assets to go after if he's dried it all up, but might be worth looking into if a law suit wasnt persued.
Each one of you should get an attorney, and then have your attorney contact everybody elses attorney. Make it a huge case.
