Customs of California

J. T. Toad · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2003, 04:14 PM

After a discussion with Gene @ Classic Roadsters, he suggested I post my dealings with Jerry Zavada on this forum.

Essentially, Mr. Zavada, a factory recommended supplier, sold me suspension Cobra parts which would 'put me in the high end.'

The Aldan shocks would require the tower on the frame to be cut and re-welded, along with the lower control arms. The uppers, although they could fit to be bolted, would not allow any adjustment.

I could go on about other specifics, but let me get to the one single item which torqued me.... the rear end he sold me, as one machine shop I took it to stated, would make one of the most interesting boat anchors. The rear end shop thought the splines must have been cut by a dremel tool and it looked like it had seen more miles than most cars at the junk yard.

I have asked for my money to be returned, he has refused.

ac andy · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2003, 05:09 AM

I try not to recommend anyone to anyone else unless i have personally had a top job done. That goes for all trades not just automotive.

J. T. Toad · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2003, 01:49 PM

To follow up on the latest dealings, I offered to Jerry Zavada to reduce the amount I had paid him by $500.00 (for two cars, thus $1,000.00) and I would return ALL parts which he had supplied up to this point (he still has not provided them all for either cars since accepting money in July) so that I could be done with it......

he refused, and countered for what I thought was unreasonble settlement, and agreed that I should have my attorney contact him rather than go to arbitration as his purchase agreement suggested....

If anyone has any ideas, suggestions or leverage... I am all ears...

I can't believe this

he thought my first post was a 'cheap shot'...... well, I guess I am the unreasonable one? I

J. T. Toad · #4 (**permalink**) 04-25-2003, 01:03 PM

what does it mean when a certified letter is returned?

RATS!

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-25-2003, 01:50 PM

J.T.

Just where is Customs of California located ? As for the returned certified letter there should have been a reason it was returned included with the letter. There seems to be a lot of this type stuff going around any more. I hope that you can get everything straightened out soon.

Best of luck,

Ron

J. T. Toad · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003, 10:04 PM

Merced, CA

the letter was stamped with an "unclaimed"

thanks for the support

petek · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003, 10:25 PM

Unclaimed means that he refused to receive the letter. You might have your lawyer contact a lawyer in Merced. Going to be expensive...

Come to think of it, that Zavada fella might be the guy who sold me my (now broken and unworking) steering column a number of years ago. At the time he was setting himself up as a distributor for Street Beasts (something I learned after sending him some money). I don't remember the fellas name, but Merced CA sounds familiar.

Best of luck, if nothing else the State Atty Gen. should probably be informed of this fella's business "practices".

J. T. Toad · #8 (**permalink**) 05-08-2003, 07:44 AM

OOOFFF!!

I have heard sbout being involved with the 'street beast' from another source. If I knew then what I know now....

well I at least I can now know which tree this apple fell from and consider how much to invest in losses and by which course.

Thank you.

ACC427US · #9 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 10:01 PM

I never saw this post until way too late. I guess I'm gonna need an attorney. Any recommendations?

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 10:11 PM

I wouldn't get an attorney at this point if it was me. I'd simply sue him in small claims court. No doubt he has a "good" contract so you will need proof\evidence from another reputable mechanic\shop with good credentials clearly stating their opinion. Also receipts for replacement items you would have to or have pruchased to correct the problem.

,,,,like I'm a lawyer, NOT!!! But I DO know this: I have sued in small claims court a number of times and won my case. It's all about NOT exagerating your claim, telling the truth 100% and having DOCUMENTATION to back your claim and your statements.

The Sherrif will serve him the paper work. Pretty cheap to file actually, just takes time to go to court. Not sure about Calif. but most states REQUIRE you to meet with a "mediator" at the last minute before proceeding to court. There will be a mediator there ready to hear both sides and help you guys come to an agreement. If not, the Judge will "mediate". I have found judges to be (in general) to be fair to both parties. It is not some "big deal" in small claims court. You say your part, he says his part, the judge asks a few questions. He figures out who's lying (there REALLY good at that part) and makes a ruling. No big deal.

Sue 'em!

Ernie

J. T. Toad · #11 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:11 PM

you have mail

ACC427US · #12 (**permalink**) 01-18-2004, 08:22 PM

Just figured I'd update this post. I'm out about $17K for Jerry's "Work" . Small Claims won't handle that. I'm now working with an Attorney and hoping for the best.

I really caution anyone from doing business with him. Make sure you check ALL the work, every time he touches it.

dscott · #13 (**permalink**) 01-23-2004, 08:53 AM

Classic Roadsters of old did use Customs of California as a recommended supplier. After hearing from a few CR customers that have very unsatisfactory dealings with them and talking to Jay @ Classics by Elite I will take them off our list and have no further contact. Unfortunately I think the old company was closed and a new one has popped up. I will take steps to assure my customers deal with reputable companies so this never happens again.
Don