Engine builder scam - Page 7

69mustang · #**121** (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 07:59 PM

Hey Jim,
It's been a while. Hope all is well. Just wanted to give you an update. I have also received a mailer from the postal service. I couldn't wait to fill it out. I was able to recoup some money through my Homeowners Ins. policy, not a lot though. I've been playing phone tag with the Chief Deputy and have not been able to make contact. What happened with the guy who had the company lawyer? Can we turn it into a class action?

Jim Wintz · #**122** (**permalink**) 05-04-2004, 05:18 AM

Great, to hear you got some money back, how did that work through your homeowners policy, what was it turned in under maybe I can give it a shot.

Last I spoke with the gentleman with the company lawyer they could not do a class action as the lawyer was only able to represent him through the company and not all of us.

I am still waiting on the info from the post office. I have not talked to the Cheif Deputy for a week or two but at that point they were still waiting on the postal dept. to get their info ready.

Jim

69mustang · #**123** (**permalink**) 05-04-2004, 08:45 PM

I'm not sure what the technical name was for the portion of my policy that covered the loss. It was something that covered cash losses due to theft or something. I called my ins. co., told them what happened, and asked if my policy covered anything like it. They called me back a week later with all the details. They required copies of all my paperwork. They also wanted a detailed timeline of events and conversations. Like I said, it wasn't even close to what I lost. But it was better than nothing. I gave them copies of everything I had and recomended they pursue legal action since they had the resources.

Jim Wintz · #**124** (**permalink**) 06-19-2004, 05:50 AM

Well, no real news yet, I spoke with the agent from the posatl division of the Federal Goverment who is working on this case now. He expects something to happen in the next few weeks.

Will keep everyone posted of any news.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #**125** (**permalink**) 07-07-2004, 01:40 PM

Well its been a little while sine I posted anything, but again there has been no new updates. I spoke with the Cheif Deputy, and he passed me on the the Postal Investigator who is heading this up from the Federal end of it. He is out all week so I will try to get an update when he gets back, maybe he is out meeting my old buddy the engine builder and making living arrangements for him for the next ten years?? It is now offically over a year since the cheif deputy first called me to inform me of this scam, man how time passes, wonder what else moves as slow as our federal goverment? Will update as soon as I get an update.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #**126** (**permalink**) 07-21-2004, 12:07 PM

Well, I said I would touch base and keep everyone posted, even if there is nothing to post.

Just got a messages from the Federal Postal Investigator, he says they are moving on this and hope to have things wrapped up real soon, these he explaines real soon as the next 3 months or so. Oh well at least they are working it, and it has not been filed away. I hope to update everyone soon with some real information.
Keep pushing on !!!!!!

Jim

thecableshack · #**127** (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 05:11 PM

Hi Guys,

I just came across this post by doing a google search. I too was scammed out of $2300 for a 351W.

I was told that Kent Sr Died and that everything was going to probate (after about 3000 other excuses).

I know this topic hasnt been up in a long time. But I would love to know if anyone got anywhere with this... I didnt :-(

Thanks.

Rodric

Excaliber · #**128** (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 06:06 PM

Thanx for posting Rodic, I wondered what the latest news was on this subject.

Keep us posted you guys!

Jim Wintz · #**129** (**permalink**) 10-22-2004, 05:25 AM

Hey guys I have not updated lately so here is the latest info for all interested.

First off, sorry to here from you Rodic, I hate to continue hearing from more and more people who are caught up in this situation. I e-mailed you yesterday so if you have not seen it let me know.

Well as far as an update I spoke with the Federal Postal Agent, who is now heading up this investigation, yesterday afternoon. He informed me that there is two or three outstanding items he is currently working on to close out his investigation and then the case will be turned over to the Federal prosecutor who will then bring the charges against this gentleman and begin the actual prosecution. They think based on the evidence they have, that once this actually starts it will go pretty quick, however after waiting this long I wonder what they consider quick.

I will update as soon as I have any further news.

Jim

Big-Foot · #**130** (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 06:49 AM

Jim, I've read every page of this thread - Wow.. What a litany!

I have recently moved to this forum from the ffcobra forum. Curiously - There are a number of people there who have had problems with an engine builder (full of BS stories like this KHP dude) down in Trimont MN. This is at the other end/side of the state.
I own and operate (now part time) a small shop in Minneapolis. I was going to purchase an engine for one of my customer's car (My customer turned me on to this dude as he found him on eBay). We never got the opportunity to send money for the engine, I think it was because I told him I would come to his shop and pick the engine up. The email's stopped at that point. Others have paid and received nothing. This guy's price was more than $1,000 less than I could buy the parts for (392 Stroker w/AFR 225 heads). One guy did receive a big block Chevy from this fella that had 2 or 3 different types of pistons in it. Some pistons had no rnigs, some had broken rings and there was at least one rod that had only one bearing shell installed - also, as I recall, the rear main seal was from a small block. I don't recall the builder's name, but apparently he also went by 2-3 different names. You might want to check on ffcobra.com or send me an email and I can forward a string of emails to you that he sent me. I can't help but wonder if it is the same guy!!!

A word of advice. There are many of us in the business. We live and work in your neighborhoods. We have families to feed too. Sure my prices may be slightly higher than Mail Order or some fly-by-night scam artist's - but if you come to my shop and talk with me, enjoy a cup of coffee - you would gain much more than just a comfort-zone with your builder / fabricator. I am doing this only part time now as I can not compete with the big guys that order parts by the box-car full. I can also not compete with scam artists..

Best of luck to all who have been burned.
-

edit - I just read another thread here about the character in Trimont MN "Rodger Bittner" and Strokermotors:

StrokerMotors - Rodger Bittner, Trimont Mn

You just gotta wonder....

Jim Wintz · #**131** (**permalink**) 11-19-2004, 04:59 AM

Big Foot,

It sure sounds like something this guy would try. I will pass this information on to the law enforcement gentleman working on this case, maybe they can look into it and see if it is the same guy. I sure hate to hear these stories. I wish everyone involved the best and better luck then we have had to date.

Jim

tmannet · #**132** (**permalink**) 12-18-2004, 01:26 PM

Sadly, I am yet another victim of this seller. I just happened to look up his name on Google, and I found this thread, so I registered so that I could find out more.

I purchased a "383 stroker" engine from this seller, turned out to be a junk engine, I have met the seller in person on two occasions, because I live near Minnesota, and he even installed it for me...that's when the trouble started.

If anyone wants to hear my story, please feel free to email me.
He sold me a junk engine (via Ebay) for $1,950.00, I have threatened legal action but from the looks of this thread, I have to stand in line with a few hundred others...at least hopefully he'll never rip off anyone else...
Thanks,

Terry M.

PS I believe this seller has operated as:

Garry Hagen
Gary Hagen
Roger Bittmer
Rodger Bittmer
Dana Dettmer

He has used these Ebay usernames to sell engines:

vanillasocial
sawgirl24
strokermotors
enginebuilders

PS By the way, I have also met his dad (I think that's who it was), he was alive in July, 2004, although Garry (or Rodger or whatever name you call him by) was taking him to get cancer treatments at a hospital in the Twin Cities (at least that's what he told me).

Keithc8 · #**133** (**permalink**) 12-18-2004, 10:36 PM

Man this guy is unbelievable. I just read this stuff and I can not believe so many people got taken by this guy. Sounds like he needs a good ass woppen. I have an engine with an oil leak or use a little oil and I am worried to death about it. I do not know how these people get by with this stuff for so long. Hell, I was probably loosing business to this guy because if you do not build the engine you can do it a lot cheaper than if you do. I believe that is why talking to people and getting referrals is so important in every kind of purchase. There are getting fewer and fewer straight people around and I see it from the other side with people trying to use stolen credit cards and hot checks.
I always said if you do a good job and treat people honestly you will have more than you can do because of Jask-asses like this. I hope evrybody gets a little satisfaction and this guy gets to be someones girl friend on the inside. Good Luck, Keith Craft

Blue66 · #**134** (**permalink**) 12-19-2004, 07:57 AM

Sorry but after reading this "book" it will never end .. There is allways someone cheaper !!!! If it sounds to good to be true .....wellllllllll !!! Deal with your local guy's ! If ya have a problem they are there !! NOT thousands of miles away . Guess this is the old age coming outta me !!

tmannet · #**135** (**permalink**) 12-19-2004, 08:49 AM

Yes, you get what your pay for is definitely true with mechanical work...I paid Garry/Rodger $1,950 for a junk engine. Cost sevearl thousand dollars this fall to have the engine rebuilt on a new block (his block had two cracks in it, among other problems). This time I had it done locally in the Twin Cities by Car-Vette, an auto restorer in Anoka, MN (Corvette Specialists).
If I would have only gone to them in the first place instead of saving a buck, my credit card balance wouldn't be over 6K right now!

Terry

Jack J · #**136** (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 02:02 PM

Jim, just checking to see if you have heard anything from anyone concerning the KHP scam. I have recieved a letter from the Victim Witness Coordinator of the United States Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Division on 11/24/2004. In part, it states that I "have been identified as a possible victim of mail fraud." It also said that I "will be notified when an arrest has been or if prosecution is declined." Has anyone else recieved this? Thanks, Jack

Jim Wintz · #**137** (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 03:48 PM

Jack

As far as I know everyone involved received this letter. I spoke with them about 2 weeks ago and at that point nothing had changed. They were still finalizing everything. She said we would be noticied when an arrest was actually made but until then it just takes time, and from what I can tell alot of time, I guess thats our tax dollars at work. Good thing these guys don't make Cobras for a living.

I will update as soon as I hear anything different. At this point we just need to hang in there and wait it out.

Jim

Michael4yah · #**138** (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 03:50 PM

Say what you will about Debters Prison.... It worked!!!

Jim Wintz · #**139** (**permalink**) 03-22-2005, 04:26 AM

I dont understand what does this mean Michael ? Please explain.

Jim

Lynn Payne · #**140** (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 02:48 PM

Dear Jim,
I e-mailed u on 4/7/05 didn't get a replay from u just wondering if u received it yet?
I also am out of money from KHP.In July 2002 I ordered a motor from KHP (DragBoys).Months went on and no motor all I got was excuse after excuse.The many excuses were; his truck broke down,he was in the hosp.(in Colombus, OH) to get his tonsills out,he was in the hosp. again with a back injury. Then the truck breaking down was used several times. The latest I heard from him was that the owner (his father Kent Sr.) had died from a massive heart attack,and he didn't have a will so it had to go to probate court. And it could be up to or over a year before I see my money!!!!!! And ever since then I haven't been able to get ahold of him. All the #'s I have & called are all disconected!!!
This guy stopped advertising in out local muscle/auto trader about a year ago,it was like he fell of the face of the earth & disappeared! Any idea how we all can get our $$$ back???

Sincerely,

Lynn (from buffalo,ny)