BEWARE of Golden Classics!!!!

[R66SS427]

As some of you may remember, I had a problem with these people back in jan trying to get my car. Then, when it arrived, I found several things wrong that they were "suppoedly" checking out in their socalled "pre-ship checklist". Right. I've spent over $650. just to get this car to pass NY inspection.
OK.Fast forward to this afternoon. Being in northern N.Y., the roads are just getting cleaned up from the winter salt. So I take the car out of the garage for the first time since it arrived on jan 21st. It's 4 miles down the road to the local gas station. First time the car has been "up to temp" since I've owned it. I'm checking all the gauges and about 2 miles down the street, I'm at 10 lbs of oil pressure!!! This is a motor that they advertised as "A new 468 big block". Long story short, I've called, e-mailed and get no answer at the dealer, no returns on my e-mails. They've been payed and now they don't know me. I paid $28,500. up front for this car in good faith. BIG mistake with these people.
I've been very patient with this dealer, but I'm done being nice. In my opinion, they sold me a car that is NOTHING like it was advertised.
Be VERY careful dealing with Golden Classics of Clearwater Florida.

[slowmotion]

I did some searching this is the only thing I found.

Since 2003, Golden Classics has had a dozen complaints filed against it at the Better Business Bureau and three others with the Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Services for advertising, sales practices, refund or exchange issues

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/13/news_pf/Northpinellas/Words_you_don_t_want_.shtml

[R66SS427]

Slowmotion, thank you very much, I'll add it to my files.

[Tod74]

That should be a lesson to ANYONE dropping that kind of dough on a car( sight unseen I might add) that you should do your homework. Absolutely no disrespect intended...but if SLOWMOTION found that out that easily ..then a little research could have saved you all the grief. :? Again, I know you know that already and hindsites 20-20...just making a point. I am sorry you got hosed on the deal and I hope it works out in the end.
I hate crooks.

[Scorpion1110]

Have you contacted the Florida State's Attorney General yet? Probably be a good place to start.

Tod74 is dead on correct about checking the car over during a long distance purchase. Folks, spend the $100 on an independent appraisal-its cheap insurance.

Good luck Mach.

Later

[R66SS427]

I realize I bought the car sight unseen. I am very old school in that I trusted the guy. I checked out his web site, called a few past customers and spent days going over the pictures. What is upseting me is, they told me on several occassions that they were fixing things that never got fixed. They told me that it was in "pre-ship inspection" on a lift, going over everything to be sure it was "perfect". It arrived with: a tailpipe broke and hanging by the header, at least 6 leaks in the tailpipes , no e-brake cable, no wiper linkage, oil running out the front seal, antifreeze leaking out of a crack in the rad, two broken arm rests in the "brand new interior" the pan gasket is leaking oil, and I'm sure I've forgotten something. Bottom line, he misrepresented the car way too far. I did my part, I payed up front, and now he doesn't have the guts to even talk to me about it. He's (in my opinion) a scumbag thief. Period.

[Scorpion1110]

Mach-You sound like a guy who would have good documentation on this transaction. Write a letter to the Fla Attorney General-I think it might help.

You need to think of ways to get their attention-and that is hitting them in their wallet. You can do exactly what you are doing-post on websites, you can also notify every agency in Florida, you can also do other things.

Maybe register the URL WWW.goldenclassicsproblems.com. Start a blog on the site that people can read. Think of how the owner would feel if your URL came up right under his on every Google search.

You must apply consistent pressure on these guys-be a mosquito and buzz around their heads until they are ready to scream.

And if you dont get any money back, so what? If you annoyed them and caused them headaches, you got your pound of flesh a different way.

Just my opinion.

Later

[R66SS427]

Scorpion, I like your way of thinking. Whatever the outcome, they are NOT going to forget me. Thanks

[Tod74]

He's (in my opinion) a scumbag thief. Period.

I agree. By the way I was NOT trying to slam you in any way...just pointing out that it pays to do research...which it sounds as though you did.

[R66SS427]

Tod74, thank you. I thought I checked out the place well enough. Turns out that the only real way to do business in todays world is face to face. It just sucks that guys like this go on burning innocent people and nothing is done about it. It's really not about the money with me. It's more about good business ethics. Something GOLDEN CLASSICS has none of.
Trust me, I have the time, the resources and the DESIRE to let people know just what kind of business he runs. Anybody can say "we're one of the most respected classic car dealers in the country". Says who? Ummmm.....don't put me on that list, eh buddy?

[bjuice]

before you go any further..have you checked to see you don;t have a faulty oil pressure gage?....just a thought :D

[R66SS427]

bjuice, yup. tried 2 different gauges. Bled them both correctly. Same reading on both gauges. Starting the motor cold after setting over night....40-44 lbs. As the temp goes up, the oil pres goes down. At 175-180 temp, the presure is down to 20-30 lbs. run it a few minutes at 180 and it drops to 18-20 at idle.
Guys, its not JUST the oil thats bothering me. Its the whole thing of them not having the nuggets to even answer the phone and talk to me about the long list of problems with this car. There is no way on this earth that they put this thing on a lift and missed the oil leaks, broken exhaust, water leaks, power steering leaks, the broken body mount, the list goes on. It's my fault. I trusted the man on his word. Now my mission is to tell the world that you shouldn't trust GOLDEN CLASSICS of Clearwater Florida. Believe me, they will get the message.

[Tod74]

20 PSI at idle isn't something to really be concerned with...if it goes up with rpm

[fla1976]

Have you tried changing the oil and filter? It may be garbage in the filter and as it runs it clogs up.

[R66SS427]

I've changed the oil and filter. No change.
20 lbs is marginal in my book. It isn't hot yet, will it keep dropping as it gets hotter?

[lively]

LIKE WAS STATED --20 POUNDS AT IDLE IS OK---JUST AS LONG AS IT GOES UP WHEN YOU REV IT----THE FACT IS THE MAN COMPLETELY MISLEAD ON THE CAR[ AND GOT AWAY WITH IT]---YOU ARE PROBABLY NOT THE FIRST OR THE LAST :shock: :shock: :shock:


LIKE I WILL ALWAYS STAND ON---GO LOOK FOR YOURSELF OR PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO CHECK THESE DEALS OUT!!!!


GOOD LUCK, LIVELY

[fla1976]

What would some of you people think of having a part of the forum dedicated to people that would look at a vehicle or item for sale in their areas? I am sure there has to be some way to cut down on these scammers ripping off all these racers and car people. If you could get someone to look in their zip code or county, at least it would be better than buying blind. Just an idea.

[R66SS427]

What would some of you people think of having a part of the forum dedicated to people that would look at a vehicle or item for sale in their areas? I am sure there has to be some way to cut down on these scammers ripping off all these racers and car people. If you could get someone to look in their zip code or county, at least it would be better than buying blind. Just an idea.

I think thats an excellent idea. I'd be more than happy to help stop this type of business. Sign me up.