Michael Steele @ Heads Up Chassis is a liar and a thief!

[langjones]

I'm fairly new to drag racing and decided to build a simple bracket car.
I shopped around alot and decided to respond to Ad #2112931. Michael Steele (the lying thief) and i agreed:

96 Firebird body(advertised for $650 in another ad)
Mild steel chassis
Datsun Struts with Brakes
Rack and Pinion
4-Link
Track Locator
Narrowed 9" housing
Single Adj. Shocks
Strange 35 spl. Axles/Bearings/Studs
Plastic seat (Mounted)
Harness Tabs
Single Battery Hold Down
Rear Mount Fuel Cell
Brakes
steering column
pedals
motor/mid plates
master cylinder

Build Price is $5,500.00

I sent $1,000 by money order for the body and to gut it and he (the lying thief) agreed to send me the title which i never received. I decided to make a trip to Florida from NC (home) to make sure everything was on the level. The body was there and he had started gutting it so i thought things were ok. This was Feb 2011 and he said the car would be ready in 4-8 weeks.

Soon afterwards he (the lying thief) had no money for parts or tubing and i agreed to buy the parts and ship them there.(so i would have proof of ownership)

The parts purchased were:
$ 519.70 Bell Steel, Florida For chassis tubing
$ 500.00 A.R.T. rack kit, mid plate, chassis tabs
$1,096.34 4link, anti roll, track locator, front and mid plates
77.98 Driveshaft loops

1 1 873-H1135 HOUSING ENDS EARLY B/FORD 69.99 69.99
1 1 555-60116 REAR AXLE VENT, 1/8"NPT 4.99 4.99
1 1 555-60136 FILL CAP W/STEEL WELD FIT 22.99 22.99
1 1 555-60190 9" FORD HOUSING BRACE KIT 69.99 69.99
1 1 247-2047 COIL-OVER MOUNT LOWER 57.99 57.99
1 1 272-95070 DRAIN PLUG - WELD IN BUNG 14.99 14.99
1 1 247-2046 UPPER COIL OVER MNT KIT 37.99 37.99
Sub-Total 278.93
Status: Delivery Area Surcharge 5.00
Shipping 36.98
Handling 13.99
TOTAL 334.90

Counting the $1,000 allready sent, the total now is $3,528.92 from a $5,500 total build price that he was allready suppose to have the parts for. I told him i was on a budget and couldn't go much more than than the $5,500 and asked what i would owe when i arrived. He said the $2,000 balance was fine. Did i mention he was a lying thief?

I called May 9 to set up a date to pick up the car because i also had to pick up my car trailer on the way. He assured me the car would be finished by May 20 at the latest and i let him know i would be leaving on the morning of the 23rd. (Note this all could've been avoided with one phone call.)
I left the morning of May 23 to pick up the car and arrived only to find it not finished. Not even close. I had to run to Texas for a couple days and he assured me once again it would be ready when i got back. Upon returning from Texas on May 23, you know it, not finished.
I ended up staying until May 30 (on my own dime) and loading the car up unfinished and bringing it home along with the parts i had purchased. I also paid him the $2,000 and will chalk it up to ignorance on my part.

WHAT I BROUGHT HOME:

The car body, a partially finished tube chassis, only tacked in places
and not attached to the body. A nine inch housing with a brace welded on it along with the 4 link brackets, not cut to length. A ragged set of front struts and rear coil overs. (unattached)

WHAT I DID NOT BRING HOME:

Strange 35 spl. Axles/Bearings/Studs
Plastic seat (Mounted)
Harness Tabs
Single Battery Hold Down
Rear Mount Fuel Cell
Brakes
steering column
pedals
master cylinder

To the liar's credit, he did offer to come to my ragged little
shop in NC and finish the job which he couldn't seem to finish
in his own shop, and to finish the housing and ship it to me.
I declined. This guy is a POS.

I know it's not much money just a matter of principal.
Michael Steele @ Heads Up Chassis is a liar and a thief.
You guys take your business to someone worthy.

[lively]

YOU PAID HIM THE OTHER $2000 .00!!!!!!! YOU CAME HOME WITHOUT THOSE PARTS !!!!!----SORRY I HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING ANY LOGIC IN THAT

THAT IS WHAT LAW OFFICIALS ARE FOR !!!!!!!!! 8)

[langjones]

YOU PAID HIM THE OTHER $2000 .00!!!!!!! YOU CAME HOME WITHOUT THOSE PARTS !!!!!----SORRY I HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING ANY LOGIC IN THAT

THAT IS WHAT LAW OFFICIALS ARE FOR !!!!!!!!! 8)

I think you are completely correct sir. That is why i stated " I also paid him the $2,000 and will chalk it up to ignorance on my part.

[gmanxss]

YOU SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM 2000 KICKS IN THE AZZ, HE DESERVED IT.

[lively]

just to be fair to you in this deal--I AM THE FIRST ONE ON HERE TO PRESS HONOR PAYMENTS AND HONESTY IN ALL DEALINGS[I HATE SCAMMERS]
THIS MAN HAS SHOWN THE OTHER SIDE AND FOR WHAT POSSIBLE REASON I DO NOT KNOW!! PROBABLY OVER EXTENDED SOMEWAY---

SORRY YOU GOT TOOK AND THANKS FOR SAYING YOUR PROBLEM--I WOULD REALY LIKE TO HEAR THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY IF POSSIBLE---
MICHEAL--LET'S HERE IT :shock: :shock:

[zipper06]

There have been post on micheal Steel ripping people off here on RJ for the last 5/6 yrs, i'm really surprised that someone has not beaten him too death, and also surprised that RJ continures to let him run his ads.

JMO

Zip.

[bjuice]

There have been post on micheal Steel ripping people off here on RJ for the last 5/6 yrs, i'm really surprised that someone has not beaten him too death, and also surprised that RJ continures to let him run his ads.

JMO

Zip.


to be fair on all 4 corners Zip do you know of anyone that has reported him( Micheal Steele) on the classifieds ( to PJ) and provided more then just heresay evidence of being scammed or ripped off in some way by this man ??? Just asking....seems the thing do here on the forum here the last year or so is to throw RJ in the middle of a situation and condeming them before knowing all the facts. Nothing personal just speaking from a Neutral and fair postion in relation to RJ and the person supposedly scammed...if anyone has the hard evidence POST IT UP and lets get busy getting the alledge scammer dealt with ! vut these post people make calling people names just ainlt enough to pass and final Judgement on anyone..you gotta prove your case...I can call anyone a scum bag but doesn't neccessarliy make it true now does it ?

If someone has reported this man to RJ with solid proof of getting ripped off also please post it and I will report it to PJ myself...fair enough statement isn't it ?


P.S...Kudos to you for your post Lively I could not agree more only sensable and fair and reasonable statement I read in this thread !

PSS
Now to he orginal poster,,you got A signed agreement or something to back your claims you made on this man ?...notice that little box you checked before posting..if you can't prove it and you posted it..then you could have some issues on your hands....just saying.......been a many dudes on here get blasted all over this forum and come right back and prove there side....you have been warned.......

[michaelsteele]

Hello,

My name is Michael Steele - Owner/Operator of HEADS UP CHASSIS.

I posted an ad on RJ for a 95 Camaro tube chassis project for $5,500.00 and Mr. Lang answered the ad saying he was intersted in the build but wanted a Firebird instead. I had a Firebird body and Mr. Lang agreed to purchase the Firebird to replace the 95 Camaro in my ad. I told him the Firebird would be more money so the $5,500.00 build started the revision process immediately.
Mr Lang sent me $1,000.00 for a nice 1996 Firebird body which also went toward stripping the inside of the car and cutting sheetmetal out of the inside to prepare the body for a tube chassis.
No, I did not have the money to buy tubing, so Mr. Lang agreed to buy the tubing. The original price of $5,500.00 for the Camaro Project was for used parts I had collected ovr time, hence the low price of $5,500.00 for a tube chassis car. Well then Mr. Lang decided to buy all new components to put on the Firebird so the original price of $5,500.00 was altered once again. The tubing was finally delivered to my shop a few weeks before he was to pick up the car.
Mr. Lang traveled from North Carolina to my shop and on the way down, he picked up his new open trailer that he had built. He said an engineer friend built it for him and he told me he didn't know how much the trailer was going to cost him. Was not your ordinary trailer, but a very nice open trailer. Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price.
When Mr. Lang came in my shop, I showed him the struts he was getting, and he did not say if he was or wasn't satisfied with them. They were 1st gen Datsun 260-Z struts with aftermarket light weight rotors/hubs and Wilwood calipers.
Mr. Lang was traveling to the Dallas Texas area that week and he was going to swing back by and pick up his car. I "Did" tell Mr. Lang his car would be finished. I worked every day on his car but did not finish on time. The chassis was about 85% welded out when he left with it and the only place that was not welded was where the roof section up top, the outside of the rocker bars where the a-pillar bar and strut knee brace joins. The struts were mounted up top on the strut bars, and brackets were completely welded out. Mr. Lang bought the $500.00 4-link kit from Auto Fab so I had to cut and weld the 4-link tubes. The back brace Mr. Lang sent for the rear end housing was too short and not deep enough to sufficiently cover the 4-link brackets on the housing, so I had to build a back brace that would work affectively.
Note* - Before Mr. Lang came down to my shop, I told him the struts were going to cost more than the ones advertised in the original price. And once again, when he was in Texas, we spoke on the phone and I reassured him the struts were more $$$. I told him he could pay me the extra $$$ for the struts over a two month period and he agreed to do that. He told me he had brought $2,000.00 with him. I asked him if he wanted to leave off the struts, and Mr. Lang told me to go ahead and put them on.
O.K. I did tell Mr. Lang his car would be finished, I worked on his car but was not able to finish on time. I offered to go to North Carolina and finish the car at his shop and would not charge the extra money for the struts, back brace, traveling to his shop. He declined the offer which was his decision. I have been building chassis full time for 10 years and have not once stolen or charged any one more than the price I quoted them. I sincerely regret not being able to finish Mr. Lang's car on time. I do not usually loose much sleep, but I have been very restless since I read the compaint from Mr. Lang. I care about my business and my customers.
Mr. Lang, I regret not finishing your car on time and I will make it right with you within reason.

I am slammed with work, having four front half jobs, four tube chassis jobs, and an interior, and other misc. jobs to do. So I have not built a business on lies and stealing from customers. I am not perfect, and I cannot please everyone. I am only one man and periodically I bring some one in to help me.


I am not only a man, a father, a grand father, but I am a child of the Living God, where by Jesus Christ saved my soul from my sins December 18, 1978 so I have life eternal, Praise the Living God.

Please, racers, business owners, spectators, have you considered your souls destiny after death? I ask you to consider accepting Christ as your savior from your sins, and to be Lord of your life and where you will be able to stand in confidence at your last breath. Do not look to man, to me, for Christ Jesus will judge every man according to his relationship with God, to be in Christ coverd by His precious Blood, or to be outside of Christ, to hear those awful words , :DEPART FROM ME, YE WORKERS OF INIQUITY, I NEVER KNEW YOU !!! And to be cast into the lake of fire where the burning of the soul and body is tormented forever but is never quenched.

[bjuice]

Hello,

My name is Michael Steele - Owner/Operator of HEADS UP CHASSIS.

I posted an ad on RJ for a 95 Camaro tube chassis project for $5,500.00 and Mr. Lang answered the ad saying he was intersted in the build but wanted a Firebird instead. I had a Firebird body and Mr. Lang agreed to purchase the Firebird to replace the 95 Camaro in my ad. I told him the Firebird would be more money so the $5,500.00 build started the revision process immediately.
Mr Lang sent me $1,000.00 for a nice 1996 Firebird body which also went toward stripping the inside of the car and cutting sheetmetal out of the inside to prepare the body for a tube chassis.
No, I did not have the money to buy tubing, so Mr. Lang agreed to buy the tubing. The original price of $5,500.00 for the Camaro Project was for used parts I had collected ovr time, hence the low price of $5,500.00 for a tube chassis car. Well then Mr. Lang decided to buy all new components to put on the Firebird so the original price of $5,500.00 was altered once again. The tubing was finally delivered to my shop a few weeks before he was to pick up the car.
Mr. Lang traveled from North Carolina to my shop and on the way down, he picked up his new open trailer that he had built. He said an engineer friend built it for him and he told me he didn't know how much the trailer was going to cost him. Was not your ordinary trailer, but a very nice open trailer. Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price.
When Mr. Lang came in my shop, I showed him the struts he was getting, and he did not say if he was or wasn't satisfied with them. They were 1st gen Datsun 260-Z struts with aftermarket light weight rotors/hubs and Wilwood calipers.
Mr. Lang was traveling to the Dallas Texas area that week and he was going to swing back by and pick up his car. I "Did" tell Mr. Lang his car would be finished. I worked every day on his car but did not finish on time. The chassis was about 85% welded out when he left with it and the only place that was not welded was where the roof section up top, the outside of the rocker bars where the a-pillar bar and strut knee brace joins. The struts were mounted up top on the strut bars, and brackets were completely welded out. Mr. Lang bought the $500.00 4-link kit from Auto Fab so I had to cut and weld the 4-link tubes. The back brace Mr. Lang sent for the rear end housing was too short and not deep enough to sufficiently cover the 4-link brackets on the housing, so I had to build a back brace that would work affectively.
Note* - Before Mr. Lang came down to my shop, I told him the struts were going to cost more than the ones advertised in the original price. And once again, when he was in Texas, we spoke on the phone and I reassured him the struts were more $$$. I told him he could pay me the extra $$$ for the struts over a two month period and he agreed to do that. He told me he had brought $2,000.00 with him. I asked him if he wanted to leave off the struts, and Mr. Lang told me to go ahead and put them on.
O.K. I did tell Mr. Lang his car would be finished, I worked on his car but was not able to finish on time. I offered to go to North Carolina and finish the car at his shop and would not charge the extra money for the struts, back brace, traveling to his shop. He declined the offer which was his decision. I have been building chassis full time for 10 years and have not once stolen or charged any one more than the price I quoted them. I sincerely regret not being able to finish Mr. Lang's car on time. I do not usually loose much sleep, but I have been very restless since I read the compaint from Mr. Lang. I care about my business and my customers.
Mr. Lang, I regret not finishing your car on time and I will make it right with you within reason.

I am slammed with work, having four front half jobs, four tube chassis jobs, and an interior, and other misc. jobs to do. So I have not built a business on lies and stealing from customers. I am not perfect, and I cannot please everyone. I am only one man and periodically I bring some one in to help me.


I am not only a man, a father, a grand father, but I am a child of the Living God, where by Jesus Christ saved my soul from my sins December 18, 1978 so I have life eternal, Praise the Living God.

Please, racers, business owners, spectators, have you considered your souls destiny after death? I ask you to consider accepting Christ as your savior from your sins, and to be Lord of your life and where you will be able to stand in confidence at your last breath. Do not look to man, to me, for Christ Jesus will judge every man according to his relationship with God, to be in Christ coverd by His precious Blood, or to be outside of Christ, to hear those awful words , :DEPART FROM ME, YE WORKERS OF INIQUITY, I NEVER KNEW YOU !!! And to be cast into the lake of fire where the burning of the soul and body is tormented forever but is never quenched.


Wow ! what da ya know a 2nd side of the story !

thanks for coming On and telling your side Mr Steele....normally both sides are requested don't know why it wasn't on this one.

Mr Steele can you please tell me have you ever been reported to the offcials of RJ classifieds for any kind of scam or theft ? If you could clear that up Sir I would appreciate it.

When you answer this Question Mr Steele I will then ask the orginal Poster a legit Demand !

I still ain't taking sides only trying to moderate from the middle !
_________________

[langjones]

To bjuice,

I sent the original $1000 cashier's check #031194 along with a notorized letter stating the total price and what the money was for (ad #).

I also had Michael sign a cash receipt for the $2000 i paid him later.

As for a signed agreement by both of us, no. Every dollar and it's intentions were well documented however. Michael would not deny this. I don't know how to post a scanned image but i can if i need to.

[langjones]

I'm 41 years old and this is the first internet forum i have ever posted on. I do not take it lightly at all. As for my trailer, it was made by Down 2 Earth trailers in Baxley, Georgia and was paid for by the engineer friend who owed me for a job i did for him. Even today i don't know what it cost. It is unimportant. It is a very nice trailer.

I couldn't agree to a upgrade on the struts because you never once would give me a price. You would only say "a little more." I had a extra $2000 with me to handle any upgrades but beyond that i would have been in trouble. We didn't discuss anything that would have cost that much i don't think.

My biggest deal Mike is that i have to schedule my time off closely. I asked you for a date and then told you when i'd be there, after the date you gave me. I would have hated to reschedule, but it would've been preferable to what happened. A phone call from you would've fixed this.

I do not agree with your posting but there is no sense in going back and forth on it. Besides, you said you would try to make it right. You and the guys in the forum decide what is right and i will accept.

[michaelsteele]

bjuice,

I called Racing Junk to see if I had ever been reported in RJ's classified section for any kind of scam activity, and they took a neutral stand and I did nto get a simple yes or no answer. Actually, no answer at all. The rep. also told me that Racing Junk does not monitor or take sides on any matter in the forum section. I don't know, just what I was told. Maybe you can call RJ and get a clear answer.

[Scooterz]

Just a few confusing statements Mr Steele:

You said:
1."Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price."

here is what the buyer said: "I couldn't agree to a upgrade on the struts because you never once would give me a price. You would only say "a little more."

So Michael, if finding out the price is important to you as a buyer or buisness owner (as you said you have done this now for "10 years") why not a signed agreement that stipulates ANYTHING about price, upgrades, changes, etc...??? Here is what the buyer said: "As for a signed agreement by both of us, no."

2. You said: The chassis was about 85% welded out when he left with it and the only place that was not welded was where the roof section up top, the outside of the rocker bars where the a-pillar bar and strut knee brace joins.

Here is what the buyer said: "a partially finished tube chassis, only tacked in places
and not attached to the body. A nine inch housing with a brace welded on it along with the 4 link brackets, not cut to length. A ragged set of front struts and rear coil overs. (unattached)"

Mr. Steele, you were posted about on here for a reason. It is not because you provided outstanding service at a competitive price according to the buyer. You clearly state that you did not make the job on time... good honesty. The 2 things that keep coming up is your price & confusion & a deadline was not meant. That is your responsibility... not your other customers, not your buyer on this transaction, IT IS NOT GODS responsibility, etc.... If you look into a few verses in the Bible it will say things like: "let your yeses be yeses, & your no be no's". If you can't do the agreement; tell the buyer that in the beginning. Sleepless nights??? Check with your local HOLY SPIRIT bud!!!! You are wrestling with spiritual warfare because you didn't get the job done on time & were not clear!! Last, I have ZERO doubt that if you have truly prayed about this, you already know what to do to make things right. I am only chiming in because you make an attempt to quote scripture & save souls in a very ironic time as you are being named for FALLING SHORT OF THE GLORY ON THIS JOB. It is blindingly obvious that God is already been dealing with you on this... don't chastise his grace right now. Once you have done the right thing, then maybe you can go & preach to poor souls on the general info thread... now is not the time. Keep praying about this & I GUARANTEE this will work out... but make excuses & justify your actions while hiding behind God will not. Last: this is only my opinion based on what I see here. I could be wrong, I could be overstepping my bounds, etc.... but don't use God to make yourself sound better!!!!!!!! That irritates me BIG TIME!!!! We all fall down from time to time... God lifts us up. JMO. Scooter

[Scorpion1110]

Just a few confusing statements Mr Steele:

You said:
1."Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price."

here is what the buyer said: "I couldn't agree to a upgrade on the struts because you never once would give me a price. You would only say "a little more."

So Michael, if finding out the price is important to you as a buyer or buisness owner (as you said you have done this now for "10 years") why not a signed agreement that stipulates ANYTHING about price, upgrades, changes, etc...??? Here is what the buyer said: "As for a signed agreement by both of us, no."

2. You said: The chassis was about 85% welded out when he left with it and the only place that was not welded was where the roof section up top, the outside of the rocker bars where the a-pillar bar and strut knee brace joins.

Here is what the buyer said: "a partially finished tube chassis, only tacked in places
and not attached to the body. A nine inch housing with a brace welded on it along with the 4 link brackets, not cut to length. A ragged set of front struts and rear coil overs. (unattached)"

Mr. Steele, you were posted about on here for a reason. It is not because you provided outstanding service at a competitive price according to the buyer. You clearly state that you did not make the job on time... good honesty. The 2 things that keep coming up is your price & confusion & a deadline was not meant. That is your responsibility... not your other customers, not your buyer on this transaction, IT IS NOT GODS responsibility, etc.... If you look into a few verses in the Bible it will say things like: "let your yeses be yeses, & your no be no's". If you can't do the agreement; tell the buyer that in the beginning. Sleepless nights??? Check with your local HOLY SPIRIT bud!!!! You are wrestling with spiritual warfare because you didn't get the job done on time & were not clear!! Last, I have ZERO doubt that if you have truly prayed about this, you already know what to do to make things right. I am only chiming in because you make an attempt to quote scripture & save souls in a very ironic time as you are being named for FALLING SHORT OF THE GLORY ON THIS JOB. It is blindingly obvious that God is already been dealing with you on this... don't chastise his grace right now. Once you have done the right thing, then maybe you can go & preach to poor souls on the general info thread... now is not the time. Keep praying about this & I GUARANTEE this will work out... but make excuses & justify your actions while hiding behind God will not. Last: this is only my opinion based on what I see here. I could be wrong, I could be overstepping my bounds, etc.... but don't use God to make yourself sound better!!!!!!!! That irritates me BIG TIME!!!! We all fall down from time to time... God lifts us up. JMO. Scooter

Scooter as well said as any man could do.

I found Mr. Steele's propensity to heavily praise the Lord to remind me of a car deal I once was in. I bought a 61 Impala Bubbletop from a gent in Atlanta and he delivered the car to my house. As I looked the car over to compare to his description, and emails, he God Blessed the heck out of me and praised God about 25 times as I climbed under the car on the trailer.

At about this time was when I noticed the rear was way off in tire clearance from side to side, which seemed to indicate the Impala had been whacked in the rear. When I pointed this out the he stopped God blessing me and got a little nervous. I told him I wouldnt take the car unless he covered me for fixing the rear. He knocked $1000 off the price and didnt mention God again.

Long story short, in a car deal when God's name comes up I hear warning bells; its an immediate red flag.

Keep God in your heart and keep him out of car deals.

Mr. Steele your post reminds me of the guy in Atlanta.

Rigs you nailed it brother.

Scorp

[Harbone]

So if you want to "make it right within reason" Mr Steele, what do you need langjones to make you happy?

[bjuice]

bjuice,

I called Racing Junk to see if I had ever been reported in RJ's classified section for any kind of scam activity, and they took a neutral stand and I did nto get a simple yes or no answer. Actually, no answer at all. The rep. also told me that Racing Junk does not monitor or take sides on any matter in the forum section. I don't know, just what I was told. Maybe you can call RJ and get a clear answer.

the classifieds and the forum are run seperate. I was making reference to the classifieds if you was ever reported.

thank you Rigs and Scorp for posting your thoughts and opinions. I get a little ( A-LOT) irritated when RJ gets dragged into situations it shouldn't be. that became the norm among a few for many months. Now I ask again does anyone have any proof Mr Steele has ever been reported to RJ Classifieds ( prior) to this incident and is still allowed to post ads ?

if so PLEASE post your proof...I think its obvious why I am asking this Question.

now Mr Steele please understand something I am in no way taking your corner but instead I am standing in RJ's corner which is a very reputable site that will not allow a proven scammer to post ads....

Now I have said enough and I think my point is very Clear.

[Scooterz]

Juice- I understand; I am sure that if you wanted to waste time on drama in the forum alone, it could totally consume you. I also understand your deliberate neutral position for the obvious reasons. You are a good man. On the other hand, because I am a regular ol member, I can get away with speaking my mind completely... I hope I have not been too harsh or offended anyone.

Scorp: thanks ol' friend. You are a corner stone of reading between the lines to sort out the truth here. Good to see you around.

I did some checking on Mr. Steele's history. In Zips defense, I believe he has seen a few indicators in the past. Here was Zips post back in December regarding Mr Steele when a perspective customer was asking about his work:

"There has been some bad threads in the past 2 yrs. about this person, i don't know where the post are, but a bunch of really disappointed customers, saying he worked out of his garage, didn't deliver, and then the work was junk. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will come aboard and answer your question better, but from the previous post i would suggest you be really careful, before you make this purchase."

Any of this ring a bell Mr. Steele??? Sound familiar to your latest dilemma?

Funny thing- one of those random mystery posters chimed in somewhere in this older thread by the name of "Michael" who went on to say how great Mr. Steele's work was, pricing, welding, etc/ blah blah blah.... etc... this man named "Michael" ironically posted once; but only in that thread. Coincidence??? You be the judge. At any rate, I don't think past posts on Mr. Steele have been most favorable. Mr. Steele? Comments??

[michaelsteele]

Before Mr. Jones left my shop, I told him I would travel to North Carolina on my expense and finish the car, and not charge another penny for doing so. I do not know what more I can do for him. I am not making excuses because I did not finish his car on time, but am taking upon myself, and is my decision, (not any one else forcing me to) to travel to Mr. Jones shop to finish his car. If Mr. Jones does not want me there, I totally understand.

As for hiding behind God and making excuses, I take full responsibility for my own actions. I know what I was before Jesus saved my soul, and I am no different now, in that, I am a hell deserving sinner, saved by the grace of God, and I can only stand justified through the blood of Jesus Christ and there is no goodness within me.

I am not running or hiding, but maybe it is best for the Racing Junk racing community, if I pull my ads off of racing junk and stop offering drag car services. This is something I truely love to do, (build chassis/suspensions/etc...) but is best for every one. If you have any questions for me, I will stay on the RJ forum until my monthly dealership has expired.

Mr. Jones? What would you like me to do concerning your car?

[lively]

Before Mr. Jones left my shop, I told him I would travel to North Carolina on my expense and finish the car, and not charge another penny for doing so. I do not know what more I can do for him. I am not making excuses because I did not finish his car on time, but am taking upon myself, and is my decision, (not any one else forcing me to) to travel to Mr. Jones shop to finish his car. If Mr. Jones does not want me there, I totally understand.

As for hiding behind God and making excuses, I take full responsibility for my own actions. I know what I was before Jesus saved my soul, and I am no different now, in that, I am a hell deserving sinner, saved by the grace of God, and I can only stand justified through the blood of Jesus Christ and there is no goodness within me.

I am not running or hiding, but maybe it is best for the Racing Junk racing community, if I pull my ads off of racing junk and stop offering drag car services. This is something I truely love to do, (build chassis/suspensions/etc...) but is best for every one. If you have any questions for me, I will stay on the RJ forum until my monthly dealership has expired.

Mr. Jones? What would you like me to do concerning your car?


SAVED 8)

[zipper06]

What come's to my mind is a few yrs. ago a Mopar person, had a Mopar at Mr steele's place to back half and frame ties it was there for about 6 mos. and long overdue. So the person came down to check on his car and why it was not finished yet. When he got there, the car was setting out in the elements and was so rusty it would be impossible to finish welding without sand blasting. I donnot remember the RJ members name, but it was posted on the scammer forum a few yrs. ago. He finally gave up and took the car home with him, at least that's what he posted on RJ scammer forum.

JMO

Zip.

[michaelsteele]

I am very careful about customers cars in that I do not put their cars outside. There was one pink Camaro I did put outside after it had been in my shop over a year while I was waiting on the person to give me some money to start the car. I was having to walk around the car and so it was just taking up space and I was not making any money off of the car, so I called the customer up and told him my situation, and he told me to push the car out side. So I did. The job was going to cost the customer $2,500.00 but I never saw any money. I didn't even charge him anything for storage. I was just glad to see the car go because while it was on my property, I was liable for the car. They just left the car and it was like they forgot about it, and didn't care if it got worked on or not. When they first dropped the car off at my shop, they didn't even leave a down payment for parts to get started.

As for a Mopar or whatever brand being pushed outside, never happened.

I will give you some phone #'s to call my ex customers (at least the #'s I have) and they will give you a testimony of my workmanship and the jobs I did for them, instead of believeing everything you hear on this forum. If you want to hear their side, don't take my word, but call them and hear it from a neutral party. I don't personally know 99% of my ex-customers, so why would they not tell the truth about me? You want character witnesses? Then drive down here and ask the people who know me, and then you will hear their side, the people who know me. The people who have worked for me is a good place to start. Some of my ex-employees know me personally, and some do not.

Well it is morning and I must get to work. Starting on a McAmis body 53 Vette Pro Mod format next week, or whenever the check clears to order the tubing, after that I have three more tube chassis cars to do, a 63 Vette, a Baretta, and another Vette, forgot what year. Meanwhile I have an interior job and other misc. jobs, and also at least 4-5 strut front half cars to do. I also have several fiberglass bodies that belong to me that I need to build to sell. An "02" Mustang, an "84" Vette, and also a stock bodied "05" Mustang, along with a 69 Roadrunner and a 70 Barracuda, oh yeah, I forgot the Pro Mod "98" Dodge Viper I need to build, which is also a personal car of mine. I also have several stock bodied Camaro cars ready to build. Quitman, from New Orleans dropped a fox bodied Mustang off here almost two years ago, hey Quitman, if you read this, are you still wanting to build this Stang? Let me know.

Time is ticking, gotta go. I hear a Mustang II in the stable, and he sounds hungry.

[mcrracing1011]

im surprised this guy (micheal steele) kept his cool. you know anyone else on herewould have gone bannanas if they were accused of scamming. :!: :!: :!:

[langjones]

Before Mr. Jones left my shop, I told him I would travel to North Carolina on my expense and finish the car, and not charge another penny for doing so. I do not know what more I can do for him. I am not making excuses because I did not finish his car on time, but am taking upon myself, and is my decision, (not any one else forcing me to) to travel to Mr. Jones shop to finish his car. If Mr. Jones does not want me there, I totally understand.

As for hiding behind God and making excuses, I take full responsibility for my own actions. I know what I was before Jesus saved my soul, and I am no different now, in that, I am a hell deserving sinner, saved by the grace of God, and I can only stand justified through the blood of Jesus Christ and there is no goodness within me.

I am not running or hiding, but maybe it is best for the Racing Junk racing community, if I pull my ads off of racing junk and stop offering drag car services. This is something I truely love to do, (build chassis/suspensions/etc...) but is best for every one. If you have any questions for me, I will stay on the RJ forum until my monthly dealership has expired.

Mr. Jones? What would you like me to do concerning your car?


SAVED 8)

I will finish the car as best i can. If your offer is truly genuine, thanks for the offer.

[langjones]

So if you want to "make it right within reason" Mr Steele, what do you need langjones to make you happy?

Axles, Bearings, Studs, Center Section is all i have left to buy.
Any, all or none is left up to you guys and Michael Steele.

[Harbone]

So if you want to "make it right within reason" Mr Steele, what do you need langjones to make you happy?

Axles, Bearings, Studs, Center Section is all i have left to buy.
Any, all or none is left up to you guys and Michael Steele.

there you go Mr Steele, all things considered I think you can at least give the man what he is asking for.

[Scorpion1110]

My .02.

I do not expect Michael Steele to pony up the coin to supply the parts that it is likely he owes the buyer.

So Michael are you going to prove me right?

Scorp

[Scooterz]

My .02.

I do not expect Michael Steele to pony up the coin to supply the parts that it is likely he owes the buyer.

So Michael are you going to prove me right?

Scorp

X2. I hope you prove me wrong Mr Steele. But who am I??? You will be judged for your iniquities... I hope you have some contracts or documentation for all the guys cars you claim to be working on. You dodged the pricing... never answered why you did not give this man a hard price for your failed efforts... "a little more" might work on a used car lot, but I promise you if someone is on a budget, they expect an answer.... you said it yourself.... remember???? "Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price." those were your words right Mr Steele??? So what is the price??? I will tell you: The PRICE is pissed off customers & flaky commitments that cause you problems when you don't finish on time & aren't CLEAR.

I think it is a SLAP IN TH FACE when you reference all other other cars you are working on... arrogant. DID YOU CONSIDER Langjones car when you mentioned all these other cars???? TIP: NO ONE CARES... WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE CAR YOU DIDN'T GET DONE. So are the others BETTER??? More important?? You are a piece of work Mr. Steele. BOTTOM LINE: WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT???? That is all that is important here.

[lively]

My .02.

I do not expect Michael Steele to pony up the coin to supply the parts that it is likely he owes the buyer.

So Michael are you going to prove me right?

Scorp

X2. I hope you prove me wrong Mr Steele. But who am I??? You will be judged for your iniquities... I hope you have some contracts or documentation for all the guys cars you claim to be working on. You dodged the pricing... never answered why you did not give this man a hard price for your failed efforts... "a little more" might work on a used car lot, but I promise you if someone is on a budget, they expect an answer.... you said it yourself.... remember???? "Well, the first thing I find out when I find a product I am interested in purchasing, is the price." those were your words right Mr Steele??? So what is the price??? I will tell you: The PRICE is pissed off customers & flaky commitments that cause you problems when you don't finish on time & aren't CLEAR.

I think it is a SLAP IN TH FACE when you reference all other other cars you are working on... arrogant. DID YOU CONSIDER Langjones car when you mentioned all these other cars???? TIP: NO ONE CARES... WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE CAR YOU DIDN'T GET DONE. So are the others BETTER??? More important?? You are a piece of work Mr. Steele. BOTTOM LINE: WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT???? That is all that is important here.

x2--it really don't matter if your going to do work on J FORCE'S car or anyone elses--the ones you get over on are the ones that WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU 8)
AND
just to be honest -do not bring GOD'S word into this if you are not going to use it all--be honest in your dealings and it will come back to you [ be dishonest in your dealings and :evil: ]

admit your mistakes and get this right 8)

by the way -thanks for telling your side-NOW GET THIS MADE RIGHT BEFORE THESE HERE GOOD OLE BOYS GET CHECKING DEEPER :shock: AND TURN UP OLD WOUNDS AND WOES :oops:

LIVELY

[Scorpion1110]

Michael you just have to ask; WWJD?

What would Jesus do?

I think he would have met his own stated deadline, quoted a legitimate price and returned all of Langjones parts when he picked up his unfinished work.

So what are YOU going to do?

I already know the answer ;)

Scorp

[dragonmaster093]

chirp chirp says the crickets

[langjones]

Thanks to all you guys for replying. I took some pics yesterday so you could see for yourself. Bare chassis, partially welded, not 1 complete weld forward of the 4 link brackets.

http://s1090.photobucket.com/albums/i379/langjones/firebird%20pics%2006-11-11/

I need to get off my butt and get it in the shop.....

[zipper06]

I looked at every picture, most people would said you usually get what you pay for, but in this case i don't think you got anywhere near what you paid for. I can not even see how he was going to mount the body, and i've never seen anyone gut a car body without first welding in braces to make sure the body doesn't twist. I don't know how you are going to get the doors and front end to lineup on the body lines. I don't know what you wanted the car to certify to, but i don't think you have enough bars for it to even certify to 8.50. I don't know what kind of shop he has but the tubing looks like it layed outside the way it is rusted. We have tubing in the machine shop i work at in Ms. for yrs. and it's not rusted. I redid my whole roll cage in my Malibu to get it to certify to 8.50 last yr. and it took me 6 weeks (because i'm and old man 72 now) and it didn't rust before i finished it.
I am trully not surprised at what you got from Mr. Steele and i trully have symphity for you, but you've still got about $3,000.00 worth of work to do.

A couple yrs. ago i bought a complete rectangular tube chassis for my Anglia from A.R.T. with strut mounts,fourlink, and rack and pinion steering including the flaming river rack and pinion and mounts for $1350.00, also a fab 9" housing completely braced with big ford ends for $1050.00. Everything completly welded and beautiful welds, certifiably to 8.50, 7.50 with a few more bars.

Zip.

[TuffXR]

All i can say is if you where that snowed under with work why take it on in the first place??? I'm a panel beater by trade and only do one job at a time for that reason time!!! I think you owe the bloke some thing back my friend, but as others have said i doubt it.

[Scooterz]

Mr Steele??? Evidence & opinions are all given, you have admitted some of the problem, offered to help, etc... stay the course. You are being tested right now... you have proclaimed to be a man of God & quoted scripture. You have an incredible responsibility right now to God & this man... Do not minimize Gods grace/word & all the things you said on earlier e-mails. Man up.

[Harbone]

Still hear nothing but crickets...

[zipper06]

What really needs to be looked at here is that by his own admission he didn't have the money to buy the tubing for the build, what chassis builder doesn't have a couple hundred dollars for a 100 ft of tubing? Duh :!: :!: and he claims to have 5 other projects to build, you can very well bet that if he went to NC to finish the chassis it would be on someone else's dime and then he would be asking that person for more money out front on their build, JMO. The original poster got screwed and big time. The struts he uses is outdated by 25/30 yrs. I built a vega wagon in the early 80's useing MG struts, but by the late 80's i was building struts for a couple chassis builders in Phx. in my machine shop. Either way he's not going to make it right with the original poster in my opinion and i seriously doubt he has all the work he has come on here to say he does. It's sad to see someone get ripped off that bad with a fast talking loser.

JMO

Zip.

[Scooterz]

I like Zipps common sense on this issue. It is simple. I sent him a PM (Mr Steele).

[langjones]

What really needs to be looked at here is that by his own admission he didn't have the money to buy the tubing for the build, what chassis builder doesn't have a couple hundred dollars for a 100 ft of tubing? Duh :!: :!: and he claims to have 5 other projects to build, you can very well bet that if he went to NC to finish the chassis it would be on someone else's dime and then he would be asking that person for more money out front on their build, JMO. The original poster got screwed and big time. The struts he uses is outdated by 25/30 yrs. I built a vega wagon in the early 80's useing MG struts, but by the late 80's i was building struts for a couple chassis builders in Phx. in my machine shop. Either way he's not going to make it right with the original poster in my opinion and i seriously doubt he has all the work he has come on here to say he does. It's sad to see someone get ripped off that bad with a fast talking loser.

JMO

Zip.


I believe you are dead on Zip!

[mopar1968]

I also agree with ''Zip'' :!: This dude isn't going to finish the car he isn't going to travel to finish it :!: Brother you might as well cut your losses and finish it yourself :!:


Mark