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Sheesh, man. You just ain't getting it. Greg ain't John. We understand car building and what it can take because we have built several with our own 2 hands. We were as lenient and forgiving as we could be with no end in sight. When all else fails, you revert back to what the contract says.

My 1st priority is to recover our money. 2nd is to help people avoid pitfalls. I'm backing off of the 2nd. I just can't devote any more time and energy at this time. Maybe later.

It's your thing. Do what you want to do. 

I agree with Alan.  While this forum is an appropriate venue to alert other members of concerns with a specific manufacturer, or facts that affect the hobby as a whole, the poster does himself no favors in the credibility department by remaining anonymous.

i have used this forum in the past to expose what I believed was a criminal conspiracy by a replica maker.  The difference is that I identified all facts in the matter, including my identity.  Poster has no problem exposing information about JPS info, but keeps his info hidden, which tends to make a reasonable person believe there may be additional, detrimental facts the poster wants to remain unknown.  Perhaps he only wants us to google JPS, not him.

Additionally, some of the info he is posting is incorrect.  There is a new LLC status, JPS Classics, LLC, but it makes no reference to a partner or investor, only the agent for service of process.  This is the normal filing for an LLC in Califiornia.  In fact, the "partner" 4Banger refers to is a local Encinitas attorney serving as agent.

Kevin and Alan. Wholly agree with you. As I said, I didn't come here to do a soap opera. I came to find out where JPOS and John Steele were.  When people inquired, I answered with facts. Others turned this into irrelevant repeats. Perhaps I should have not responded at all. My 2nd goal was word's of caution. It's been done.

Yes, many steps taken already both by me and other entities. So I guess I should step away from this discussion now. Good luck to all.

Thanks.

Jim Kelly posted:

I agree with Alan.  While this forum is an appropriate venue to alert other members of concerns with a specific manufacturer, or facts that affect the hobby as a whole, the poster does himself no favors in the credibility department by remaining anonymous.

i have used this forum in the past to expose what I believed was a criminal conspiracy by a replica maker.  The difference is that I identified all facts in the matter, including my identity.  Poster has no problem exposing information about JPS info, but keeps his info hidden, which tends to make a reasonable person believe there may be additional, detrimental facts the poster wants to remain unknown.  Perhaps he only wants us to google JPS, not him.

Additionally, some of the info he is posting is incorrect.  There is a new LLC status, JPS Classics, LLC, but it makes no reference to a partner or investor, only the agent for service of process.  This is the normal filing for an LLC in Califiornia.  In fact, the "partner" 4Banger refers to is a local Encinitas attorney serving as agent.

This is a good example of wasting my time. I NEVER referred to an Encinitas lawyer and the LLC you refer to has legal filings of incorporation. It has 2 owners. and an agent for processing. You have your facts all messed up. I'm outa here.

In an effort to be fair and honest with forum members and others, I have at least partial updates about some businesses and their operations. I also wanted to give Patrick Crane a fair shake and the chance to explain his company strategy. I appreciated his accessibility. If anyone else has further details or corrections, they are welcome to post.

According to Patrick Crane, co-owner of JPS Classics, LLC, he wants to offer customers "Classic" replicas. He didn't clarify what a "Classic" is or what is a "Non-Classic". But when it comes to a "Classic", that is when he wants to come into play.

JPS Classics, LLC (a 2-owner corporation) apparently discusses the customer's desires and puts together a "Classic" package. He then orders the customer's car to be built by JPS Motorsports (owned by 1 of the 2 owners of JPS Classics, LLC). Mr. Crane says, "Yes, you get the picture.  Except that we are all under the same roof but I'm responsible for the build." He was referring to only his "Classic" build. 

I did finally get one email from John Steele. Basically nothing has changed except that the car wasn't sold back when he said and is available for sale now. I don't think I own a car so have no clue what that has to do with me. The take-away is that there is still no quick/easy solution in sight.

I have no other information I can share. 

 

4BANGER: Man, you have got a tough row to hoe, hope you start catching some breaks.  

I've had two cars built by two different builders.  I was quietly FINE  until I saw the ownership paperwork and picked up the cars at the pier.  I spent a chunk of change on travel & lodging following my money. Can't say how it affected the build, but it helped my paranoia.

My experience has been that contracts are mental *********ion unless all involved, are willing & able to do what was agreed.  Stuff happens, it's not just bad actors like 4BANGER is dancing with.  Builds can get delayed for a bunch of legitimate reasons.

I'm not doing the hindsight thing.  I got the cars built becauseI WAS DAMN LUCKY.  Essentially, aside from lots of delays, the builders I used chose to do what was agreed.  I doubt I had any more data on the builders I used than 4BANGER had.  It's scary random.  

IF YOU  CAN'T  AFFORD TO LOSE PART OR ALL OF THE COST OF THE BUILD, IT MAY BE WISE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY.  HAVING A CAR BUILT IS NO NET FLYING, YOU CAN GET SERIOUSLY HURT.  

 

 

 

 

EWATUB. Couldn't have said it better myself. I have met a good builder and visited his place. I trusted him with some business and he came through and then some. But regarding guarantees?...if I can't drive and inspect it, I don't buy. A well written contract is mostly for the lawyers. Where you deposit your money while a build is in progress is key.

My plight will never be over. This week marks 1 year past the build, registration and delivery date John Steele set himself. I have neither my money nor the car he promised. New customers can do what they wish and believe what they want dealing with a John Steele business. Your "got lucky" comment is on time. I have a set of rose colored glasses they can have as I will not be using them any more.

Big box business's do not have their trucks in that company name and create a subsidiary or complete separate entity.   Looks to be the same with JPS as Crane seems to be the upfront  guy then sublets the build to Steele which we'll assume  both wash their hands of responsibility.  Kinda like woodgrain siding from Armstong Inc.  ( some won't get that )     Not PC correct but here goes, I can't decide who the pivot man is  ...Crane or Steele.

 

Last edited by Alan Merklin
Ewatub posted:

Before I forget, I apologize to all I may have offended with my mental "bleep" comment on contracts.  Going forward, I'll watch it.

This forum is kinda cool.  Alan expanded my vocabulary/spelling, I think I got censored and Olivia did not wipe us out.  Not too shabby.  

I know, shut up & move on.

We've all been bleeped once or twice, especially concerning this topic and one other similar topic.

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