Flathead city, Gary Howard, Grants Pass, Or

I'm 20 miles from Flathead City but, I've never been there.

I was talking to a guy, yesterday that has a small speed shop and deals about 50% in FH's. He sold FC about 5 engines, this year and I brought up these issues with him.

He seemed surprised to hear it and didn't offer any excuses for the guy. Next time I'm in GP, I'll stop by, look around the shop and see if I can start a conversation with him and report back. That may take up to 2 weeks though as I don't go to GP often. I won't bring up anything about this thread but, will try to get a since of what kind of guy he is and the health of his business.

Frank
 
I like others in this post have dealt with Flathead City. My wait has been over 4 1/2 years. Gary has been paid in full. Just as we discussed on the phone. The payment was 1/2 in beginning to start process. The remaining was due shortly prior the shipping completed engine. The final was recently told to me is a shipping charge. Ok fine. Through the process I have also have had the discussed. No return calls, emails, voicemails and texts. Initially, I didn't want to be that guy always calling wanting a status. So in the beginning was promised about 3 months there was a backlog which I understood. I gave benefit of the doubt gave he a 6 month window. Called said was close to done block was machined and parts were on order needed about a month and he would call. So it begins no call, I call leave voicemail and about a month goes by. The reasons start extreme high temperatures short work days, wife passed in a horrible car accident, then the bad California fires, the smoke was traveling to Grants Pass couldn't work, threats of losing his livestock, then the harsh winters came couldn't get to shop. Then his mother passed which seems to be twice from a prior post. Then he was down under Australia building his new flathead cylinder heads. Then it was a few more months short handed. Then his great grand child passed away on the east coast, last I understand now has had heart surgery getting better. No problem, I get it we have all been subject to hard times some more then others. All I've asked numberous times is communicate. Have discussed many times you give someone thousands of dollars and vintage parts and never call with a status. Even with patience of a Saint people worry just watch the nightly news. I feel for all here and others that have had dealings with Flathead City or are still dealing. I'd really like to see a post with something positive like everyone is getting their engines and or money back. Stop with reasons why can't and promises you can't keep. Wishing you all the Best
 
Maybe you should all descend on his place at once and make a raid to get your engines back...........call 911 just before you get there!!
 
frnkeore said:
I'm 20 miles from Flathead City but, I've never been there.

I was talking to a guy, yesterday that has a small speed shop and deals about 50% in FH's. He sold FC about 5 engines, this year and I brought up these issues with him.

He seemed surprised to hear it and didn't offer any excuses for the guy. Next time I'm in GP, I'll stop by, look around the shop and see if I can start a conversation with him and report back. That may take up to 2 weeks though as I don't go to GP often. I won't bring up anything about this thread but, will try to get a since of what kind of guy he is and the health of his business.

Frank
Click to expand...

Frank,

Did you ever get a chance to drop by and see him? 20 miles ain't much. If I was that close, I'd stop in, just out of idle curiosity
 
I've monitored the progress on my engine with regular visits and am quite pleased. I really wish those who are not involved in a business relationship with Gary would butt out with their stupid comments.
 
In general there can be a mob mentality here. But really there a few threads on this. besides the fact you posted. We need good builders so I won't make judgement without really knowing. 20 miles is nothing. 4 yrs for a flathead build is crazy.




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My update:
I did go to GP on, Fri the 16th, to go to the fair but, I found that he is closed on Fri - Sun so, I couldn't stop by.

I will still stop in, when I'm able to get there on a Mon - Thur.

When looking for his address, I noticed that he does not give his address. I had to do a search for it and I found it in a Better Business Bureau report. If anyone ever read this report, they would NEVER do business with this guy!!!

https://www.bbb.org/us/or/grants-pass/profile/rebuilt-engines/flathead-city-1296-22960725/complaints

Frank
 
after reading some of the BBB report, i'd say he must be quite wealthy from taking deposits and not building motors ! try looking for him at some of the finer restaurants in the area
 
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The danger for those that have sent him money, is that he is in so much debt to them, that he will NEVER be able to full fill his obligations and still have living expenses, for himself.

The thing to do, is for them to get together and get a lawyer, then file for relief, that would put him in Bankruptcy and then they can get, at least some of their money and maybe some of their parts back.

With the amount of debt that he has, to them, I can't see any other way. Sad but, true :(
 
I was a plumbing contractor for almost 50 years. One time a customer gave me a pretty good deposit on a sizable job cus he wanted some expense in the year previous to when the job was to be done. Guess what, I spent the money. I dreaded going to the job when we did it cus I knew I was not getting much more money for it. It was not a financial problem cus I had plenty of other work going on. I cannot imagine what it would be like if all my customers paid in advance. After that I was very hesitant to get paid in advance.

I wonder if what he is doing is turning into a Ponzi Scheme. He needs my deposit to finish a job that he has been paid for.
 
That practice is called stealing from Peter to pay Paul. Bernie Madoff made a living from it... well sorta. Madoff... hmmm it's in the name.


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