Model A Only -- Dave Delmue in California

[CarlG]

EDIT: This problem has been resolved with great success. Please skip down to post #58 or after (page 4).

Phone # has been disconnected, Web site is still there, but get no response from there either.

Dave still owes me a transmission I paid for over 6 months ago. At this point I'm out $4K (including shipping).

If anyone has any info on Dave or his company, I'd appreciate it.

[sidevalve]

Hmmm, I dont know Dave but I hope it all works out for you.

[Logan]

Ive heard of this happening with him before...

[mrtexas]

You paid $4k in advance? Doesn't sound right. I paid for my engine work when it was finished(not Model A only.) Good luck.

[bogdonj]

transmission cost $4k?

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

This won't make you feel any better. When I closed down my business in 2003, my website lived on for months-----and I had closed the site down and settled with the
web service before I left the building. Soooooo, the fact that the site is still around is no indicator that the business is there. However, the fact that the phone is disconnected speaks volumes about the business.

Jack

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by bogdonj

transmission cost $4k?

1/4 of that was to pay for the shipping charges to Alaska (which is about normal) That was paid only after he said everything was ready to ship. (back in February)

[John LaVoy]

I have heard similar reports on Dave. In the past he has eventually come through, but the wait has been like yours. I understand that sometimes it comes from the gear ratio you ordered, he seems to have a problem finding the right transmission to rebuild and set up for the Model A.

Please keep us informed of your plight. It will be helpful for others to make a decision on suppliers based on your input. We did a report on a timing unit that he makes and it came right when he said, so I was hoping he improved his turn around.

[MikeK]

His last post here on fordbarn was 3/29/11. That was four months ago.

[CarlG]

I talked with his son Dave (Jr) a couple of times beginning back in April, talked to his daughter Wendy in June, and actually talked to Dave himself on the 19th of July. Each time I was assured that the transmission was all boxed up and ready to go. I have even offered to have someone come pick it up, but everyone quit answering their phones and then this week I get the message that Dave's phone has been disconnected.

Previous dealings with Dave were all straightforward and completed sucessfully, just not this one. (and of course, the most expensive)

[quickchange]

Stitch me on a quickchange few years back, claimed it was faulty so i replace it . Back in the early days before CNC milling, He then sold the 1st one & never payed for the 2nd one, so got one for free. One day i will run into him, AT SPEED. Every dog gets there day. 2 days to blast off.

[Richard/Ca]

What town in california? Maybe someone could check it out and see whats up.

[Richard/Ca]

What town in California? Maybe someone could check it out and see whats up. Man where did I screw this up?

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

Google says San Jose.

Jack

[Jason in TX]

One google search of his phone number resulted in this strange find. Looks like that phone number on his website is garbage.
CAPITOL TOYOTA-STEVEN DIEP - 408-930-4502 / 267-0500
775 W Capitol Expwy, San Jose CA 95136


---------------------------------------------

My searches show that he lives in Morgan Hill, and this is the result I found.

Delmue Robt - 17649 Peak Av - Morgan Hill - 408 779-2434

And an article written last month about fly fishing in a magazine for the Morgan Hill area.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1sx...sources/26.htm


Might give these leads a call.

[Bob C]

The article says that Dave can be reached at
[email protected]

[CarlG]

Some of the confusion noted above comes from the fact that Dave's son is also named Dave, and Jr operated Sierra Nevada Fly Fishing, PO Box 431 Sierra City, CA 96125 (503) 906-5626. He obviously has caller ID and won't pick up on my calls anymore, and won't return my messages anymore.

Dave (Sr) phone # (408) 930-4502 worked up untli last week. His address is 17810 Elaine Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

I talked to Wendy Delmue (his daughter) in June, but it was on Dave's (Sr) phone, haven't been able to find a separate # for her.

The only other name I ran across that's connected is Jody Lynne Delmue, presumably Dave's wife (or ex), but I have not been able to contact her either.

Also looks like he had D&D Fence Co at PO Box 532 Morgan Hill, CA (408) 848-2322, but that phone doesn't work either.

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau for that area, it came back that they couldn't get a response.

What's a guy to do?

[bogdonj]

buy a plane ticket and go to his place lol.. ask around

[azmodela]

Originally Posted by CarlG

He obviously has caller ID and won't pick up on my calls anymore, and won't return my messages anymore.



What's a guy to do?

Dial *67 and then his number, that blocks caller id from seeing your number. You could also sign up for a google number, it's a great feature for cell phones, but is also handy in these instances.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by bogdonj

buy a plane ticket and go to his place lol.. ask around

Believe me, I have considered that. If I still lived in Seattle, I would have driven down there months ago.

[Brentwood Bob]

I'm 60 minutes northeast if you need help. PM his name and I'll ask around. Bob

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Brentwood Bob

I'm 60 minutes northeast if you need help. PM his name and I'll ask around. Bob

Sent you an eMail, Thanks.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Address a letter with copy of evidence to: Consumer Frauds Division, District Attorney's Office, in the county seat of his county of residence. No cost and got results with other vendors.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Send complaint and copy of evidence to Consumer Frauds Division, District Attorney's Office in the county seat of his home county. One phone call from them usually gets results or refund.

[CarlG]

Thanks Bruce, I'll try that.

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

That's too bad Carl, my transmission is in and running. Almost 700 miles and I am still speechless. All I can say is WOW! Not from Dave, and got a lot of help from Al in NY. You would have really enjoyed it.....

[CarlG]

Jim, sent you a PM

[PO51]

I feel your pain. About 2years ago helped a fellow fordbarner out in a similar situation. He bought a pair of fenders the price included shipping, the seller had no idea of the cost of shipping a pair of fenders from California back east. He got the money and spent it. When he went to ship them UPS he found out the cost was $700! I got the fenders for him boxed them up and took them to a freight company and got the price down to around $200. The buyer got his fenders but they cost him an extra $200! I'll bet the seller no longer has the money for shipping.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by PO51

... I'll bet the seller no longer has the money for shipping.

Oh, I know that for a fact -- last contact with him he actually admitted that he didn't have the money to ship it.

[SteveB31]

He has owed me money for quite some time, and has not answered repeated requests for payment sent to him by me via Mail, and email. Good luck!!!!

[700rpm]

If you're trying to call Calif. with this number (503-906-5626) you're using an Oregon area code. That might be part of your problem.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

If you're trying to call Calif. with this number (503-906-5626) you're using an Oregon area code. That might be part of your problem.

It's a cell phone, so no telling where it originates from, but it is listed on this web site:
http://www.worldwidefishing.com/cali...587/index.html

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by CarlG

It's a cell phone, so no telling where it originates from, but it is listed on this web site:
http://www.worldwidefishing.com/cali...587/index.html

Carl,
"what to do"?
If I were you, I'd get together every scrap of evidence recorded on paper in complaint form,i.e.- start at beginning: dates/times/names/ conversations/ how became involved,etc . Make an effort to determine the name/ph number/address of the district attorney incharge of the location of this guy and his clan. In other words..make it easy for the DA to follow the trail from beginning to present...every detail!
FOUR THOUSAND dollars is way above/beyond the felony limit for fraud/larceny/theft in CA.
Hey, your efforts here may also be seen/joined by others that have become victim of same mo of this guy. Sure sounds like you have been had, from your details thus far. Hope I'm wrong, but wouldn't hesitate to get going, if I were in your position! Please keep us informed as to your progress in this matter, as that may save someone here from similar incident! Good luck...

[sturgis 39]

I was interested in buying one of his transmissions. Does somebody else make the same thing?

[john in illinois]

Here is a list. From old FB

There are three people that I know of that sell the conversion kit using the 84-87 Ford F150 truck OD transmission. The first is Gary Bernard in Ft. Worth, TX (817)624-1441. Don't know the cost of his kit but he is the only one of the three that uses the standard Model A bellhousing. This moves the transmission farther back and requires that the frame crossmember be notched and the brake cross shaft to be modified. Ken Parker in Van, TX (903)963-1650 sells his kit for around $2500.00 and he uses the shorter AA bellhousing as does Dave Delmue in Morgan Hill, CA (408)930-4502. Dave's kit is around $3000.00. All three sell a complete bolt in kit. I feel the shorter AA bellhousing makes for a better installation and less modifications to the car itself. All three have very good reputations.....AL in NY.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by CarlG

It's a cell phone, so no telling where it originates from, but it is listed on this web site:
http://www.worldwidefishing.com/cali...587/index.html

Yes, but the number on the website is area code 530, which is northern Cal. 503 is Oregon. Easy to get 'em mixed up.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Yes, but the number on the website is area code 530, which is northern Cal. 503 is Oregon. Easy to get 'em mixed up.

My mistake! Sort of like years ago when I moved from Phoenix (602) to Seattle (206). Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways. The notes I copied the # from does have the correct # on it.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by CarlG

My mistake! Sort of like years ago when I moved from Phoenix (602) to Seattle (206). Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways. The notes I copied the # from does have the correct # on it.

Does the 530 number work then?

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Does the 530 number work then?

Yes, I've talked to Dave (jr) several times on that #, but he quit answering my calls and it goes to voicemail that he doesn't respond to.

[john in illinois]

Carl. Last summer I ordered a lot of 39 Lincoln brake parts and the person did not have them and put me off continually. He had charged my credit card for the order,about $3000. I called my credit card company and after some documents that proved I paid, they refunded my money. If you paid with plastic they should help.

Good luck,john

[dfish2931nc]

I paid him with PayPal. I got my money back after doing a complaint through them. Hopefully future customers of his will see this thread.

[Alan Riordan]

I had the same problem with him about 2 years ago. I ended up getting a lawyer involved and luckily got my transmission. It was very stressfull as I had to do this from Australia. When I did receive it I was very happy with it. I thought it was just a one off until I read this thread.

[john in illinois]

I should clarify. I have a transmission from Dave and love it. The person that I had stonewall me was not Dave, but another vendor for brake parts. Dave was always slow with me,but I got my stuff. Maybe he has slowed to a halt.
John

[CarlG]

Can't seem to ship the transmission I already paid for (last December), but he managed to advertise his wares in the "Model A News" (MARC) that I received today! (Vol 58, No 4, Page 54).

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

Carl,

Notify MARC that one of their advertisers has "done you wrong".

Tell them the story you have told here. I don't think they would want to continue to print his ads if he doesn't make it good.

I would be surprised if he doesn't owe them too.

Richard
Anaheim CA

[Helen Ehrenhofer]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Richard in Anaheim CA

Carl,

Notify MARC that one of their advertisers has "done you wrong".

Tell them the story you have told here. I don't think they would want to continue to print his ads if he doesn't make it good.

I would be surprised if he doesn't owe them too.

Richard
Anaheim CA

FYI from Editor of MARC's Model A News - I got an email from the MARC office on August 2 - to pull this ad (Model A Only) in the September-October issue that I'm working on now.

So no need to contact the MARC office about this - they told me to pull the ad. So either this vendor pulled it - or it expired and they decided to not renew it.

Just an fyi. thanks Helen

[sidevalve]

If this vendor has been a part of the model A community, then surely he reads these forums or has people in direct contact with him that do. So why wont he or a representative of his STEP UP TO THE PLATE and clarify what the problem is. Why continue to have your business or your good name tarnished. You owe it to Carl!

If I ran my business this way, I would be out of business!

[John LaVoy]

I have done some checking around apparently Dave is in a rehabilitation clinic and will be there until recovered.

[Alan Riordan]

Thats no excuse, he still has family who could inform Carl whats going on.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by John LaVoy

I have done some checking around apparently Dave is in a rehabilitation clinic and will be there until recovered.

We should all say a prayer for him. Was he hurt or addicted.?

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by sturgis 39

...Was he hurt or addicted.?

Addicted.

It's not looking good -- his web site is now gone, Jr. still doesn't return calls!

[29RPU]

I feel the same way...almost like revenge should happen.

BUT lets consider for a minute what was mentioned above. Is he a self-produced addict of some sort, OR did he become a victim of a really bad accident? I know when my mother passed away, the world did stop for a little bit. We DID follow up on her transactions to keep everyone happy, but still, I know I was not competent for a bit. We should pray for him.......while we curse him!

[sidevalve]

Pray for him yes. But that's still no reason why another family member cant communicate with Carl so he can get his transmission that he paid for 9 months ago.

Isn't there another Ford Barner that lives near Dave that can go get Carl's transmission and at least get it heading back to him?

[29RPU]

I would think someone up north would. Better yet, and if I remember right, I think someone suggested contacting a club in that area to help out with it. Someone from that area, in a model A club, should be willing to at least go get it. That would be a step in the right direction.

[amedic]

I used one of his transmission conversions in a restoration done here in the shop. I really would like to find another on of the conversions for another job in my shop now. Probably the best upgrade that I have ever driven in a Model A.

[CarlG]

Since my last post on this thread, I have since been able to talk to Dave several times. He is in the process of rebuilding his life and business after his extended recovery, and I have now received my transmission. Am eagerly anticipating being able to put it in my PU this winter. I don't know if he's back into the transmission business just yet, but if anyone wants his contact info, pm me.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Since my last post on this thread, I have since been able to talk to Dave several times. He is in the process of rebuilding his life and business after his extended recovery, and I have now received my transmission. Am eagerly anticipating being able to put it in my PU this winter. I don't know if he's back into the transmission business just yet, but if anyone wants his contact info, pm me.

Carl,
Great conclusion to this FIASCO!! Oh! the power of the internet and all the guys that have helped with input. Almost nobody can hide from the internet! And, Buddy, try not to be bitter about it, as the only one that will lose sleep will be you.
Your friend, Bill Williamson.

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Carl, really glad there is an happy ending here, and an illness can sure knock you off your routines. I'm glad Dave came through it OK and was able to fill his obligations. Most of the hard feelings could have been avoided if a family member had at least contacted you and let you know there was going to be a delay in the process. Communication is the key..... You will be ecstatic once you get the transmission in, they're GREAT!!!!

[CarlG]

AMEDIC:
I just talked to Dave a few minutes ago (via eMail) and he is back building these OD transmissions, in addition to several of his other items.

BILL:
I am not the least bitter -- I sleep just fine! Dave really is a great guy, despite his temporary setback.

JIM:
I really had more problems with the lack of and/or misleading communication from Dave Jr, than I had with the situation as a whole. As you said, a little communication from a family member along the way would have detoured all of the necessity for the 56 previous posts.

To sum it up:
I'm happy as a clam at high tide, and look forward to getting it all installed. I have it loosely assembled and mocked up on my garage floor right now.

[AL in NY]

Carl, Dave did have a F100 steering box conversion on eBay last week, so he is really back!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

Carl, Dave did have a F100 steering box conversion on eBay last week, so he is really back!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought it!

[Uncle Bob]

Just a suggestion Carl, since there were mitigating factors. You might want to add a sentence or so to your initial posting with a big EDIT flag directing new readers to the latest posts here regarding resolution and satisfaction. As noted above, the internet can be a great communication tool, but some folks may jump to conclusions rather than read through several pages of back and forth to get to the meat of the matter.

[John LaVoy]

Uncle Bob, you are right, we should post the good along with the bad.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Just a suggestion Carl, since there were mitigating factors. You might want to add a sentence or so to your initial posting with a big EDIT flag directing new readers to the latest posts here regarding resolution and satisfaction. As noted above, the internet can be a great communication tool, but some folks may jump to conclusions rather than read through several pages of back and forth to get to the meat of the matter.

Good suggestoin Bob, I hadn't thought of that.

[crabaley]

I'm interested in Dave Delmue's products. Can you give me an Email address? Ken [email protected]

[DParsons]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I knew Dave back in 2001 when I lived in Morgan Hill and he was a great guy. Glad to hear he has his life back on the right track.

[quickchange]

So you saying he is ok NOW ??, YEAH RIGHT ?? still owes me for a quickchange from years ago. see early postings. Im still waiting . Derek, in NZ