[DeTomaso] Pandora update (or, it's amazing what a note from a cop will do)

[Christopher Kimball]

Guess what; I got a call from the mechanic about ten minutes ago.  It seemed one of his daughters called him and told him there was a sheriff at his house asking about a car (mine).

He started out extremely crabby and defensive, but remembering the old saying, "you get more flies with honey," I stayed calm, asked about his injured daughter and told him I was concerned I hadn't heard from him.

There were plenty of times I could have blown my cool, such as when I asked for the address where the car is, and he said since he didn't know for sure that I was the real owner, he wouldn't tell me!  I told him I had the VIN number, and asked if that would help, but he said since he wasn't in the shop at the moment he couldn't verify that...

Remaining calm, however, I reminded him of the one, single time I spoke with him three weeks ago, and since I was staying under control, he began to mellow a bit.  He told me where the car was (although he couldn't remember the exact address, he described where it was and promised he'd call my office with the exact address), and then went on and on about how he meant to get to it sooner, but his daughter got injured and the car didn't leak at first (sure), blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, he promised he'd have the engine over the Dale's (the engine builder) today or tomorrow, and said he'd get it all back together "as soon as he could."

Hey, at least I was able to talk with him!

He obviously was ready for a fight when he called, and since that didn't happen, I think he was very relieved and at the end of the call went on and on about his five daughters, how he's been doing car repairs for 30 years and now doesn't want to deal with the public, so he only does repair work for friends (like the engine builder).

Anyway, let's see what happens next!

Sincerely,

Chris





Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:21:16 -0700
From: mazdastuff at yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Pandora still missing. It's the Magnum to Reno (unfortunately)
To: chrisvkimball at msn.com



Instead of a note, can't you follow along with a tow truck?  I agree with Larry, this is BS.  If you have local Constables that work off the clock (many lawyers use them for serving papers) get one to go there with you and the wrecker driver,  the mechanic won't know he is off the clock.  Simple introduction usually handles it....Hi my name is Chris, this is officer Bob and we are here to get my car.  

And to call it a Civil matter is BS.  You do not have your car, you do not know it location...I call that Stolen.  

Good luck Chris.

Brian
POCA#4221
01642

From: Christopher Kimball <chrisvkimball at msn.com>
To: Pantera List Serve <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2009 3:50:58 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Pandora still missing. It's the Magnum to Reno (unfortunately)



Well,  Pandora (my '72) is still missing with no mechanic address in sight.

 

I filed a police report today and they have a residence address for the errant mechanic.  They are going to deliver a note to him asking him to call me.

 

If I get no response within a couple of days, they suggest I hire a litigation lawyer and pursue it as a civil matter.

 

That's all a big hassle, of course, but the saddest part is I won't be driving my Pantera to Reno.  I am bummed.

 

Sincerely,

 

Chris
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