***Fraud Alert***

Like I said in my earlier post, the $76k was for him to buy new parts and materials for the build. All the parts he was supposed to buy are trophy truck parts and If anyone here knows anything about trophy trucks, parts are super expensive. He failed me and didn’t buy any parts or materials and all I have is to assume he spent the money elsewhere then kicked my truck to the curb. I have invoices for the work he was going to perform but no signed contract, just a handshake. Huge lesson learned with this custom build process.

 

Sometimes you think you can trust people. It's crazy how two face people can be.

 

So much for his Mission statement:

Our Mission- We go above and beyond in building quality fabrication and precision metalwerx for Off-Road and automotive enthusiasts.

 

No he wasn’t a random stranger. I gave him that money after about a year of knowing him and my truck being in his shop for over a year with no progress.

 

Your truck undoubtedly already had AC and heat when you gave it to him. Seats and suspension don't cost $76k.

 

You have proof of payments?

 

And that didn't seem like a bad idea to you?

 

This is the sort of thing you find out before you give someone an annual salary...at what seems like a one man business

 

Wow. But it seems like getting blood out of a turnip at this point, that dude blew all that money. Unless he has other significant assets to go after, the best you can do is get a judgment and lien. While some up-front money for custom work is reasonable and normal, there should be milestones to hit to get the next chunk. That's how all reasonable contractors work.

But thanks for coming here and sharing your story.

 

Yes I do

 

Well that’s a plus. But you still have an expensive battle ahead of you.

 

You’re absolutely right. I failed to do my research and trusted a person’s referral. He was a one man company, but seemed to be reputable. Nope I was wrong.

 

I understand both sides. The money is crazy, and it seems crazy to hand over that kind of money. But my father in law got a full frame up race truck built by Kirby back in the early 2000s when Kirby was working out of his driveway. He didn't have the capital to front parts these parts and just hope the customer paid him for his work. So some substantial money had to be paid up front. They got lucky that Kirby was a stand up guy and did the work that was discussed. All that being said when this kind of money was being thrown around there has to be some kind of contract put in place.

 

I am curious.... you know he has all the law suits and criminal cases now. You didn't think to look that up before shelling out almost 100k?

 

Yeah of course it did but he said all the rights words and told me what I wanted to hear to get moving on my project again. So I went with it and put my trust in him and I got screwed.

 

"I dropped off my 2011 Toyota Tundra to REAPER METALHOUSE on March 5, 2022 to have him build me a luxury prerunner offroad truck. I gave him over $76k up front to go towards buying high end parts, materials and labor costs."

"This guy has had 4 criminal cases filed against him, 1 in 2015 and 3 in 2018. What reputable business has that many criminal cases filed if they weren’t doing shady stuff? Also, currently he has 1 civil lawsuits against him too."

I am assuming you did your due diligence after you dropped your truck and money off? Sorry for your loss but as the saying goes "invest your time before you invest your money".

 

Yup and with no lube whatsoever.


If you have another 76 thousand you want to give away, my bank account is wide open

 

Don't know. Rock Solid Toys in Placentia, CA folded in March 2021: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/beware-rock-solid-toys.687511/page-11#post-25426886 @Tig Reaper in San Diego, CA started his account here in Feb 2021. They are probably separate crooks, not related.

 

I hope we can stop asking the OP to defend himself - whatever happened it is what it is and now it's about 'what's next?'. I hope justice is served.