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chucko
Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2006
Posts: 408
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 Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 8:13 am Post subject: The Bus guy |
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Hello all i was wondering if any of you guys from California have done business with the bus guy out of garden grove California. I sent him my bus back aug of 2024 for him to do some work on it. It has been a hassle to get him to respond to me. several months ago he did get back to me and told me about things going on in his life and that his busniss was failing. I kindly asked him to return my bus in which he said that once i have recieved the bus to inspect it and we could talk about a refund. After several weeks of going back and forth he finally sent the bus back. When i got i inspected it and he did not do any work on it. Now i have been trying to contact him to see about the refund he was going to give me. He has ghosted me. I sent him up to 9 grand ( a deposit and the money to start building an engine with some engine bay work). Has anyone here delt with him. I have been patiant with him and understanding of his current situation but now i just need to get my money back so i can move on.
Any help would be appreciated . |
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Convoy
Samba Member
Joined: March 17, 2011
Posts: 331
Location: San Clemente
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| Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 8:41 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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Check you PM
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1974 Westfalia
2.2 Subie
Benco 002 |
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62L41Sedan
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004
Posts: 27
Location: Edisto Island, SC
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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I have a friend that was also left high and dry by Adam, The Bus Guy. His Facebook site refers to health issues...Anyone working a class action suit?
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Charlie Tupper
Edisto Island SC
1962 VW Sedan (L41)
1965 Deserter Dune Buggy (1968 kit/1977 engine)
1969 VW Squareback (L40)-Automatic |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17871
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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Man, I don't know how people let this happen. I feel bad for you and hope you get it sorted.
I can't tell you how many times I've been involved with this same story...someone sends a car and a pile of cash and it's all gone.
Crazy....
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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SGKent 
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 42766
Location: at the beach
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 1:37 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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The amazing thing is that Gary and Robbie in the San Diego area are known to live up to their word. Garden Grove is like a 90 mile drive to them.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin |
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ALLWAGONS
Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2000
Posts: 4640
Location: Pasadena CA/DTLA soon China
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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I couldnt find any feedback
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I'd be UNSTOPPABLE if not for Law Enforcement and PHYSICS.
I recycle old cars and parts, other than when I rot, that's as Green as I am going to get.
Thanks to my Tesla driving neighbors, I feel more relaxed driving my SUBURBAN and old VW's.
Everything sounds good on paper! |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 24055
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:01 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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I give my car to you. No cash down.
Each week, you tell me what parts you bought, hours worked, and I pay you.
If you can’t work like that, I can’t either.
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🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🍊 🍊 🍊 |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17871
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:06 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| Abscate wrote: |
I give my car to you. No cash down.
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not here. you leave a thick deposit and as the meter runs down you send more. I may be an asshole, but I have a sterling reputation.
I don't know ANY shop that runs that way. Why would a shop finance anything for anyone? Hell, it's becoming the norm for those who work on older cars to require a 50%+ cash deposit up front as doing the paperwork for an abandoned car/mechanics lien is a pain in the ass.
^^^ and I'm talking legit businesses, not people working out of their yard/rental unit. I mean 100% licensed shops
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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Globedog12
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2024
Posts: 224
Location: Atlanta, GA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| Abscate wrote: |
I give my car to you. No cash down.
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not here. you leave a thick deposit and as the meter runs down you send more. I may be an asshole, but I have a sterling reputation.
I don't know ANY shop that runs that way. Why would a shop finance anything for anyone? Hell, it's becoming the norm for those who work on older cars to require a 50%+ cash deposit up front as doing the paperwork for an abandoned car/mechanics lien is a pain in the ass.
^^^ and I'm talking legit businesses, not people working out of their yard/rental unit. I mean 100% licensed shops |
I would gladly do this but unfortunately where I am nobody works on these things so I’m stuck fumbling around trying to figure things out on my own. Well with the help of the fine folks here of course. At least if I screw it up I can’t blame anyone else.
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1976 VW Type 2 Original fuel injection |
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SGKent
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 42766
Location: at the beach
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| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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anyone that would open a shop up to do AC VW work is nuts these days.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin |
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busman78
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2004
Posts: 4659
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 5:14 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| Never, never, never pre-pay for work to be done. If the shop has to have a down payment find another shop. Handing over cash and your car is a recipe for getting took, there is no incentive for doing the work, doing it right or in a timely manner. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17871
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 8:26 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| busman78 wrote: |
| Never, never, never pre-pay for work to be done. If the shop has to have a down payment find another shop. Handing over cash and your car is a recipe for getting took, there is no incentive for doing the work, doing it right or in a timely manner. |
100% disagree
If it's a legit shop with a good reputation then there's nothing to worry about.
Think of it this way
You drop off your 2022 (whatever) for service work. It's your daily driver. The shop fixes it, you come and pay the bill. Done. If you bounce, they have something of value and can do all said paperwork.
Now you drop off your 40, 50,60 year old cherished shitbox, all of the parts are special order, days/weeks away. The shop spent a ton of time figuring shit out, ordering parts and now your precious pile of shit is a "zombie car" that is sucking up space and can't be worked on until parts roll in.
Now the paperwork to file for an abandoned car is even worse due to the age and probably messed up paperwork dating back decades...if there is any paperwork at all...
Not only that, 98% of people demand said pile of sadness is stored indoors which is now costing even more money...but every second this thing lays around...indoors or out...it's a huge insurance liability.
And this is exactly why so few will even work on these things anymore, then they end up at some no name "shop" and posts like the o/p's are made.
If you think for a minute I'm going to order parts for an engine or a rebuilt transmission for your 50 year old car on my dime without a deposit, you can tow the thing right back out of here. In fact, they don't even make it in the driveway without a deposit being agreed upon.
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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busman78
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2004
Posts: 4659
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 10:03 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| Based on what you have said you obviously have no respect for the 40-50-60 year old vehicles being brought to your shop and equal respect for the said owners. Probably best for all parties including you to stick to the newer models. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17871
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 11:11 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| busman78 wrote: |
| Based on what you have said you obviously have no respect for the 40-50-60 year old vehicles being brought to your shop and equal respect for the said owners. Probably best for all parties including you to stick to the newer models. |
funny
I have a 13 month waiting list. I respect the cars just fine WHEN the people that own them respect the process, which you clearly don't seeing you think everyone is out to rip you off.
the people who audibly groan, make faces and are in general disbelief about what it really costs to work on them...those are the people I weed out. I don't run a soup kitchen. If that bugs you then by all means, open your own business and work for free, or give your boss a few days...no charge.
I've said it before and I'll say it again (2 things actually)
#1 - sorry my profession is your hobby...that doesn't mean it's free or costs any less
#2- I've never lost a dime by saying no to a job, but I've lost thousands by saying yes
but...people find themselves in these positions by choosing the "cheapest guy" out there or the guy who claims to "be way cheaper than a shop"
Now, I'm not saying that is what the OP did (but it seems he may have been victim to it)
Not sure how it works outside of CA, but here I have to pay for a 150k bond so lets say I "steal" your cherished possession and the state finds in your favor, they will pay you up to the bond amount (150k, which is the state minimum for me)
and if I rub you wrong, so be it. but after 30+ years of dealing with people who have more dreams than money, you'd be a little salty too. I'd rather you be mad at me for being honest than pissed at me for lying to you.
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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SGKent
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 42766
Location: at the beach
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 11:16 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| busman78 wrote: |
| Based on what you have said you obviously have no respect for the 40-50-60 year old vehicles being brought to your shop and equal respect for the said owners. Probably best for all parties including you to stick to the newer models. |
funny
I have a 13 month waiting list. I respect the cars just fine WHEN the people that own them respect the process, which you clearly don't seeing you think everyone is out to rip you off.
the people who audibly groan, make faces and are in general disbelief about what it really costs to work on them...those are the people I weed out. I don't run a soup kitchen. If that bugs you then by all means, open your own business and work for free, or give your boss a few days...no charge.
I've said it before and I'll say it again (2 things actually)
#1 - sorry my profession is your hobby...that doesn't mean it's free or costs any less
#2- I've never lost a dime by saying no to a job, but I've lost thousands by saying yes
but...people find themselves in these positions by choosing the "cheapest guy" out there or the guy who claims to "be way cheaper than a shop"
Now, I'm not saying that is what the OP did (but it seems he may have been victim to it)
Not sure how it works outside of CA, but here I have to pay for a 150k bond so lets say I "steal" your cherished possession and the state finds in your favor, they will pay you up to the bond amount (150k, which is the state minimum for me)
and if I rub you wrong, so be it. but after 30+ years of dealing with people who have more dreams than money, you'd be a little salty too. I'd rather you be mad at me for being honest than pissed at me for lying to you. |
well said Don. 
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 24055
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 11:39 am Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| busman78 wrote: |
| Never, never, never pre-pay for work to be done. If the shop has to have a down payment find another shop. Handing over cash and your car is a recipe for getting took, there is no incentive for doing the work, doing it right or in a timely manner. |
You guys are both right.
For the OP, doing an agreed amount of work on a running car, no pre-pay.
For the '"I want you to refurb my clapped out trash" a deposit is reasonable, if the reputation deserves it.
Ive never been in Sit B - I always get them to the point of running, tagged, and insured before I pull out the checkbook toolbox.
The Three Horseman of Disaster are: Divorce, Drugs, and Dice - thats when your money burns up.
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dodger tom
Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2013
Posts: 1943
Location: Central Coast, CA, but we're all still Ukrainian and Californian
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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we’ve gotten a bit off track in answering the op’s question, though don alluded to a possible course of action.
you might contact the calif bureau of automotive repair, and see if the guy has a license, bond, etc.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/
_________________
1978 Champaign Edition 2 Westfalia
Would never find the time to keep up another classic air-cooled. |
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airschooled
Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012
Posts: 13535
Location: West Coast, USA
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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If “health issues” is code for “drug addiction and theft,” yes, Adam is having health issues.
I worked on two of his “restored” buses this week, and you are going to need a lawyer if you want to see a cent of your money ever again.
Robbie
_________________
One-on-one tech help for your vintage Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com
Road trip reports and tech blog:
https://www.patreon.com/airschooled |
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SGKent
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 42766
Location: at the beach
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:07 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| airschooled wrote: |
If “health issues” is code for “drug addiction and theft,” yes, Adam is having health issues.
I worked on two of his “restored” buses this week, and you are going to need a lawyer if you want to see a cent of your money ever again.
Robbie |
I think Robbie is tired of people being taken advantage of by less than professional mechanics. Of course, Robbie has earned the right to say that. One can trust his work ethic and knowledge.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin
Last edited by SGKent on Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:11 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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airschooled
Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012
Posts: 13535
Location: West Coast, USA
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: The Bus guy |
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| SGKent wrote: |
| airschooled wrote: |
If “health issues” is code for “drug addiction and theft,” yes, Adam is having health issues.
I worked on two of his “restored” buses this week, and you are going to need a lawyer if you want to see a cent of your money ever again.
Robbie |
I think Robbie is tired of people being taken advantage of by less than professional mechanics. |
“Professional” just means it’s your main income. I’m
Tired of bad mechanics.
Robbie
_________________
One-on-one tech help for your vintage Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com
Road trip reports and tech blog:
https://www.patreon.com/airschooled |
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