[Gmecm] OT - My 1972 Chevy Nova - almost dead... :(

[David Allen]

This is a rant / venting / cautionary tale.

I've had a 72 Chevy Nova coupe that's been in our family for years. belonged 
to my aunt when it was new, in fact.

I've done various upgrades, such as replace the 307 engine with a fuel 
injected 305 back in the late 90's.  The interior was redone about 10 years 
ago.  The car was very drivable and always got compliments. Bright orange 
with a black vinyl top.  It was basically stock with a newer (but stock) 
engine.

The roof rusted out because of a water under the vinyl top.  The car ended 
up needing the roof replaced.  This is a big job so I wanted to take it to a 
professional for this. A friend had just got a 65 Mustang done and it looked 
AWESOME.  We took my Nova and my friend's vintage Oldsmobile to this guy.

This was about 3 months before I went to China. I asked about the car and 
was told "working on it" or "waiting for parts" and given excuses.

I spent 6 months overseas and just now went to check on the car.  I was 
horrified.  My Nova, and my friend's Olds were out in the weather. The Olds 
has the doors open weeds growing in the interior.

My Nova has irreparable sandblasting damage to ALL the exterior glass. 
Windsheild is broken. Rear window replaced with plywood. No new roof 
anywhere in sight. The interior is full of leaves, pine straw, there were 
CATS LIVING IN THE CAR!!! The interior is wet and moldy.  The rear seat area 
full of rotting cardboard boxes.

The trim for the windows is in the trunk, bent and scratched. The trunk full 
of water. The speakers stolen, battery stolen and replaced with a 
non-functional one.

Many interior parts are missing. I'm sure more than I realize now, too.

So I went from a rusted-out roof, to a trashed car.

On the bright side, when I put in a good battery the 305 TBI engine started 
without any complaints and the air conditioner is still cold.

It's going to be a long road to repairing this and I SURE wish I had not put 
my head in the sand and assumed everything was OK. I got burned because I 
trusted this guy like I expect to be trusted myself.

Sincerely,
David