Hello All
As many of you are aware I have undertaken a
complete restoration of my 1959 LeBaron beginning in April
2003.
It is the "classic" deep ruby FDHT with a
silvercrest and black landau roof.
It has been a long haul but the car is essentially
complete. Note that I do not say totally complete as there are a small number of
minor items that I simply have not been able to find. I even took it to its
first car show last weekend.
During the course of the restoration I have
had dealings with many individuals. Some of them were just exceptional. They
were honest and quickly went that extra mile to help! One that comes to mind is Bob Hofmeister who, in all
my dealings with him, was a man of his word. There were a few others. I also had
dealings/correspondence with many others who were, like many of us, "every
day average good people".
Unfortunately there is another category of
individuals (very small) who do not fit in the above mentioned groups. Years ago
when my sons attended school, some of the students at the schools
(inappropriately or not) were labeled "The Big L" where L stood for Loser. My
own "extension" of this is the "Big Al" award.
I am nominating Dennis Dana (10576 Valinda Ct, Alta
Loma, CA, 91701) for the award and the following explains why. Use the
information as you see fit.
On August 2, 2004 I contacted Dennis and asked him
if he would restore my antenna as I simply was not able to locate a
replacement.
The answer was affirmative and on August 4/04 I
sent the entire assembly (mast, motor transmission,..) to him. As it turned out
it arrived on August 16 but because Dennis did not pick it up the package was
returned. After numerous emails (at least 7) the package, which was sent again,
was confirmed by Dennis as having arrived on Nov. 18. All sorts of
apologies and I could expect to hear something by Thanksgiving.
On Jan. 15, Feb.01, Feb.11 and April 15,
2005 I tried to contact him but no response.
On May 18/05 I sent a message to this group asking
if anyone had any information. Maybe something very serious happened. Some
people responded. Apparently some have had satisfactory dealings with
him.
Lo and behold on May 28 I received an email
from Dennis who simply stated that he had an accident (did not tell me any
details) and he would now be working on my antenna as it was a "priority"! I
responded and expressed a hope that the repairs would be done
quickly.
Nothing happened and I again sent messages to him
on August 16 and September 5.
No response! "The
sounds of silence".
I now believe it is a dead issue and submit his
name as my nomination for the award.
This has been a major disappointment.
I have a suggestion related to what he can do with
what I sent him. It may be inappropriate to spell it out in detail.
Mel
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