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Engine rebuild swindle - Lanky Fouche!

To: <nass@yahoogroups.com>,
Subject: Engine rebuild swindle - Lanky Fouche!
From: "Mike Ross" <mikeross@Prodigy.net>
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 22:00:22 -0500
Three years ago I consulted Ted Schumacher about using a TR6 engine in my GT6
convertible project.  He recommended a friend who was a chief mechanic for the
old Group 44 racing team, Lanky Fouche.  Mr. Fouche was highly recommended by
Ted as an honest, trustworthy and very excellent engine builder. He is from
Sanford, NC, but I met him once here in Ohio when he was crew chief for a
vintage car race at Mid Ohio Raceway.  With Ted's recommendation, I bought the
engine through Ted and made arrangements to have it modified; forged pistons
and rings to handle turbo charging and a  ported and polished head with
hardened valve seats.  I ordered the new pistons through Ted and he sent them
to Lanky.  I had to pay Lanky for the engine before he would modify it, so Ted
instructed me to send the money to Mr. Fouche.  Over the next year I talked
with Mr. Fouche a couple of times indicating to him that I didn't need the
engine right away since I was restoring the chassis and building a garage.
However, I quit hearing from him.  When I called Ted a year and a half ago, he
said Lanky had had a heart attack.  I waited another six months and called Mr.
Fouche.  He said the engine would be ready in a few weeks.  For the next six
months he gave the same line three times.  Finally last fall, he apologized
and said he'd get it done right away and deliver it personally since he felt
so embarrassed to take so long.  That was the last time I was able to contact
him.  I've sent letters and faxes and a certified letter, which he signed, in
January; all with no reply.  I've asked Ted to intercede with no response.

Unfortunately I will be force to hire an attorney to try to recover the money
spent on this engine three years ago.  If anyone has any dealings with Lanky
Fouche of North Carolina, BEWARE!



Mike           http://pages.prodigy.net/mikeross/
'63 Spritfire
'66 Spitfire
'69 GT6 convertible project
'70 GT6+ (maroon)
'70 GT6+ (green)

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