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Forum Member
 
Last Login: 11/17/2008 8:55:34 PM
Posts: 360,
Visits: 1,688
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| As some of you were aware, I was having a replica CAR from the 1977 movie The Car. That project has been now put on hold. My builder, Jean Paul LeBlanc of Kustoms By Jean Paul (California City, CA) was found to have no shop, a lengthy criminal record, and many pending lawsuits against him. I found this all out after I sent him $1000 for a donor car. A donor car that never existed, although he sent me pictures of one. He now refuses to give back my $1000. I would like my money back, but am not holding my breath. He has threatened to sue me for a breach of contract, even giving me his lawyer information. They told me they were finished with him, as he did not pay them for past court dues. They tried to talk him into doing the right thing, but he told them it was none of their business. They called me back and said I was probably sh!t out of luck. So, I'm not gonna sweat the thousand bucks (although I am not rich!), and my build will go on as planned...this is only a minor set back. I am now looking for a builder here in NY State. -Matt ** DISPITE ALL THIS, I'VE DECIDED TO GO ON WITH THIS BUILD MYSELF. I AM BY NO MEANS A PROFFESSIONAL CAR BUILDER, BUT I THANK ALL OF YOU HERE WHO CONTINUE TO DRIVE AND INSPIRE ME TO PUSH AHEAD, AND GIVE THIS A TRY...I ALSO THANK AND ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO MAY BE ABLE TO SUGGEST ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION** 
Chicks Love THE CAR! www.myspace.com/thecar1977
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Whose goin 4 a pint???
Last Login: 10/1/2008 6:05:03 PM
Posts: 2,860,
Visits: 3,896
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Forum Member
Last Login: 11/17/2008 8:55:34 PM
Posts: 360,
Visits: 1,688
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| Thanks Dee, I lost a little money, but it could have been worse...I'm just glad I found this all out before I sent him another dime. The only reason I chose him as a builder is because he had a history of working with the likes of George Barris, Dick Dean & Monty Bennett, just to name a few. He even has worked on THE CAR itself, prepping it for its auction in 1984. But those were his glory days, and he is now a washed up auto body mechanic with no shop to speak of anymore. It's really kind of sad that someone of his talents has to steal money from people to make his living nowadays. I will keep everyone interested up to date on my progress...I know DonC, Jack and N8 new of my potential build....it's still gonna happen!! -Matt
Chicks Love THE CAR! www.myspace.com/thecar1977
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Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: Today @ 6:19:41 PM
Posts: 2,035,
Visits: 4,684
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hey matt tell some more about the car...whats the base what they used for the fenders...was there more than one
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Whose goin 4 a pint???
Last Login: 10/1/2008 6:05:03 PM
Posts: 2,860,
Visits: 3,896
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Yeah light this thread up man. Give us some pics, stats, any info u have on the beast. I remember the first day i saw the movie and i'll never forget the horn. Like a truck, all deamonised. Deadly. Give us some movie shots and stuff. Don't let some rip-off builder prick get you down dude.
DE 89 IS COMING........www.stickam.com/profile/de89bat www.beyondfitness.ie
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Forum Member
Last Login: 11/17/2008 8:55:34 PM
Posts: 360,
Visits: 1,688
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| Hey guys, thanks...it's nice to have friends like you. This whole situation was a complete letdown, but like Dee suggests...I won't let it stop me from going forward. ...anyway, THE CAR is based on a '71 Continental Mark III. Built by George Barris, there was one constructed of sheetmetal, and at least 5 replicas done in fiberglass. All of the fiberglass replicas were destroyed thru out the film, one of which was used in (my opinion, the coolest car stunt ever done) a barrel roll over two police cars. The sheetmetal original was restored and auctioned off at GB's Kustom Car Auction in 1984...and sold for a mere $2000 . The story is covered in the Feb '84 issue of Car & Driver Magazine. Others cars in the auction; A '66 Batmobile, Monkeemobile, Munster Coach, and two Deathrace 2000 cars. The roof was chopped slightly, and the hipline of the car was raised. A custom grille chrome and dual bumpers were added to give the car a sinister 'face'. The windows were tinted a dark amber. It had a locked rear axle with 4.11 gears and a highly modified 460 engine. A roll cage, reinforced racing seats, and a 5 point safety harness, all recommended by stuntman Everett Creach. Here is a picture of the original CAR, prefabrication...GB marked off the changes to be made using masking tape. More pics to come! -Matt 
Chicks Love THE CAR! www.myspace.com/thecar1977
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Forum Member
Last Login: 11/17/2008 8:55:34 PM
Posts: 360,
Visits: 1,688
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| Hi All! Sorry I haven't posted much in a while. Busy renovating my house. Anyway, I've been having a hard time finding a suitable rust-free donor Lincoln Mark lll, I decided to build a THE CAR inspired replica, using my '79 Lincoln Town Car. It was really Jack who gave me the idea, so thanks Jack! Here's another build photo of the original CAR at Barris Kustoms (1976?) More pics to come..... 
Chicks Love THE CAR! www.myspace.com/thecar1977
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