Boring out the VF750?

[Smoked U]

I just dug up some scary facts from a deeper dive... wow.  So volatile that I don't know what to share here... perhaps ya'll were just being subtle with your warnings, but I'll definitely be looking for someone with positive experiences from a local shop.

Go ahead and throw that link up. Everyone here needs to see it. Somewhere on this site there is some info on Dave Dodge, contact info or something. Never hurts to give everyone both sides of the story and then it's caveat emptor dudes.

[hootmon]

Share away dude... I've been enjoying the conversation so far... Sorry if I seemed like a Negative Nelly... I'm just trying to point out the potential trouble spots, not trying to discourage you...

[buster]

Here's what I found.  Thanks again to you guys for advising me to do my homework.

Hard to believe someone is in business with that much widely recognized experience, talent and expertise, yet doesn't recognize that they need to make this right, ESPECIALLY in the age of social media.  I read there was a rebuttal, but no where as detailed or as well supported as this. 

Also, Dave Dodge's email error-ed out for 'over quota' when I reached out to him last week.  He did return the call promptly, but it's harder for both sides to keep track of details when they're verbal, so buyers should consider that, especially if it still errors out.  Communication is a critical aspect of customer service.

http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=59381.0
(Salvo's rant about Dave Dodge Ripoff article 2012)

http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=67024.0
(Facebook rant)

So I'm looking for anyone in the DFW area who has had cam, head and/or piston work done on a VF45:
- Who provided what parts?
- Who did the labor?
- Was it generally something you'd do again?
- How noticeable was the performance gain, especially compared to any other performance improvements like after market exhaust?
- Any negative side affects, expected or not, in terms of heat issues (I'm in Texas and commute in 100+ degree weather, sometimes in heavy traffic and more than 95 degrees), fuel requirements, or other?

[TLRam1]

Buster I am not a member there and can't read what the link refers to, can you post the messages here.

Or anyone else post the info in this forum, I don't want to sign-up just to read a couple of links.

[buster]

Buster I am not a member there and can't read what the link refers to, can you post the messages here.

Or anyone else post the info in this forum, I don't want to sign-up just to read a couple of links.

It's about a dozen pages long of very interesting bulletin board conversation including tons of photos.  IT would be worth the minute to get a guest account for that string alone, and there is a wealth of V4 information there, very well organized.  I tried to post some of the key narrative here, but much will be lost in formatting and without the photos, poster's information, etc. and I ran into the error: The message exceeds the maximum allowed length (20000 characters).  There are numerous side-discussions where senior members are all chipping in services and funds to rebuild the new member's motor.  In the end, the credit card company didn't help, DDodge never came thru despite making even more promises.  I'm now trimming back the last messages a few at a time to get it under 20,000 and possibly pasting it into multiple postings.
======================================================
   Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!
« Reply #16 on: January 16, 2012, 04:49:21 AM »    Quote

________________________________________
hi steve. yes there are plenty that are in the same boat as you including myself. he has been building my engine and 3000.00 for close to 3 years now and i was talking and emailing him regularly up until 6 months ago. last time i did talk to him was dec time frame. said the engine would ship by January like all the other dates he promised me for the last 3 years.  He has used that stud pulling out excuse on me as well and the latest was that cam tensioners were obsolete now from Honda. he had to find a fabrication shop to make new ones. My wife keep telling me to go to the BBB and the attorney General. Maybe we all should unite  and report him. i hope the other's chime in on this post as well that still have parts/engines at Dave Dodges. I know that Trumpet does for sure, and i believe around 3 years. Seems as Daves Work ethics have gone down the drain. Gotta wonder how he is making a living.... Promises and money up front i guess. If you do make a trip to see him, let me know if he has even started any of them. i have a suspicion that he hasn't.......... i say report him....
===================
My last posting here at this site was on my thread "Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!" it was #61 where I stated "I will wait until after the weekend of the 18th of March before making contact with them as that is the most recent date of completion given to me by DD last Friday. He has a week."  

That was Sunday March 11, 2012.  The following Friday I received a call from Dave Dodge stating that he had indeed finished my engine and it was ready to be picked up that weekend. I couldn't do that as I have been working weekends for months now. I scheduled the weekend of April 1 off and asked Dave if that would work for him. He responded that that would work and he looked forward to it.  

The following is true there is no slander and deceit on my behalf...

I sent Dave a confirmation email this past Wendsday, March 28 at 4:43am, it follows:

Hi Dave,

Just touching base wanting to confirm our upcoming Saturday pick up? We will be getting into Bullhead Friday evening. What time would you like to meet Saturday? Anytime works for me. If need be we can do it Sunday as well...
Please feel free to give me a call or email. Either way, I need to make this happen this weekend as my work schedule is still more than crazy and this is the only time I was able to schedule off...

Thanks!

Steve
salvo66us@yahoo.com


This is the response that I received from Dave that same day at 5:51am, it follows:


Steve,

We are good for Saturday, about 10ish?  Looking forward to it
Dave Dodge - DRP
===========

-----Original Message-----
From: steve lawrence
Sent: Mar 28, 2012 4:43 AM
To: Dave Dodge , Dave Dodge
Cc: salvo66us@yahoo.com
Subject: Engine pick up...

Hi Dave,

Just touching base wanting to confirm our upcoming Saturday pick up? We will be getting into Bullhead Friday evening. What time would you like to meet Saturday? Anytime works for me. If need be we can do it Sunday as well...
Please feel free to give me a call or email. Either way, I need to make this happen this weekend as my work schedule is still more than crazy and this is the only time I was able to schedule off...

Thanks!

Steve
salvo66us@yahoo.com


Ok, I received a call from Dave Friday morning March 30, everything is a go for Saturdays pick up except that he has to get some orders out and instead of meeting at 10am he wants to do it about 1pm so he can get the orders out to the Post Office... I agreed and we head up to Bullhead from Phoenix, Az. I received a call from Dave Saturday morning, March 31 at 12:16pm stating that he is behind a little bit and still needs to get these orders to the Post office and meet with his accountant and won't be able to meet until about 5pm. I reluctantly agreed. At 4:42pm I received the call from Dave that he had found that he just wasn't happy with how the #2 cylinder bearing was feeling and that he had taken the case back apart and wanted me to see it in person as it would be better to explain the situation to me. I told him that we would be over in just a few minutes to pick up the engine and go from there.

As a witness to what we were going to see and retrieve I had a retired Sheriffs officer tag along, kind of a tool to keep heads level for the moment... I wasn't there to cause problems or curse anybody out... I just wanted my due... My COMPLETED engine that I had waited for for over 2 years.  

Upon hearing the excuses as to why he couldn't meet me at the original time scheduled I knew that there was more to the story...

The following pictures were taken as soon as I unloaded the boxes from the vehicle this afternoon once we got back home in Phoenix... This is just an intial set of photos. It will take me days to lay everything out and retake pics that may be needed for whatever legal action comes next. I honestly don't know what to expect at this moment...

I would like to bring to light 2 postings from Dave Dodge in my previous thread, # 71, it reads as follows:  

 

Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!
« Reply #71 on: March 12, 2012, 09:38:34 PM »
Quote
I just read all of your posts with interest. I only want to say that in no way has anyone been screwed or ripped off, nor will they be. Assuming the worst tends to be the way of the board. I'll admit that engine building since the move has not been easy and taking far too much time. I dont want to comprimise the level of quality either. If anything can go wrong... it has. I do apologize to Aaron and Steve, and even John. Thank you for your patience and I assure you that getting these projects delivered is more important to me than is realized.

Regards

Dave Dodge - DRP


And also, #79 from Dave as well, it follows:


 
Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!
« Reply #79 on: March 13, 2012, 09:58:51 AM »
Quote
I completely understand all the concerns. It's been busy enough to keep me chasing my tail, but the level of sales is not fully supporting expenses or even cost of parts. I've made numerous changes to correct this. Most engine deposits started off at 50% and became progressive as I purchased the parts and outside labor to complete them. It became obvious that buying discontinued parts at premium+ prices was costing me more than I had them sold for. Labor from the machine shops is costing me $75.00 hr, yet I was only charging $50.00 hr., plus big shipping costs. Added to that, all my suppliers had subtantial and frequent price increases due to their higher costs. Products from Japan (Honda) are seeing 5% increases every time I order due to dollar to yen conversion. The slow economy and higher energy prices contribute to this as well.

I refused to increase the prices on those firm quoted jobs, but in the future engine jobs will be termed as 'restorations' and billed time and materials. Needless to say, engine building volume will be reduced, but if there's no profit in doing them, maybe that's best. The whole engine building side of the business has been causing me big concern... mostly due to the length of time to complete. I have never been known as the speediest engine builder, but I dont have comebacks either... it's gotta be right, and that's how I think my reputation developed. When talking directly to my customers, I do my best to explain the circumstances and reasons for the delays...

With all that said... I am (and have been) in this for the long haul, and the bumps in the road are a huge learning curve, even at age 56 with 30 years experience working on V4's.

Looking forward to a better tomorrow,

Dave Dodge - DRP  



The pics...

This is the COMPLETED engine:

(pages of photos of unmachined parts tossed in boxes, obviously not disassembled to that level in a couple of hours)
A pic of one of the pistons showing what looks like used rings on it, next to it is a ring from the bundle of "old" rings found laying in the boxes...
My cylinder heads... They were supposed to have Stage 2 Porting, Smoothing the intake runners and a Competition Valve Job, The tune of $400.00...
Doesn't look like any smoothing or valve job was ever done...

Boxes of head and valve parts... I must add that Dave was witnessed as grabbing "Valves" out of a plastic bag that he picked up from underneath a bench and added these valves to my parts. You can notice that there are valves that have been ground and valves that have not... The ground valves were from the plastic bag... I don't know if they belong to someone else's "valve job" and he just grabbed them to add to the mix or ???
My carbs were to have been cleaned and rebuilt to Stage 2, at $325.00 labor and parts kit... Dave was witnessed as removing parts from a set of carbs other than mine and adding these to my parts. There again I don't know if these pieces belonged to someone else's carb set or ???  
I did realize that in the hulabaloo that he still has my airbox and rubber venturis.... Fat F'n chance of getting that stuff now!

The trans was to have been "undercut" at $375.00... it looks like it was glass beaded at best... I don't know what to look for in an under cutting job but I can't see any fresh machining marks, maybe one of you can help me to spot it...

My cases were to have been powder coated... None of this has happened. It wasn't on the work order but he was paid $150.00-200.00 for that service. Supposedly he has a new work order that he is going to email me... He did however "paint" the oil pan and shift cover, and maybe the engine case...
The date on this gasket set should have been from way before 9/16/2011... Should have been back in 2010 when I was originally supposed to be picking up my engine in December 2010.
My last posting here at this site was on my thread "Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!" it was #61 where I stated "I will wait until after the weekend of the 18th of March before making contact with them as that is the most recent date of completion given to me by DD last Friday. He has a week."  

That was Sunday March 11, 2012.  The following Friday I received a call from Dave Dodge stating that he had indeed finished my engine and it was ready to be picked up that weekend. I couldn't do that as I have been working weekends for months now. I scheduled the weekend of April 1 off and asked Dave if that would work for him. He responded that that would work and he looked forward to it.  

The following is true there is no slander and deceit on my behalf...

I sent Dave a confirmation email this past Wendsday, March 28 at 4:43am, it follows:

Hi Dave,

Just touching base wanting to confirm our upcoming Saturday pick up? We will be getting into Bullhead Friday evening. What time would you like to meet Saturday? Anytime works for me. If need be we can do it Sunday as well...
Please feel free to give me a call or email. Either way, I need to make this happen this weekend as my work schedule is still more than crazy and this is the only time I was able to schedule off...

Thanks!

Steve
salvo66us@yahoo.com


This is the response that I received from Dave that same day at 5:51am, it follows:


Steve,

We are good for Saturday, about 10ish?  Looking forward to it

Dave Dodge - DRP

-----Original Message-----
From: steve lawrence
Sent: Mar 28, 2012 4:43 AM
To: Dave Dodge , Dave Dodge
Cc: salvo66us@yahoo.com
Subject: Engine pick up...

Hi Dave,

Just touching base wanting to confirm our upcoming Saturday pick up? We will be getting into Bullhead Friday evening. What time would you like to meet Saturday? Anytime works for me. If need be we can do it Sunday as well...
Please feel free to give me a call or email. Either way, I need to make this happen this weekend as my work schedule is still more than crazy and this is the only time I was able to schedule off...

Thanks!

Steve
salvo66us@yahoo.com

[buster]

continuation of my previous posting, part 2

Ok, I received a call from Dave Friday morning March 30, everything is a go for Saturdays pick up except that he has to get some orders out and instead of meeting at 10am he wants to do it about 1pm so he can get the orders out to the Post Office... I agreed and we head up to Bullhead from Phoenix, Az. I received a call from Dave Saturday morning, March 31 at 12:16pm stating that he is behind a little bit and still needs to get these orders to the Post office and meet with his accountant and won't be able to meet until about 5pm. I reluctantly agreed. At 4:42pm I received the call from Dave that he had found that he just wasn't happy with how the #2 cylinder bearing was feeling and that he had taken the case back apart and wanted me to see it in person as it would be better to explain the situation to me. I told him that we would be over in just a few minutes to pick up the engine and go from there.

As a witness to what we were going to see and retrieve I had a retired Sheriffs officer tag along, kind of a tool to keep heads level for the moment... I wasn't there to cause problems or curse anybody out... I just wanted my due... My COMPLETED engine that I had waited for for over 2 years. 

Upon hearing the excuses as to why he couldn't meet me at the original time scheduled I knew that there was more to the story...

The following pictures were taken as soon as I unloaded the boxes from the vehicle this afternoon once we got back home in Phoenix... This is just an intial set of photos. It will take me days to lay everything out and retake pics that may be needed for whatever legal action comes next. I honestly don't know what to expect at this moment...

I would like to bring to light 2 postings from Dave Dodge in my previous thread, # 71, it reads as follows: 

   

Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!
« Reply #71 on: March 12, 2012, 09:38:34 PM »
Quote
I just read all of your posts with interest. I only want to say that in no way has anyone been screwed or ripped off, nor will they be. Assuming the worst tends to be the way of the board. I'll admit that engine building since the move has not been easy and taking far too much time. I dont want to comprimise the level of quality either. If anything can go wrong... it has. I do apologize to Aaron and Steve, and even John. Thank you for your patience and I assure you that getting these projects delivered is more important to me than is realized.

Regards

Dave Dodge - DRP


And also, #79 from Dave as well, it follows:


   
Re: Anybody that has an engine at Dave Dodge's... Please look!
« Reply #79 on: March 13, 2012, 09:58:51 AM »
Quote
I completely understand all the concerns. It's been busy enough to keep me chasing my tail, but the level of sales is not fully supporting expenses or even cost of parts. I've made numerous changes to correct this. Most engine deposits started off at 50% and became progressive as I purchased the parts and outside labor to complete them. It became obvious that buying discontinued parts at premium+ prices was costing me more than I had them sold for. Labor from the machine shops is costing me $75.00 hr, yet I was only charging $50.00 hr., plus big shipping costs. Added to that, all my suppliers had subtantial and frequent price increases due to their higher costs. Products from Japan (Honda) are seeing 5% increases every time I order due to dollar to yen conversion. The slow economy and higher energy prices contribute to this as well.

I refused to increase the prices on those firm quoted jobs, but in the future engine jobs will be termed as 'restorations' and billed time and materials. Needless to say, engine building volume will be reduced, but if there's no profit in doing them, maybe that's best. The whole engine building side of the business has been causing me big concern... mostly due to the length of time to complete. I have never been known as the speediest engine builder, but I dont have comebacks either... it's gotta be right, and that's how I think my reputation developed. When talking directly to my customers, I do my best to explain the circumstances and reasons for the delays...

With all that said... I am (and have been) in this for the long haul, and the bumps in the road are a huge learning curve, even at age 56 with 30 years experience working on V4's.

Looking forward to a better tomorrow,

Dave Dodge - DRP 



The pics...

This is the COMPLETED engine:

 
 
 
 
 


A pic of one of the pistons showing what looks like used rings on it, next to it is a ring from the bundle of "old" rings found laying in the boxes...
 

A pic of a scratch in what looks like the #1 piston crank journal bearing...
 

The box the bundle of rings were in...


Here is a pic of my $560.00 HardWelded Rocker Arms...

And another...
 

My cylinder heads... They were supposed to have Stage 2 Porting, Smoothing the intake runners and a Competition Valve Job, The tune of $400.00...
Doesn't look like any smoothing or valve job was ever done...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Boxes of head and valve parts... I must add that Dave was witnessed as grabbing "Valves" out of a plastic bag that he picked up from underneath a bench and added these valves to my parts. You can notice that there are valves that have been ground and valves that have not... The ground valves were from the plastic bag... I don't know if they belong to someone else's "valve job" and he just grabbed them to add to the mix or ???
 
 
 

 
My carbs were to have been cleaned and rebuilt to Stage 2, at $325.00 labor and parts kit... Dave was witnessed as removing parts from a set of carbs other than mine and adding these to my parts. There again I don't know if these pieces belonged to someone else's carb set or ??? 
 

 

I did realize that in the hulabaloo that he still has my airbox and rubber venturis.... Fat F'n chance of getting that stuff now!

The trans was to have been "undercut" at $375.00... it looks like it was glass beaded at best... I don't know what to look for in an under cutting job but I can't see any fresh machining marks, maybe one of you can help me to spot it...
 
 
 

My cases were to have been powder coated... None of this has happened. It wasn't on the work order but he was paid $150.00-200.00 for that service. Supposedly he has a new work order that he is going to email me... He did however "paint" the oil pan and shift cover, and maybe the engine case...
 
 
 

I didn't even get the one hole that I asked to have "helicoiled" taken care of...
 

The date on this gasket set should have been from way before 9/16/2011... Should have been back in 2010 when I was originally supposed to be picking up my engine in December 2010.
   

The gasket set and an, I think, oil pump...
   
 

Just a couple of random pics...
 
 
 
 


I am speechless........... I do not even now where to start......... My restoration project is done. 

I have paid this man $4500.00 overall and this is what the culmination of more than 2yrs waiting and more than numerous emails and phone calls have gotten me. All the way up 'til the very end has been nothing but an excuse and as far as I am concerned, lies!

I don't know what is going to happen but I will be getting in touch with the Arizona Attorney Generals office and see what is next. I am posting this because
I HOPE that I can at least save someone the future hassles and trouble in which they may find by doing business with this man. I have certainly learned a
very costly lesson here. I have somewhere around $7-8000.00 wrapped up in what was to be a "Better than New" restoration of my dream bike. This has all been crushed now.

I can't speak here how I really feel and what I would really like to do.... I am sickened!

Dave, I am certainly glad that you have clearly stated that " I only want to say that in no way has anyone been screwed or ripped off, nor will they be."



Steve






« Last Edit: April 01, 2012, 08:04:52 PM by Salvo »   Report to moderator     Logged


======================================================================
This is really bad, I was following your previous posts with interest.
There were a couple of members that came up in Dave's defence. It will be interesting to see there reaction.
For advise from here, I don't know. Legal action will cost you bucks that might not be recovered.
==================================================================
I was thinking the same about all the guys that stood up for dd. will they respond?   
=================
Well I was one of those guys who stood up for Dave.
The pictures dont lie.


I have nothing more to say.

Mike in Cleveland Ohio.
=======================
He pulled the same shit on my friend in Coppell about ten years ago
« Last Edit: April 02, 2012, 10:59:05 AM by eddiesv65 »   Report to moderator     Logged

________________________________________
EVERY STOPLIGHT IS A LAUNCH SITE
1983 V65..MAGNA...3.40
TEXAS/Amarillo
==============================
A friend of mine has his V45 heads over there for 3 years now. Porting and stage 2 cams. It sounds like he will never ever get them. Im sad to read this. I think Dave Dodge is mentally ill, why else would he be acting like this? 
======================
Johnson. Granby Ct
===========

   Re: Finally got my engine back from Dave Dodge...
« Reply #130 on: April 10, 2012, 04:44:29 PM »   
________________________________________
Hi Everyone...

I got an email from Dave this afternoon... I sent him a response as well.  For the sake of keeping everyone here informed of the events as they unfold... Once again, everything is true and unaltered. There is no slander or deceit. Only facts as they are brought to light...

The following is the email from Dave this afternoon and that will follow with my email response that I just sent to him.

Email from Dave:


Steve,

I wanted to give you a follow-up while I'm working on paperwork, and letting you know I'm not leaving it un-resolved. The first revised workorder I will be sending will show what the balances and refund would have been had you picked it up assembled. The second part I have been working on is billing as it relates to you having picked it up un-assembled. Know that I am trying to determine the fairest refund possible based on what was assembled and what was not. I know your feelings on this whole matter, and do not intend to let it linger and plan to make it right.

There was also a box containing the water pump, oil mod, sprocket case inner cover, case bolts, etc. that is still here. I have been going over all my notes, invoices to do the un-assembled revision. Truth is, I would still finish it after buying a replacement set of cases to fix the main journal problem that prevented completion. I will be e-mailing these revised workorders shortly and we can discuss them.

Sincerely,

Dave Dodge - DRP

Dave, I may not be totally up to speed with motorcycle engines but I absolutely know my way around performance automotive engines and the basics are basics whether it is automotive or a motorcycle... Parts just look a little bit different. I worked as a professional mechanic for 13 years. You are not going to blow smoke up my a**!

I will also add that the story about the "pulled cylinder studs" doesn't jive as well... Please tell me which stud it is? My inspection tech and I don't see it or a repair... If you repaired it, you should be able to tell me which one it is...

And what about the valves that were "swapped out" according to this email? Were those the valves that you "grabbed" out of that baggy full of valves from underneath your workbench?

Why were my engine pieces located  in several different spots through your garage? Most engine builders keep their respective customers engine pieces compiled together and labeled. I saw no labeling whatsoever in your garage. I do not know how you could tell who's pieces were who's?

As for the second estimate revision, as far as I am concerned, it is out the door. We had a business agreement. You called me and told me the engine was "ready" to be picked up. Whether I had given you an ultimatum or not, that engine was LONG PAST DUE! Let me bring to light another email from you dated, Thursday, March 4, 2010:


Steve,

[buster]

part 3, and I think it will be 3 of 3.  Working my member status toward a 4th star   


Here's an update for you. I have most of the machine work on the way back from the machine shop and almost all of the parts in hand. I will be sending the covers out for powdercoat this week. All is going very well.

I have a request. Would it be possible to charge your card for another $1000.00 progressive deposit this week? I have so much coming in I need to keep the cash flow in order.

Dave Dodge - DRP

drp123@mindspring.com 


How can you tell me that the parts have been coming back from the machine shop and the covers were going out for powdercoating?

You NEVER had the rocker arms sent out for hardwelding, I am pretty sure that the cams being sent out was a lie as well. The covers were obviously never powdercoated... They are still covered with the same dirt that was on them when I sent them to you!

I WILL give you credit that the trans was undercut and that the cylinders have been honed, the cases may have been cleaned but you DIDN'T take care of the one thread repair that I requested. That should have been one of the first items taken care of as there are "chips" that stem from such repairs and you wouldn't want fresh metal chips inside of a fresh rebuild!  What is up with that?

Now on to parts of the work order that really stand out...

Why did you NOT use new rings on my pistons? They are on the work order... There are used rings on my pistons... Why?

Why did you NOT send out the rocker arms for hardwelding? And the cams? ( you'll have to show me proof that they were sent out before I will believe anything you say)

Why was my crank NOT fluted and polished? It does not reflect this procedure...

Why were my carbs NOT finished? There are no new jets and gaskets... Let alone the fact that they were NOT assembled as per the work order. These should have been finished before even calling me... 

Where is the Kevlar clutch? You only had my used stock one there among my pieces...

And what about the replacement starter that I paid you $100.00 for? The one among the pieces is my original...

Here is where I am standing right this minute Dave. I am picking up my 3rd party inspection report tomorrow and then filing that report along with all the pictures and emails, phone and paper correspondence that I have from you to my card holder. I have already been in touch with them and they want to get to the bottom of the situation. It is going to be out of my hands. If I don't get anywhere with my card holder I am going up the ladder to the next step.

I don't know what took place with you. It doesn't matter to me. You took my money and used it for anything but my engine. You may have gotten some stuff but you neglected my business with you as a whole. You drug out the time frame so long and I was trying like hell to be lenient with you as I do know that things come up, but what you have done to me is beyond reasonable and is very hurtful to myself, yourself and the motorcycling community as a whole.

Anything you say to me, write to me, etc... Cannot be taken as to be the truth, the results of my business transaction with you speak volumes to your credibility as an upstanding businessman. There were lies upon lies told to me over the course of more than 2 years.

I will add that not once in this whole time have you stepped forward with any receipts to try to prove or show me where things were at with the engine build. If you are a legitimate business, I am sure you have records. Records showing what comes in, what goes out, expenditures, refunds, etc... 

As for the box of parts that are still there... Once again, why were things not kept together? If you were serious about feeling bad about the current situation, that box would have been on my doorstep already.... You have my address.

As for "still finishing the engine".... There is NO WAY you will EVER touch one of my projects again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am sorry that it comes to this. I hope that you are able to get things straightened out.           

Steve Lawrence


   


   Re: Finally got my engine back from Dave Dodge...
« Reply #130 on: April 10, 2012, 04:44:29 PM »   
________________________________________
Hi Everyone...

I got an email from Dave this afternoon... I sent him a response as well.  For the sake of keeping everyone here informed of the events as they unfold... Once again, everything is true and unaltered. There is no slander or deceit. Only facts as they are brought to light...

The following is the email from Dave this afternoon and that will follow with my email response that I just sent to him.

Email from Dave:


Steve,

I wanted to give you a follow-up while I'm working on paperwork, and letting you know I'm not leaving it un-resolved. The first revised workorder I will be sending will show what the balances and refund would have been had you picked it up assembled. The second part I have been working on is billing as it relates to you having picked it up un-assembled. Know that I am trying to determine the fairest refund possible based on what was assembled and what was not. I know your feelings on this whole matter, and do not intend to let it linger and plan to make it right.

There was also a box containing the water pump, oil mod, sprocket case inner cover, case bolts, etc. that is still here. I have been going over all my notes, invoices to do the un-assembled revision. Truth is, I would still finish it after buying a replacement set of cases to fix the main journal problem that prevented completion. I will be e-mailing these revised workorders shortly and we can discuss them.

Sincerely,

Dave Dodge - DRP

Dave, I may not be totally up to speed with motorcycle engines but I absolutely know my way around performance automotive engines and the basics are basics whether it is automotive or a motorcycle... Parts just look a little bit different. I worked as a professional mechanic for 13 years. You are not going to blow smoke up my a**!

I will also add that the story about the "pulled cylinder studs" doesn't jive as well... Please tell me which stud it is? My inspection tech and I don't see it or a repair... If you repaired it, you should be able to tell me which one it is...

And what about the valves that were "swapped out" according to this email? Were those the valves that you "grabbed" out of that baggy full of valves from underneath your workbench?

Why were my engine pieces located  in several different spots through your garage? Most engine builders keep their respective customers engine pieces compiled together and labeled. I saw no labeling whatsoever in your garage. I do not know how you could tell who's pieces were who's?

As for the second estimate revision, as far as I am concerned, it is out the door. We had a business agreement. You called me and told me the engine was "ready" to be picked up. Whether I had given you an ultimatum or not, that engine was LONG PAST DUE! Let me bring to light another email from you dated, Thursday, March 4, 2010:


Steve,

Here's an update for you. I have most of the machine work on the way back from the machine shop and almost all of the parts in hand. I will be sending the covers out for powdercoat this week. All is going very well.

I have a request. Would it be possible to charge your card for another $1000.00 progressive deposit this week? I have so much coming in I need to keep the cash flow in order.

Dave Dodge - DRP

drp123@mindspring.com 


How can you tell me that the parts have been coming back from the machine shop and the covers were going out for powdercoating?

You NEVER had the rocker arms sent out for hardwelding, I am pretty sure that the cams being sent out was a lie as well. The covers were obviously never powdercoated... They are still covered with the same dirt that was on them when I sent them to you!

I WILL give you credit that the trans was undercut and that the cylinders have been honed, the cases may have been cleaned but you DIDN'T take care of the one thread repair that I requested. That should have been one of the first items taken care of as there are "chips" that stem from such repairs and you wouldn't want fresh metal chips inside of a fresh rebuild!  What is up with that?

Now on to parts of the work order that really stand out...

Why did you NOT use new rings on my pistons? They are on the work order... There are used rings on my pistons... Why?

Why did you NOT send out the rocker arms for hardwelding? And the cams? ( you'll have to show me proof that they were sent out before I will believe anything you say)

Why was my crank NOT fluted and polished? It does not reflect this procedure...

Why were my carbs NOT finished? There are no new jets and gaskets... Let alone the fact that they were NOT assembled as per the work order. These should have been finished before even calling me... 

Where is the Kevlar clutch? You only had my used stock one there among my pieces...

And what about the replacement starter that I paid you $100.00 for? The one among the pieces is my original...

Here is where I am standing right this minute Dave. I am picking up my 3rd party inspection report tomorrow and then filing that report along with all the pictures and emails, phone and paper correspondence that I have from you to my card holder. I have already been in touch with them and they want to get to the bottom of the situation. It is going to be out of my hands. If I don't get anywhere with my card holder I am going up the ladder to the next step.

I don't know what took place with you. It doesn't matter to me. You took my money and used it for anything but my engine. You may have gotten some stuff but you neglected my business with you as a whole. You drug out the time frame so long and I was trying like hell to be lenient with you as I do know that things come up, but what you have done to me is beyond reasonable and is very hurtful to myself, yourself and the motorcycling community as a whole.

Anything you say to me, write to me, etc... Cannot be taken as to be the truth, the results of my business transaction with you speak volumes to your credibility as an upstanding businessman. There were lies upon lies told to me over the course of more than 2 years.

I will add that not once in this whole time have you stepped forward with any receipts to try to prove or show me where things were at with the engine build. If you are a legitimate business, I am sure you have records. Records showing what comes in, what goes out, expenditures, refunds, etc... 

As for the box of parts that are still there... Once again, why were things not kept together? If you were serious about feeling bad about the current situation, that box would have been on my doorstep already.... You have my address.

As for "still finishing the engine".... There is NO WAY you will EVER touch one of my projects again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am sorry that it comes to this. I hope that you are able to get things straightened out.           

Steve Lawrence

=================
Hi Everybody,
Well, I knew inside it would happen... I am F**ked!  The card company sent my notification today that because it has been past "60" days they are not responsible for actions, don't forget to add "...regretfully"!  I checked out the AZ Small Claims court and the limit is $2500.00.  I am done!

I really appreciate everyone's response's and support for helping my project out but there is no way I will finish this restoration, not to the level of quality I was shooting for. I cannot invest more money into it now that I know where this issue is now standing.  I guess I now have a large stash of brand new and very nicely restored parts and pieces to sell years down the road when they are even harder to get...

Hey, Magnaryder, The bike is an '85... I have a restoration thread over at vfrworld, if you are there just look up my thread... "The Restoration has begun... Now the questions".  I would post a link but if you don't belong you'll have to register first, it's free... Anyways, all my work so far has been posted with complete pics and documentation...

Dave, I know you read this thread...  I just want to take a breath and tell you what a "Class Act" kind of guy you are!  You certainly do the motorcycling community a huge favor with all of your expertise and quality craftsmanship! I certainly am glad that I took trust in your abilities to provide me with such gracious and satisfying satisfaction in this endeavor of mine. I will be sure to tell everyone I meet at the bike show's and auctions and such just what kind of quality you exuberate! I want everybody to know just what you did for me!     


Oh, and BTW... I just want everyone to know... Dave,  You remember that "box" of parts you said was still there at your place?!  IT STILL HASN'T SHOWN UP AT MY DOORSTEP YET!!!!!!!!     

[buster]

It bothers me to post such negativity so close to Christmas, but I suspect a lot of good will come of it if at least one other person besides my self doesn't fall into the same trap that Salvo and the others above fell into.  Don't ship your motor off and pay significant money up front, and like I was told here last week, do your homework to find out who you're dealing with.

[TLRam1]

Thanks for posting Buster, it might be interesting to see the photos, I get the jest of it though.

I don't know him and never dealt with Dave but the red flags from lack of communication from members here along with moving and not keeping the info readily available to forum members/on his website were apparent.

The same flags here are the same on the other forums I am on, mostly with regards to the vintage bikes I have and the end results are the same. Dead lines missed, work not being completed in a timely manner or not at all and monies not being refunded. Threats, legal action and years before pipes are made, motor work done and in my case a seat rebuild. The difference, I knew what I was getting into, after a few months of badgering I finally got it back, two seats were to be done, the second one I never sent to him. His workmanship and finished product were excellent, getting him to actually do the work was the issue. 

If work is being done as a business, it will be a quick turnaround, otherwise it will be when they can get to it and your funds will be used for living expenses and not available for your job.  We send cranks off to have new seals installed, it is a seven day turn around unless the builder has to source a bearing or seal. That happens but than you are looking at 2-3 weeks at most.

Just doing his motor only on weekends I would say no longer than 2 months, sourcing parts could be an issue. The Best builders would send photos of completed work when dealing with people who are not local showing the work completed. Than again if you have a good verifiable reputation the work would be done before you know it.

[Wolf]

I once spoke with Dave Dodge about squeezing a sixth gear into the gearbox.  Apparently this is something he has done (or contemplated).  A sixth gear would bring the rpm's down, would address MPG concerns and, possibly, engine heat.  Whether in concert with switching to a 17 tooth front sprocket or not, I imagine this mod could generate some excitement.  Have any of you added a sixth gear?

[hootmon]

Way to dredge up an OLD post!!!
Instead of doing something all that custom, one off, engineering, work..
I believe the VFR750 (same vintage as the Gen 3) had a 6 speed gear box..
Several people have done an engine swap (I would presume at minimum you would have to do a CDI swap and maybe a harness swap)
You could probably find a motor for under $1000 and then just do the swap.. No, splitting the case, engineering changes to the gear box, etc. etc.

As I said, I believe the VFR had a 6 speed, that would need to be verified.

[TLRam1]

Harry, didn't the guy who customized his Magna add the 6th gear or do an engine swap?

[hootmon]

Harry, didn't the guy who customized his Magna add the 6th gear or do an engine swap?

IF you are talking about this one, it is a VFR motor..

[TLRam1]

That's the one.

[MagnaMan]

Transmission mod
The VFR motor from the same era was a six speed transmission only the final drive ratio was the same as the Magna. Dave Dodge was talking about getting a VFR tranny and then having a custom sixth gear made to that would lower the highway RPMs. You could then change your sprocket sizes to get the power you want down low but get your highway mileage with an overdrive.

That to me is probably the cheapest and easiest viable option.

Dave Dodge
I've known about those threads for years but never wanted to bring them up.  Because honestly, Dave has always been more than fair to me but I have only bought items from him.

I'd buy the parts from Dave and install them just to avoid the issues you found. But I'd like to make a few points:

• Dave is a one man shop and he's had some health problems as of late and before that some issues with his Dad's health. I think he's just gotten in over his head with life's struggles. (My own work has suffered when taking care of ailing family members.) So getting work done which takes large chunks of time is a lot harder than packaging up and selling your Intellectual Property.
• Another thing is that particular forum is a pretty negative place so I question the amount of objectivity. I don't doubt there's some truth to the story, but I quit participating years ago because its environment was not like MOOT's.
• Some of the same people that criticize him have also tried to get free knowledge from him. I have seen some outright ask for his cam design specs so they can take them somewhere else for free.

In short, I may be leery of sending him actual work but don't mind supporting his intellectual expertise through purchases.