I have spent about two hours reviewing the claims in
this matter and discussing them with both sides.  I
have offered to act as a mediator free of charge.  I
suggest you guys take me up on it.

As a list member, I request that you not dump this
matter on the list.  After hearing both sides, I have
to conclude this is a bona fide "dispute," not a
blatant rip off that might warrant warning other list
members.

steve

AL_KNOLL@HP-Roseville-om2.om.hp.com wrote:
>
> FROM:
> Al Knoll
> PO Box 3113
> Auburn, CA
> 95604
>
> Vanagon Projekt
> c/o Livermore Engine Center Ltd.
> 456 Franklin Lane
> Livermore, CA
> 94550
>
> Dear Mr. Hanschke,
>
> I have spoken with your former partner Mr. Lotz regarding my personal property
> to be returned upon completion of the 2.3l AUDI motor conversion in my white
> Vanagon Syncro.   He told me that he was no longer associated with the Vanagon
> Projekt or it's parent organization, TCCH, in which you are a principal.
>
> He told me when I picked up my red vanagon syncro at his request that he was no
> longer renting space to you, nor was he involved in any way with you or the
> Vanagon Projekt.  I mentioned that many items of personal property that were to
> be returned to me were missing and I asked if his location had been burglarized.
> He told me that no burglaries had occurred and that concerning my property, I
> should contact you.  I called you that day and you repeatedly mentioned that the
> personal property was "just gone".   Mr. Lotz mentioned to me that you had
> advised him to "throw me out" of his shop.  In his capacity as a reputable
> independent business owner and no longer a partner in the Vanagon Projekt, he
> ignored your advice and he and I completed our business dealings at that time.
> He recommended that I once again try to contact the you and the Vanagon Projekt
> to determine the whereabouts of my personal property.
>
> This property includes but is not limited to a complete 2.1l VW Vanagon motor
> removed from my white vanagon including bell-housing, clutch assembly, fuel
> system, air intake system, complete exhaust system including mounting brackets,
> engine compartment cooling system parts, and all Digifant II fuel injection
> parts including fuel pump, ECU, injectors, fuel lines and so forth.  In
> addition, the air conditioning compressor, idle control unit, alternator, and
> various belts and pulleys along with all parts not used in your attempt at an
> AUDI 5 cylinder conversion of my white vanagon are also missing.  Mr. Lotz has
> assured me that neither he nor any of his workers know the whereabouts of these
> items including the Volkswagen factory 14" aluminum alloy wheels and Yokohama
> y370G LT 195/75 tires mounted on these wheels  that were removed an placed in
> your care with your permission when I purchased five new 15' wheels from you as
> the Vanagon Projekt.
>
> Since these items of personal property are not on Mr. Lotz's premises and he has
> no knowledge of their whereabouts and you have said that they are "just gone",
> unless you can produce such items by the close of business on  5OCT99 at 1730 I
> will be contacting the appropriate local authorites to take further action to
> recover my property.
>
> Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Alfred F. Knoll  03OCT99
>
> CC: Ordas, Timmons, Owen and Owen.