Galen's Report

oldchevelle541 · January 27, 2015, 08:05:47 PM

just sharing.......about 16 months ago I purchased my Mopar that had a Galen inspection report but it was incomplete for what ever reason. At the time Diane quoted me $210.00 to obtain a copy of the report. Due to financial reasons I held off thinking when I can save the money I will reconnect and purchase the report. Just recently after many attempts to reconnect I was quoted $355.00 for the report. An increase of $145.00 for a report that already exists. I had resent my email to show that $210.00 is what was quoted and I declined to pay the new price it as I thought it was excessive for a document that already existed. This is in my opinion not very customer friendly. Has anyone had similar experiences.

daytonalo · January 27, 2015, 08:10:58 PM

Maybe that fat old cranky bastard has a drug problem

moparnation74 · January 27, 2015, 08:14:08 PM

That is quite an increase indeed.

Galen is a rather interesting character in many ways. And I am not shocked at this type of a customer service issue.

The comments from members here will be enlightening for you

DAY CLONA · January 27, 2015, 08:54:59 PM

It's an increase in "finders fees" to look for your Inspection report, due to the "backflow", I mean back log

Dodge Don · January 27, 2015, 09:24:26 PM

What a complete and utter rip-off

Ghoste · January 27, 2015, 09:27:48 PM

With fewer and fewer people relying on his "services" he likely needs to resort to this.

A383Wing · January 27, 2015, 09:35:55 PM

didn't he "retire" recently?

hemi68charger · January 27, 2015, 09:45:35 PM

I will do it for free !!!!!!

Notice: I don't know what I am doing other than looking at the broadcast sheet and referencing a factory parts book against the last two digits in the part number....

Oh wait, I think I can do it..

Oh wait x2...,If you get it to me, it'll be 1 of 1 registered, not that means a hill of beans since I'm a nobody...

A383Wing · January 27, 2015, 11:18:51 PM

we all do it for free here now in the forum...I don't think there is a car out there that cannot be proven one way or another...

(cough..the 6-pak AC car for example...cough)

Aero426 · January 27, 2015, 11:32:56 PM

Quote from: oldchevelle541 on January 27, 2015, 08:05:47 PM
just sharing.......about 16 months ago I purchased my Mopar that had a Galen inspection report but it was incomplete for what ever reason. At the time Diane quoted me $210.00 to obtain a copy of the report. Due to financial reasons I held off thinking when I can save the money I will reconnect and purchase the report. Just recently after many attempts to reconnect I was quoted $355.00 for the report. An increase of $145.00 for a report that already exists. I had resent my email to show that $210.00 is what was quoted and I declined to pay the new price it as I thought it was excessive for a document that already existed. This is in my opinion not very customer friendly. Has anyone had similar experiences.

What car did you purchase?

held1823 · January 28, 2015, 12:21:13 AM

Quote from: Aero426 on January 27, 2015, 11:32:56 PM

What car did you purchase?

i know! i know! but i'll let him tell you

and as to paying GG for anything, you should both (A) save your money, and (B) research his recent history. you will find he has become irrelevant

Davtona · January 28, 2015, 12:39:36 AM

Quote from: held1823 on January 28, 2015, 12:21:13 AM
Quote from: Aero426 on January 27, 2015, 11:32:56 PM

What car did you purchase?

i know! i know! but i'll let him tell you

Ah come on. Spill it!

RallyeMike · January 28, 2015, 12:44:22 AM

That's outrageous

held1823 · January 28, 2015, 01:20:45 AM

Quote from: Davtona on January 28, 2015, 12:39:36 AM
Quote from: held1823 on January 28, 2015, 12:21:13 AM
Quote from: Aero426 on January 27, 2015, 11:32:56 PM

What car did you purchase?

i know! i know! but i'll let him tell you

Ah come on. Spill it!

lol. he posted the last six when he bought it, and was looking for some background history on it.

if i'm not mistaken, this would be the gem.

Ghoste · January 28, 2015, 06:23:28 AM

Quote from: A383Wing on January 27, 2015, 09:35:55 PM
didn't he "retire" recently?

I think he partially retired when he started selling cars for that classic car dealer.

wingcar · January 28, 2015, 08:23:40 AM

I have a 1 of 1 1970 Charger, a 1 of 1 1967 Charger and a 1 of 1 2008 Challenger SRT8.....they are each the only ones parked in my driveway at this time, which makes them each 1 of 1. And, I don't need Galen to document them as each is already documented with the DMV. Wow, I just saved myself a ton of money!

(Sounds as if he has become nothing more than a Mopar ripoff artist. Sorry, but I don't see where getting his stamp of approval means that much when anyone can do their home work and for the most part come up with many of the same conclusions as he would....save your money....just my two cents)

*Does his name still carry the same weight within the hobby as it once did?

hemi68charger · January 28, 2015, 08:29:14 AM

Quote from: wingcar on January 28, 2015, 08:23:40 AM
...
*Does his name still carry the same weight within the hobby as it once did?

I do believe so to those who don't frequent mopar-related discussion board and forums as this ( or know someone that's very knowledgeable in regards to Mopars ). He's like the Wayne Carini in the Mopar world at venues like Auctions....... Do have to admit, he's made a name for himself in a TMZ sort of way.....

Ghoste · January 28, 2015, 08:47:43 AM

I'm not so sure Troy. It seems like his name has been tossed around so much at auctions that I see a lot of people that just don't care. The reader at the block will always make a point of announcing it but the crowd doesn't seem all that impressed anymore.

hemi68charger · January 28, 2015, 08:49:51 AM

Quote from: Ghoste on January 28, 2015, 08:47:43 AM
I'm not so sure Troy. It seems like his name has been tossed around so much at auctions that I see a lot of people that just don't care. The reader at the block will always make a point of announcing it but the crowd doesn't seem all that impressed anymore.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, never been to an auction yet... Maybe the Mecum here in Houston in April........

Ghoste · January 28, 2015, 08:51:09 AM

You should, everyone should go see the circus at least once and Mecum is a pretty good one right now.

moparchris · January 28, 2015, 09:23:11 AM

Troy,

Go to the Houston auction. They have a hemi 'bird and and a hemi Daytona on the block. B5 'bird, R4 Daytona.

hemi68charger · January 28, 2015, 10:19:19 AM

Quote from: moparchris on January 28, 2015, 09:23:11 AM
Troy,

Go to the Houston auction. They have a hemi 'bird and and a hemi Daytona on the block. B5 'bird, R4 Daytona.

I emailed Mecum and asked them if they wanted a local "display". I have a friend here with a survivor B5 Superbird and it would be cool to have his and mine together when the auctioned versions go on the block..

Hopefully I'll have my hemi top-notch by then and get things rolling...............

Dave Kanofsky · January 28, 2015, 12:12:09 PM

I've been to the Chicago one a few times now, it is an amusing time.

You should go and check out the wide range of quality, some cars are decent, others are...well...if you can't say somethin' nice...

Ghoste · January 28, 2015, 12:27:13 PM

Yeah, it's amazing how great they all look on television isn't it?

charger500440 · January 28, 2015, 05:27:34 PM

Quote from: oldchevelle541 on January 27, 2015, 08:05:47 PM
just sharing.......about 16 months ago I purchased my Mopar that had a Galen inspection report but it was incomplete for what ever reason. At the time Diane quoted me $210.00 to obtain a copy of the report. Due to financial reasons I held off thinking when I can save the money I will reconnect and purchase the report. Just recently after many attempts to reconnect I was quoted $355.00 for the report. An increase of $145.00 for a report that already exists. I had resent my email to show that $210.00 is what was quoted and I declined to pay the new price it as I thought it was excessive for a document that already existed. This is in my opinion not very customer friendly. Has anyone had similar experiences.

Well, I stand corrected. I've always said GG is not an expert at anything from my experience (which I will spare you). It appears he's an expert at trying to rip folks off. Congrats on that GG, hope that keeps you warm at night...

odcics2 · January 28, 2015, 05:30:54 PM

Quote from: oldchevelle541 on January 27, 2015, 08:05:47 PM
just sharing.......about 16 months ago I purchased my Mopar that had a Galen inspection report but it was incomplete for what ever reason. At the time Diane quoted me $210.00 to obtain a copy of the report. Due to financial reasons I held off thinking when I can save the money I will reconnect and purchase the report. Just recently after many attempts to reconnect I was quoted $355.00 for the report. An increase of $145.00 for a report that already exists. I had resent my email to show that $210.00 is what was quoted and I declined to pay the new price it as I thought it was excessive for a document that already existed. This is in my opinion not very customer friendly. Has anyone had similar experiences.

Perhaps he charges more to guys with 'chevy" screen names?

oldchevelle541 · January 28, 2015, 06:06:22 PM

Wow - what a response !!!

I never knew Mr. G had such a fan base. From what I hear it costs for him to come and inspect your car now that is crazy money. In my case I was solely interested in receiving the complete report that already existed. I am not sweating it if I don't have it as I know what I have.

BTW....when I asked Diane if the notes that Mr. G wrote during his inspection was available with the report her reply was that they were considered confidential and not available.

Everyone's response much appreciated.

1970Moparmann · January 28, 2015, 06:50:54 PM

I'll keep my response short - Galen is an ass.....

Congrat's on the Bird!!!

Edelbroke · January 28, 2015, 09:50:59 PM

I thought about having GG come out to look at a 70 Cuda 383 4pd I have, I emailed them and got a quick phone call reply. Maybe because my car decode was easy money. (There in WI and so am I.) Motor/trans have never been out of the car, has the matching vin numbers on the engine and trans. Price- $300 for the build sheet/ fender tag decode break down, and if I wanted Galen to personally inspect the car it would be $1600. (Stipulation, I needed to have the car on a lift because Galen broke his foot or had foot surgery or something)

And then I decided I didn't need to pay someone else to tell me something I already know and bought a new grill and interior upholstery for my car.

68X426 · January 29, 2015, 12:51:59 AM

Quote from: Edelbroke on January 28, 2015, 09:50:59 PM
because Galen broke his foot or had foot surgery or something)

yeah, something like someone's foot was put up his a.....

hemi68charger · January 29, 2015, 07:34:45 AM

Quote from: Edelbroke on January 28, 2015, 09:50:59 PM
...And then I decided I didn't need to pay someone else to tell me something I already know and bought a new grill and interior upholstery for my car.

Money well spent.............

FJMG · January 29, 2015, 01:58:24 PM

About ten years ago I decided I wanted an "expert" to look at my car. After consulting with members of my local club and surfing the net, three names came to the top of the list, GTS (Galen) was one of them. Of those three, Galen was the only one to answer the phone, (actually his assistant did). We arranged an inspection date, met him first thing in the morning and he finished mid afternoon. He provided me with plenty of information and I paid what I thought was very fair. Heck a few years later my family and I were returning from a road trip and decided to stop in, he ended up taking us to dinner.
While I hate lousy customer service, I have had nothing but great service from Galen. Truly unfortunate that the OP is having so much difficulty.
BTW, of the other two "experts" only one decided to return my call, after six months, only to tell me that he was not interested in looking at an old car that is not restored and to bring it buy after I am done......right, after all that time and money tell me what I did wrong instead of telling me what to be aware of before I start, great help.
The third never even returned my call or email.

charge69 · January 29, 2015, 04:56:18 PM

A number of years ago (10+) I decided to try to talk to GG about my Charger. I had already decoded the fender tag but the build sheets were still in place on it to be discovered later when I actually started the restoration.

I never talked to him, only his assistant and quickly got the idea he wasn't interested in talking about my Charger unless money (from me) was involved! I did not offer to pay him for something I already knew and never actually heard a word from him.

It is possible my Charger is in his data base as I gave the fender tag info to his secretary and requested he could call when he had time. Ha! Stillwaiting on that call! Thought he might be interested in my original-engine Hemicar but, apparently not.

I wouldn't cross the street to meet him and definitely do not need his "expertise" now!

Y1CHARGER · January 29, 2015, 06:38:59 PM

This killed it for me, I had a couple of simple questions about a report he had done on a HEMI Charger a couple of years ago. I was told by his assistant that there was a place on the web site to ask questions and got snuffed off the phone. Went to the web site only to find this:
"E-Mail Requests
If you are thinking about buying or selling a car or you have general technical questions, please send your questions to this e-mail. We will answer up to 10 questions for $75.00. All you need to do is provide a Mastercard/Visa number along with your questions. After receiving your request, we will review your e-mail, if the charge is more, we would let you know via e-mail. If you have any specific questions about this service, please contact Diane @ 608-326-6346."

I can see why the assistant didn't want to tell me on the phone, Don't see this as help but just Greed! What a turn off.

nascarxx29 · January 29, 2015, 06:47:11 PM

You might get ahold of galen mopar on facebook

JB400 · January 29, 2015, 06:47:51 PM

Maybe, it's his way of making his "service" exclusive to the Mopar market. He can charge a ridiculous amount of money for his "time", knowing that the average hobbyist isn't going to bother him to much, leaving him open for the more serious car collectors.

oldchevelle541 · January 29, 2015, 08:30:55 PM

There are a lot of people willing to help give advice on your current or intended purchase because they love the hobby and perhaps recall when they were in that position years ago or when they first got interested in the hobby. I understand running a business means making money but what's your "value proposition". I can see charging accordingly for distance traveled or service provided but everyone is a customer and a satisfied customer becomes a fan who recommends you to others. Not returning calls, giving you attitude or raising prices 10x the inflation rate does not build customer loyalty. They may not be responding to me right now because an inspection report already exists but what if I buy another Mopar or and I know of a friend who is buying a Mopar. Mr. G just lost 2 customers. We all know things cost money and some of us are willing to pay a premium if the service coincides with the value but in this case the service from his assistant is well below par yet quotes big money. This business combination simply does not work. Mr. G needs to rethink his business strategy but it sure sounds like a ripe opportunity for someone else who knows their stuff to enter the market.

BTW - all your responses are very much appreciated.....have a good one.

daytonalo · January 29, 2015, 08:36:39 PM

Dave narscarrxx could do this with his eyes shut .................

69hemidaytona · January 30, 2015, 01:00:09 AM

If somebody thinks they can do a better job for less money then hop to it. That's the beauty of capitalism.

TUFCAT · January 30, 2015, 02:10:21 PM

My two cents is that price from (16 months ago when you first inquired) should still be honored, and I think you should try to speak with Galen personally. Explaining the situation could be good, because he may not know this stuff is going on? Just a thought.

GOTWING · January 30, 2015, 02:30:41 PM

Yeah, I'm done with him too, We paid for a repo "window sticker" for the Superbird, never got it and it was before Diane was in the picture.. well you can forget getting in touch with him. Also he re stamped our fender tag for the 66 hemi car and put the wrong radio code in, same thing no luck in getting it corrected. So guess what it's on the car anyway oh well and the original is in the bank safe. FYI when I had the 66 hemi car decoded with his blessing in 1996 it was around $90 something dollars it was over the phone and then he sent the cars paperwork with his signature after he got the pencil rubbing of the tag etc.

Another thing that i did that was stupid i mailed him my old broadcast sheet to my 70 V code Superbee that i had found after i sold it. I lost track of the new owners info. This was in 1993 when i couldnt get anymore than $3,000

for it as a debendable daily driver. Oh well we all make mistakes.

oldchevelle541 · January 30, 2015, 04:55:53 PM

Paying for something and never receiving it or receiving an incorrect product and then not making it right is just not right. So as we know it's payment up front and if someone is to have an issue will the credit card company assist in rectifying the issue? I would never pay cash, check or debit because you have no recourse what so ever. Everyone raises good points and concerns and yes it is highly doubtful for such a small transaction such as mine that Mr. G will be told to care me. Diane is definitely as we say in the business - the gate keeper. I may from time to time decide to send another email and maybe I will get lucky but this I tell you I will not offer up any information on my car as I will consider that confidential just as Mr. G considers his inspection notes confidential. It is not his business what anyone of us pays for our ride and yes Diane 16 months ago tried to get that out of me.

Edelbroke · January 30, 2015, 07:05:15 PM

Quote from: oldchevelle541 on January 30, 2015, 04:55:53 PM
Paying for something and never receiving it or receiving an incorrect product and then not making it right is just not right. So as we know it's payment up front and if someone is to have an issue will the credit card company assist in rectifying the issue? I would never pay cash, check or debit because you have no recourse what so ever. Everyone raises good points and concerns and yes it is highly doubtful for such a small transaction such as mine that Mr. G will be told to care me. Diane is definitely as we say in the business - the gate keeper. I may from time to time decide to send another email and maybe I will get lucky but this I tell you I will not offer up any information on my car as I will consider that confidential just as Mr. G considers his inspection notes confidential. It is not his business what anyone of us pays for our ride and yes Diane 16 months ago tried to get that out of me.

She asked me what I paid for my car too. I wonder what it matters to them? I buy and sell a lot of cars and I don't ever ask a seller what they paid, because I know its none of my business and I don't like the question myself. A little "off putting" to me.

News:

Galen's Report