galen govier - waste of time - buyer beware

[Evolution69]

What sort of business is  galven govier of http://www.galengovier.com running exactly, i ve taken the time out to take pics and videos documents and send all the info of my car along with payment,  not to even get a reply back,  if my car doesn't meet their standards just say so,  i recall messaging his secretary numerous times just to get one worded answers, and these guys are running a "business",   But quick enough to take payment straight away for nothing avoid these fraudsters,  buyer beware

[birdsandbees]

Been waiting 15 years for my stuff to come back on my SuperBird. He did my Bee and ignored my Bird request, leaving me thinking something was amiss or bogus about my car.

You're wasting your time. Ask what you want to know here and the guys will answer your questions.

[RECHRGD]

He has sure pissed off a bunch of people over the years.  Is he still alive?

[JR]

I'm always amazed to hear people still give this guy money. It appears he's been know more for ripping people off over the last couple of decades more so than actually providing a service.

[Challenger340]

Yep, may wanna walk away from that one.

[Kern Dog]

I'm always amazed to hear people still give this guy money. It appears he's been know more for ripping people off over the last couple of decades more so than actually providing a service.

The man is a worthless piece of crap. 20 years ago he was relevant, he had a lock on the numbers and documentation. His name added value to rare cars...."Documented by Galen" but today, I laugh and shake my head at people that even mention his name. He developed a reputation for being slow to respond and arrogant as well. This asshole would actually go to car shows to document cars and open peoples hoods to look at fender tags, move items from dashboards to look at VINs. My cars have never been rare but if that fat fuck ever tried to open the hood of a car of mine, I'd deliver a hard kick to his ass.

[Bad B-rad]

Its funny because, at one point (20-22 years ago) he had a reputation for being a good guy, and doing a lot of good for the Mopar hobby/community.
I still have his little white books(one says 1998, the other is may 2001, lol)
What happened to this dude?
Was he always a pecker head, or did he become one over time?Did the money change him?

It used to be people said nothing but great thing about him, but now I just hear bad things, very starange?

[Bad B-rad]

Right on Kern Dog!!!!
I have heard the exact same thing about him in regards to the moving stuff to read vins, or opening the doors(pre 68 cars) and opening  the hoods, with out permission, or even a hi, how are you, almost like he is entitled to the info.


Boy sounds like his attitude is his down fall.

[Mopar Nut]

 

[Evolution69]

Thanks guys

Seriously guys their a waste of time and they will take your money in a heartbeat and your cars info and you ll never hear from them again

His worth jack in our hobby
His secutary "Diane" is terabile

I dd rather not have a car thats had anything to do with him or in his so called registery

Just a friendly heads up no my fellow mopar peeps

[JR]

I actually keep my fender tag in a safe, and electrical taped a black business card over my dash VIN in the hopes of annoying him or or anyone like him at a car show one day. 

Not that I go to many Mopar only events, but watching certain guys see your car, and walk straight to identfying numbers creeps me out in some way. It kinda feels like watching a guy walk up to your wife and peek under her skirt.

I cringe every time I see it and immediately think to myself "How much do I NOT want to be friends with that guy..."

[jessejames]

Had the same experience... Glad to hear I wasn't the only one he blew off.

[1970Moparmann]

I met him at a show in Iowa years back and he was very unprofessional.  I will never give any money to him.

[John_Kunkel]

You sent me payment for services? SUCKER!!!!

[68RT440]

About 10 years ago I had a pencil rubbing of my VIN and fender tag, a check made out and the envelope addressed to him. I decided to do some research before I sent the check and I'm glad that I did...I never sent that envelope to him...

[mpd659]

He told me that my 68 Hemi Charger is worth 10% less because the color is GG1. This was at Mopars in the park after my buddy told him about my car🙄

Russ

[tan top]

   been waiting since about August 1989

[A12 Superbee]

I saw on a forum a few years ago a little story about GG, that back in the 80's, he had pretty unrestricted access to the old Chrysler records at head office or some such place and after awhile they didn't even bother him during his visits. Anyway, other people also caught on that these records were a wealth of information and would go there and find that the records had disappeared!

The rumour being that GG had walked out with the data and started to sell the info to punters and soon enough, by way of light fingers, he became the only source of information and has probably made a lot of money out of it.

If that's true, I hope he burns in hell but for taking peoples money without providing a service, he's going there anyway!

[A383Wing]

He's on Facebook in a couple groups that I belong to

I have not heard anything good about him either....

[68X426]

Is he still alive?

He was last seen selling used cars at a "classic" dealer.  It would take a patient search of the archives here, or ForBBodies, or Moparts to find the details, but I do remember seeing the advertisement and his soliciting for sales.

From my first hand experience I will say it is shameful he's connected with Mopars, he should be elsewhere, f*ing up in the Brand X world.

[ws23rt]

I met Galen in person in the late nineties. (or thereafter) He stopped by my place to inspect my C500 (that I had inquired about).
His secretary called me to say he was nearby and had time (before his flight out) to look at my car.
As it turned out he was in Oregon to "inspect" several cars a local guy hired him for.
Galen told me the guy stopped him after looking at two cars and sent him on his way. That is why he had time to visit me and my car on his way home. (a "good deal" for me to save on cost)
He seemed focused and took lots of pictures.
As he was about to leave I showed him my 69 Coronet RT hemi 4sp car (one of 57?) and asked a couple of questions. All he did was smile and say he only came to look at one car. If I wanted this one "inspected" while he was here it would cost another $350. I shook his hand and said thanks but I just thought you might like to chat on your way out.
A few weeks later I got the "report" on my C500.  
The bottom line is --I learned nothing about my C500 -but- I had his documents for my money.

When I sold my C500 a few years ago I got the sense from the buyer that the "Galen report" for the car was nothing more than a novelty. As it turns out it may just be that.--Kind of like vintage chewing gum in an ash tray.


 

[resq302]

My "new" 69 GTX vert was "blessed" with a Galen inspection that the previous owner had him do at the Nationals around 2002 or 2003 I think.  Galen rated my car at a 2.3 out of 5 with 1 being the best.  The owner said he did nothing to the car nor had any chips or scratches added to the paint since he had it inspected.  There is NO freaking way that this car would be considered a 2 or even a high 3 with the stuff I have found wrong, missing, or just wear and tear over time.  Granted, the car is an excellent solid car to start with and have fun with but no way it should have rated as high as he scored it.

I, too, have met Galen a few times over the years and BS'd with him at Mopars at E-town.  He learned a few things from me regarding the different depths of the tail light covers on my car vs. my buddies car who was parked next to mine but there still seemed to be that arrogant nature about him.  I also remember how he supposedly burned people at the Barrett Jackson auction a few years back and since then, his name had become dirty.  I also remember hearing something about how he was now working as a used car salesman too.  Fitting, karma ?  who knows.  Very sad to see how someone who was once a huge asset to our hobby fell to such levels.

[1970Moparmann]

I saw on a forum a few years ago a little story about GG, that back in the 80's, he had pretty unrestricted access to the old Chrysler records at head office or some such place and after awhile they didn't even bother him during his visits. Anyway, other people also caught on that these records were a wealth of information and would go there and find that the records had disappeared!

The rumour being that GG had walked out with the data and started to sell the info to punters and soon enough, by way of light fingers, he became the only source of information and has probably made a lot of money out of it.

If that's true, I hope he burns in hell but for taking peoples money without providing a service, he's going there anyway!

Wow... If this is true, what a snake!

[smithenhiven]

How has he not been sued yet,...or has he?  Taking money for a service, and not providing said service is theft.

[Bad B-rad]

I also have heard a variation of A12 SUPERBEE 's post about his(Galen) having un supervised, unrestricted access to Chrysler files, that have now "gone missing".
Also heard he made  claims some were obtained by him from the dumpster, after Chrysler tossed them out. (one mans trash is Galen treasure LOL!!!)
Now I was not there, and just because I heard a similar story doesn't make it 100% true, but the fact that I have been into this hobby for so long, that I have seen him go from a sought after car inspector, validator, and a wealth of Mopar  information, that was a HUGE asset to the hobby, to his name being a dirty word, well there must be a very good reason for that, huge fall from grace.
I lot of people have not so nice things to say about him, and as bad as it is to stereotype people, with out really knowing that person, we must remember, ALL stereotypes come from an element of truth, that's how they start, from a common truth/fact, as politically incorrect  as it may sound.

So basically if it looks like a duck.....................


And that sucks, because I still use those little white casting #'s books, LOL! And I hate to line the pockets of some J.O. who think's his crap don't stink.

[Q5XX29]

You sent me payment for services? SUCKER!!!!

Nice, professional photo, with the crooked picture on the wall in the background, lol 😂

[400sforever]

Ya he's a moron. He's ignored my calls and even told the owner of a 73 charger here in Iowa that it had come from the factory with a factory 375 hi performance 440 even tho it was a 360 car according to the dash and fender tag. what a douche. He had some elaborate bs story about that which the poor owner believed and made a big poster which sits in front of the car at shows with galens bs story on it

[djcarguy]

 

[Dragon Slayer]

I wonder if he can be sued for fraud also, or if it would be considered just a mistake.  He signed a report that stated a car was delivered originally to a specific dealer.  After my own research that dealer did not exist until 5 years later.  When called about it, the answer came back through secretary that there was a rumor that was where the car was delivered.

Why if your paying for facts would someone who's business depends on trust and integrity put a rumor on a written report.

Also had a local car sell, that had a report from him it was a V code car.  Interesting the Vin was U.  So at some point it "seems" he will give you what you want if you pay enough.  Really a shame.

[6pkrtse]

I almost bought a 69 Daytona project car that he had for sale back in the 80's (don't really know if was his or flipping for someone else). While I still probably regret buying the car to this day but even back then I was learning all of the horror stories about him & because of the price (12K, I think it was) I decided not to go look at it. It was out of state & would have probably been a disappointing road trip. Wonder who bought the car? It was missing the nose cone but had the rear wing still on it but it was all molded/bondo'd in for a smooth look.

[66FBCharger]

 

[Charger_Dart]

Deleted

[A383Wing]

To the original poster of this thread.....If you sent your payment in by check, I would put a stop payment on it....or if by credit card, contact your card establishment to dispute the charges

Don't let him keep your money for services not rendered

[Mytur Binsdirti]

[rarefish]

All of these negative comments, yet there are many people out there that still bow down to him.  I will hear his name sometimes mentioned by Mopar owners at a
car show or cruise night talking as if he is God like.  Hearing that, just gives themselves away as clueless car owners.
I wonder what it is like to be his secretary? I'm sure she probably takes her share of flack from a lot of piss off customers.

[Moparpoolman]

I fell for "HYPE" about a GTS report when looking at a car few years back.  I tried to contact Gaylen and I was told to go to the website to ask a question when come to find out they want your creditcard number and want to charge you to answer any questions.  The seller talked up the report and told me how awesome the car was and it was everything anyone would ask for.  After spending $1700 on a 1500 mile trip with a trailer to go buy the car, nothing noted in the report was correct.  Paint was terrible, engine numbers were wrong, wrong radiator, and many many many other flaws that were never mentioned in the GTS report.  When I mentioned this to the seller(broker) he told me to take it up with Gaylen, I was so pissed!!  I really think that the car owner just paid him to write whatever sounded good and never even set eyes on the car OR paid more to get him to write a report with better rating.  Best advise for anyone, go see it in person with someone knowledgeable and walking away is always better than buying something that going to bother you every time you see it. 

[Bad B-rad]

Found this review

http://fastmusclecar.com/news/galen-govier-tag-service-review/

[BDF]

That's an interesting review.

[Ghoste]

Way back in the dim distant days of the late 70's and early 80's, GG used to freely share things in the hobby.  He had a column in the MMCI newsletter and he did it for the lvoe of the hobby and he solicited anyone with documents related to it to send them to him so that he could build the knowledge base.  Then it became a business.  He started writing occasional columns for magazines and I think they were the ones who blessed him with the guru title.  Then he went as a paid consultant to the auctions the ego got even crazier I think.  Its so sad because I think he has a lot of knowledge that could be great to have.

[timmycharger]

Just caught an episode of "whats my car worth" on velocity where they were looking at a Cuda and the owner of course dropped the " Govier " certified...  Soon that will be added to the list of car jargon people rattle off right next to 3/4 cam and the 383 hemi six pack... 

[Bad B-rad]

I am with Ghoste, he could be such a huge asset in stead of just being a huge ASS!

He used to have a column in MPCG (I think) and every month he would advertise what built sheets he had just received and tried to get the paperwork reunited with the car/ cars owner.
I also remember once in a while him publishing a list of all the build sheets he had, again trying to hook up the paperwork with the car.
So it sucks he turned to the "dark side". 

Dose he personaly own any sweet Mopar muscle cars?
Maybe he only has a 1975  Duster with a slant six(and the 170CI at that), and he is a dick because he has to look at all these sweet cars all day, and one day he just snaped!!

[wingcar]

Sad that those in the hobby that freely shared information with him in order for him to establish himself as a one stop source of information about our cars, now get no respect.    I guess he believes he is the only one that has information regarding Mopars.   Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with him making money, after all that is what Capitalism is all about.   My problem is how he treats those in the hobby that basically made him and his business.  And, a lot of what he offers in the way of information is available out there if you take the time to do your own research.  Personally, I don't need my cars "certified" to enjoy them.  And, with today's market and buyers....does his services really get you that much more when you sell?  Just me two cents......

[Bad B-rad]

 

RIGHT ON wingcar!!!!!

His "SERVICE" is only worth it for guys who cant do it themselves.
I was able to check all the things I needed to know about my car, myself.
and I was able to decode my fender tag, mostly on my own, but with a little help from guys on here, with the things I didn't know!!!
And you know what the guys here charged?
Nothing!!!!

Helping  and shareing info about the cars we love with each other is part of the hobby.

[68X426]

GG posted at Moparts back in 2013 and 2014.  Done under a goofy pseudonym but he was outed in no time at all.  It was one hell of a war.  He was an ass clown in every way.  The threads and posts have now all been deleted, wiped clean at Moparts. 

If anyone has an archive of Moparts topics, it was topic number 2135646, which has since been deleted/censured/erased.

He was hired in 2012 to sell cars at Masterpiece Classic Cars of Whiteland, Indiana.  The owner died in 2014.  The business is now called Masterpiece Vintage Cars.  No indication of GG's involvement or whereabouts. 

From Hemmings on January 3, 2012: https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2012/01/03/galen-govier-joins-masterpiece-classic-cars

" Normally, it's not news when people in the collector-car hobby change jobs, but it's safe to assume that most Mopar enthusiasts are familiar with Galen Govier, author and authenticator of Chrysler products, so it's of interest that he's taken a position with Masterpiece Classic Cars, a collector-car dealer in Whiteland, Indiana.

Govier, who has been self-employed as a Mopar muscle-car consultant since 1990, joins Masterpiece as vice president of acquisitions and consignments. According to a press release from Masterpiece, Govier's "expertise is sought after and relied upon by top collectors, dealers, auction houses and industry historians. Galen brings to Masterpiece a matchless portfolio blend of experience, credibility and market knowledge."

In addition, Masterpiece has also formed an in-house restoration and custom build division by hiring Jason Blair and Todd Lowden, co-founders of Big Hemi Customs in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For more information, visit MPClassic.com."

If you find him he owes me money. 

[68X426]

They are still looking for him over at Moparts (October 2017).

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/2391650/Searchpage/1/Main/200443/Words/galen+govier/Search/true/re-registering-your-mopar-galen-govier.html#Post2391650

[DAY CLONA]

GG posted at Moparts back in 2013 and 2014.  Done under a goofy pseudonym but he was outed in no time at all.  It was one hell of a war.  He was an ass clown in every way.  The threads and posts have now all been deleted, wiped clean at Moparts.

He posted under his somewhat pseudo Name at Moparts he didn't hide his identity, he was actually there because a member sent him a link of Moparters bad mouthing him, he actually started his first post that he was there to "clean a few toilets", guess that's Wisconsin speak for "settin things right?", that quickly earned him a post title of "The Tidy bowl man" under his log in name from an anonymous moderator, it was a free for all, most of the posts centered around individuals waiting years for services/reports/datatags/refunds/etc/etc he basically had no answers or rebuttals worth a rat's ass...

he started out with good intentions years ago, but when the high rollers and $$$$ came into the hobby and he started rubbin elbows, he was suddenly only interested in lining his own pockets afterwards, I was present during one of his so called vehicle inspection/authentications, what a joke, it was the most wand waving glossed over inspection I ever saw, he spent more time making sure the check was filled out for his "services" was in proper order than the vehicle

[bill440rt]

I never once felt the need to outsource to him for "authentication". 
I have so much frigging paperwork with my car, the car supports itself. And I know what's "right & wrong" with my cars anyway.
I've seen him walking around shows in the past with his little camera. Taking all sorts of pictures of tags and stuff without once asking the owner's permission. Douche.

[Kern Dog]

Douche? I doubt the man ever gets close to a pussy. 

[Mytur Binsdirti]

no respect.   

[Homerr]

Having seen the trend over the years of GG going from respected expert to douche supreme frustrated me.  I really hate the idea of him having stolen/dumpster dive/whatever the Chrysler records and holding that data hostage.  Hence the open registries I created.

When he dies and his estate is settled I hope whoever gets the records posts the data freely.

[resq302]

That's why I started a 69 GTX convertible registry as well. Free also.

[Bad B-rad]

Having seen the trend over the years of GG going from respected expert to douche supreme frustrated me.  I really hate the idea of him having stolen/dumpster dive/whatever the Chrysler records and holding that data hostage.  Hence the open registries I created.

When he dies and his estate is settled I hope whoever gets the records posts the data freely.

douche supreme



That's funny, good one homerr

[A383Wing]

I remember him coming out to one of our big Mopar shows that we have every year, (this was a very long time ago).....he would only talk with you if you owned a Hemi or a six-pak car....

If you owned a standard 383 or 440 car, or any of the other "lesser" engines in your car, he would not give you the time of day, he just walk away and not even recognize you or the car

[Ghoste]

I hope whoever gets the records posts the data freely.

Especially the rumored 69 Charger 500 list.

[NHCharger]

About 15-20 years ago he was involved in authenticating (giving his blessing) to a rare Cuda in Canada that needed a total resto. After the new owner spent an assload of money on this rusted out hulk the restoration shop discovered that it was not what it appeared to be. MCG ran an article on it. They had egg on their face because they had their nose up Galens ass for quite a while back in the days.

[DAY CLONA]

About 15-20 years ago he was involved in authenticating (giving his blessing) to a rare Cuda in Canada that needed a total resto. After the new owner spent an assload of money on this rusted out hulk the restoration shop discovered that it was not what it appeared to be. MCG ran an article on it. They had egg on their face because they had their nose up Galens ass for quite a while back in the days.

Was that the B5 71 "pilot" car?

[NHCharger]

About 15-20 years ago he was involved in authenticating (giving his blessing) to a rare Cuda in Canada that needed a total resto. After the new owner spent an assload of money on this rusted out hulk the restoration shop discovered that it was not what it appeared to be. MCG ran an article on it. They had egg on their face because they had their nose up Galens ass for quite a while back in the days.

Was that the B5 71 "pilot" car?

Could be. I remember that the car was heavily optioned (like all pilot cars) including power windows. The wiring was long gone by then which wasn't unusual but the car was also missing the holes in the doors and jambs needed to run that wiring.

[CAPER]

Mayby Put this as a Sticky. Seems odd people are still inquiring about his services.

https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/auto-brokers/galen-s-tag-service-llc-in-prairie-du-chien-wi-4022392/reviews-and-complaints

[1970Moparmann]

Mayby Put this as a Sticky. Seems odd people are still inquiring about his services.

https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/auto-brokers/galen-s-tag-service-llc-in-prairie-du-chien-wi-4022392/reviews-and-complaints

Wow, interesting reading.   Facts are facts...... 

[Bad B-rad]

Mayby Put this as a Sticky. Seems odd people are still inquiring about his services.

https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/auto-brokers/galen-s-tag-service-llc-in-prairie-du-chien-wi-4022392/reviews-and-complaints

Wow, interesting reading.   Facts are facts...... 

I agree, and think about this, how many customers that got screwed, DID NOT submit to the BBB?

I would guess that under 1/4 of the customers that got screwed. reported him to BBB.

Even in the reports it looks as if they are lying till the end.
They just keep saying, we are working on it, we will get it right out, BLAH BLAH BLAH, the stuff someone would say to buy more time.

Man if someone could just get to his files and all the info he has stashed away, It could make a very helpful book for the Mopar community.

[mpd659]

Don't forget:

                               "KEEP THE FAITH"




                                               

[1970Moparmann]

Karma is a bitch...

[AKcharger]

A pal of mine had a decent experience with him many years ago to document is '68 HEMI GTX. But like you guys I heard mostly bad stuff and wouldn't think about talking to him as I have lowly B-block chargers.

I do recall an AWESOME thread on moparts flaming him several years ago...very amusing

[HPP]

Mayby Put this as a Sticky. Seems odd people are still inquiring about his services.

https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/auto-brokers/galen-s-tag-service-llc-in-prairie-du-chien-wi-4022392/reviews-and-complaints

Yea, it amazes that after all the bad press he has generated over the past 18 years, that people still throw money at him.

[Ghoste]

I think it depends on whether you are a hardcore Mopar guy or someone who hears his name a lot at the auctions and figures it means something.

[Bad B-rad]

I think it depends on whether you are a hardcore Mopar guy or someone who hears his name a lot at the auctions and figures it means something.

                                                                                       




And I keep in mind that he DID at one time contribute to our hobby.
But, I also keep in mind that he allegedly obtained a ton of very specific Mopar information fraudulently, and at little to no expencive out of his pocket, and then sold it back to us!!!!! 
And continues to do so.



I wish I could keep getting paid for work I did 25 years ago!!!!!
Rock stars have it made, write, and record a song, and continue years later to still get paid from it!!!!That and the women!!!