I've recently heard of a friend that was ripped off. His enclosed trailer full of parts and tools were taken. The parts were very early brass headlamps and brass tail lights. He is Garyl Turley from Wichita, Ks. No he isn't a hotrodder but one of the best car guys you would ever want to meet. Some of you may have heard of him. He is very well known in pre-'1915 cars, makes many repro parts to help people get there cars restored. If anyone can help recover his stuff, PM me . Thanks
I'd go to all the local recycling yards and tell them that there was a big lot of brass stuff stolen so they should keep a lookout. Pictures of examples of the parts would be good. Stolen brass shit can be turned into cash pretty easy at a scrap yard, and most thieves know that. Might be able to catch them that way, just a suggestion.
Sometimes they get caught. A buddy of mine had his truck and trailer stolen from the motel in Oklahoma City last year. Luckly the car wasn't in it. He was just notified that they caught the guy and are trying him on nine counts of grand theft auto, possession of vehicles with altered vin numbers, receiving stolen property. Maybe this guy will not be out stealing vehicles soon, or maybe he will. Never know how the law works.
I know Garyl, but hadn't heard about the theft. You can bet that all the local old car guys will keep an eye out for his stuff.
fucking tweakers! caught one on new years day at 10:00 am in the morning stealing a radiator that he was going to scrap for $14 bucks!. needless to say he went to jail, his borrowed truck was impounded. sherriff found meth. in his wallet,meth pipe in truck, what looked like 357 magnum under the seat(pellet gun),brass knuckles. this one was lucky we CALLED! the sheriff. lotta trouble for $14 bucks.
Speedtool, I'm sure you will agree that Garyl has lots of friends all over the country. I was hoping some HAMBers knew him, would love to help him with this. I was involved in a deal with Garyl at Hershey 2 years ago. He was very interested in the car he was selling. After a few days of negotiations I ask why he didn't keep the car, because he was obviously interested in it. His answer was " It's too new". It was a 1915 Dodge Brothers. If you want a complete list of stolen stuff go on AACA website, the thread is called "to catch a thief". Thanks again.
Here's a partial list of the stolen stuff - there's LOTS of it. red 20 ft. open trailer w/wood floor (double axle) brass Solar headlights (4) complete set of E&J headlights, tailights, and side markers Gray & Davis bullet taillight sidemount acetylene generator 12 "no-name" headlights 1916 Model T engine & tranny Powerglide tranny - aluminum case front & rear axles w/spindles & hub - wood spoke wheels Fordeaze Model T shocks - full set 1912 REO rear fenders and carburetor 6 huge Rubbermaid tubs - full of the following - most already priced many Vintique items for brass era cars New Motometers, patent plates, radiator caps, hubcaps for Model Ts round & rectangular mirrors Model A quail radiator caps bulb horn setups brass speedo cables cloisonne radiator emblems for REO, Buick, Cadillac, & Chevy New REO hubcaps Castings for tag brackets, step plates, fender irons, pedals, frame corner brackets, light forks, steering wheel spiders - mostly REO & Cadillac, some Model T. plywood tables & plastic sawhorses 2 huge wood boxes of unrestored Model T parts red 5 hp vertical Craftsman air compressor green 2 hp Craftsman air compressor 2 Craftsman paint guns, 1 Binks gun, touch-up gun 3 Craftsman roll-aways w/tools - tap & die sets, lathe tools, micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, etc. Skil saw, drill motors, air staplers, air sanders, polisher/buffer, Meguiar polish & compounds, extension cords John Deere X85 riding lawnmower & weed eater Find these bastards & "give'em what for"!
Thanks Speedtool, I'm not smart enough to know how to transfer lists like that. And my one finger typing would take a week to doit the hard way. If you talk to Garyl or his brother tell them you have contact with the guy he sold a live Kansas rat packed away in the seats.
The picture on the other site shows a red open trailer, farm style double axle. Folks should be looking for the right kind of trailer. Bob W
Keep your eye on Ebay. No... they wouldn't be so bold (stupid)would they? I knew a gentleman in Windsor, Ontario who I bought my '55 wagon from. He had an automotive emporium warehouse filled to the nines of pre1930's parts,signage and brass too. He only invited those in with an appointment. He would look over your one shoulder as his assistant looked over your other. They didn't take their eyes off you for a second. I was affraid they would insist on escorting me into the bathroom when I took a leak... but waited outside haha. They surely must had been 'taken' several times, you could tell by their actions (seemingly not a topic I wanted to bring up in the conversation) It made me more than a llittle uncomfortable checking the car out with them staring at me but understandably necessary for them I guess.
Just read in Old Cars Weekly about a '57 Chevy that was recovered within 1 hour of being reported stolen. It was being towed on an open trailer and a neighboring police department caught them. Hoorah for the goodguys!
That should get the award for the dumbest car thief. But then again, who'd think of checking something like that, it must be on the up and up or they'd try to hide it. Reverse psychology? Still stupid.
Just read some good news on this subject. Police have busted a 3 county burglary/drug ring in Kansas. Some of Garyl's stuff was found. Any of the Kansas boys know any more??
Talked to Garyl last night, and he filled me in on the saga so far.... A Sheriff made the initial "bust", if you can call it that. The thieves had stolen the cellphone of his daughter, and continued to use it. A little triangulation found the house, and the schmuck handed it over. However - the Sheriff hasn't gotten the police report from the Wichita cops yet (only 10 days!) and didn't look for the rest of the swag. Garyl's daughter pointed out that there was much more stolen to the Sheriff - so they went back. All they can charge the dolt with is "receiving stolen goods", as he claims it was brought to him. Since Garyl is blind, and much of the stuff has no ID on it - Garyl can identify the container by touch - but not the parts inside..... A checkbook belonging to Garyl's daughter was taken, and the town papered with bad checks. Since it was reported, at least she didn't have to pony up for the bills these jerks ran up. The sad truth is that these crackhead bastards still have most of his stuff, as they haven't had time to unload all of it. Some of it was sold to the local scrap dealers - but they aren't admitting that they had it. The local cops really don't care much since hard evidence is lacking (fingerprints, etc.). Garyl would buy some of it back, but either way it looks like he'll never get any satisfaction from the justice system or his parts back. Anyway - I'm too disgusted to continue.....
Speedtool, thanks for the update. That's a sad semi-ending to a bad story. Haveing recently dealt with police about my wife's stolen credit cards I don't have much faith in the legal system. It seems unless there's someone hurt or killed they just don't care.
According to the cops that entire block is full of crackhead vermin. Who's getting Garyl's stuff out of the basement before lighting the match? Forgot to mention that the trailer hasn't been found, and the compressors and painting gear have been sold by the scumbag and his wife.