All this really makes me sick. I have had the utmost respect for Fred. I really hope all is well with him and his family. This just doesn't seem like normal TOO Old's way of doing bussines.

I really feel for all you guys on the hook for parts from a bussines that sure apears to be shutting down, by liquidating remaining parts on Ebay.

Sounds like trying to turn a hobby into a business.....

Something had to be up a year or more ago when the big change in suppliers happened first Trick (lost or dropped) KE and CP Performance, then switched Header and Gauge manufacturers.

I honestly do not understand how everyone jumped on every thing Trick sold as the best in the industry...kind of bizarre. Even after the change in so many products everyone just bought into it.

One day CMI is the best, the next day Stellings.

One day Livorsi is the best, the next day Gaffrig.

I wish all those who lost money the best in their effort to recoup money. I will help anyone with any product issue regarding Gaffrig items, even if bought from Trick.

Unfortunately, I cannot return money I do not have though!!!

Yep, I thought back then that the writing was on the wall with those changes. Plus we all know Fred doesn't stick with anything to long. Look at the number of boats and businesses he's had.

I think this thread being "unlocked" brought back speaks volumes

I am very happy to see that this thread is back open again. I think that Fred if he wants can come on OSO or S&F and explain what is going on. If he needs help with things he knows that there are TONS of people on this board that would be more then willing to help him out. Short of that people on the web need to know what is going on and be protected as best they can. I unfortunately think that we are just scratching the surface of this mess. National Marine of the parts business?

I would venture to guess 99% of his business and customers can be directly attributed to the many boating message boards he frequented and it's members. I'd also venture to guess 99% of the customers are rational and never expected anything more than what they were promised in the time-frame it was promised in. Your always going to have the select few that no matter what you do they will not be satisfied, but the membership here on OSO I'd say are few and far between, I could be wrong... I truely believe Fred tried his best and had all the good intentions in the world, he tried to turn a hobby into a business. I also think he sold stuff he claimed to have in stock that he didn't, delays from the suppliers compounded the lies and delays, bringing this to where it seems to have gone. He seemed to basically dissapear about a year ago and posted less and less frequent. He built a business and made a living around the membership of various message boards, he should man-up and give these same people that supported and defend him an explanation instead of handling it the chicken chit way it has seemed to go...

Anyone else notice he is not listed under Advertiser any more

Where????

http://www.offshoreonly.com/links/browselinks.php?c=5

The link may still be there but it wouldn't work when I clicked on it to go to his site.

MAN UP Fred.