Despite all the mud-slinging, bad-mouthing, rumor-spreading, inuendos, insinuations, lies, etc., etc., etc., the Fiero Owners Club of America is not closing down, and it is not going to close down. FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners, and it is here to stay, DESPITE WHAT ELSE ANYBODY SAYS. Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away. Trying to drive others away from FOCOA, just because you don't like it, will not help the Fiero community. There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

Curry Obenshain
'86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

Yep, as long as there are gullible people to rip off, FOCOA will be around to take their money. SUCKERS! Hahahahaha!

Driving a wedge into the heart of the Fiero community since 1999, Yours truly,

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 05-05-2003).]

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Gloria sent me an e-mail the other day and told me about the cancellation. The 2003 FOCOA Fiero Festival in Las Vegas was cancelled because Fiero Phil and Gloria knew that many attendees would be coming from the eastern half of the US, and many of them would feel it necessary to fly instead of enduring the long drive. Mindful of recent world events, Fiero Phil and Gloria thought enough of the Fiero community that they didn't want to make it necessary to fly to the festival, so they cancelled it. FOCOA lives, and will continue. They are moving to Nevada for several practical reasons, but the main reasons are so that they will be able to house the FOCOA Fiero Museum on property they they own, in an area where they want to live, with fewer zoning restrictions, and not subject to any landlord. They look forward to the 2004 FOCOA Fiero Festival at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and so do I. Curry Obenshain

So you believe this is the real reason?

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Mindful of recent world events, Fiero Phil and Gloria thought enough of the Fiero community that they didn't want to make it necessary to fly to the festival, so they cancelled it.

------------------

Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 Supercharged
White 88 GT Stock
Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution.
History of Skitimes Car

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

I wonder if this is going to be a silent thread...

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

Does that apply to reporting that you've been ripped off by Phil and Gloria to the authorities? You have some strange ways in that area of Virginia, Curry.

I admire you wanting to stick up for them, but too many people have had too many bad experiences for me to ever trust FOCOA. This forum is not only a place for us to share information, but to also warn other Fiero owners about businesses to avoid, and recommend ones we've had good experiences with.

I can wholeheartedly recommend the following people/businesses I've had 1st hand dealings with:
Darrell Morse
Mr. Mike
Rodney Dickman
V8 Archie

I can also advise against certain organizations I've also had 1st hand dealings with:
FOCOA
Royal Pontiac, Raleigh NC
Wachovia Bank (ok, not Fiero related, but they still should be avoided )

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners...

Actually, I can think of at least TWO Fiero clubs that were in existance prior to the formation of FOCOA, but that seems a minor point...

Hartz

------------------
'84 SC 5.7L V8
'85 SE 3.1L V6 Turbo
Hartz's Toys

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: The 2003 FOCOA Fiero Festival in Las Vegas was cancelled because Fiero Phil and Gloria knew that many attendees would be coming from the eastern half of the US, and many of them would feel it necessary to fly instead of enduring the long drive. Mindful of recent world events, Fiero Phil and Gloria thought enough of the Fiero community that they didn't want to make it necessary to fly to the festival, so they cancelled it.

Hmmm...interesting. The story I heard was that it was cancelled for two reasons...one, Phil has been having some health problems, and two, the number of registrations were down. This came from a former FOCOA regional director, who has close ties to Phil and Gloria. So which story is true?

[This message has been edited by litespd (edited 05-05-2003).]

I just heard on John Edwards Crossing Over that Phil canceled as he has a prior commitment that he obviously had forgot about. He was apparently selected to be a guest speaker at the upcoming Las vegas Star Trek convention on what it must have been like to be one of the red shirted security people on the original Star trek.
Here is the "un"official announcement:

quote Eight more fabulous guests have been announced for the huge Official Star Trek Convention we are running with our friends from Paramount Pictures, Star Trek: The Experience and The Las Vegas Hilton Hotel! It all happens August 1-3, 2003! Some of the new folks on hand include DOMINIC KEATING (Lt. Reed of ENTERPRISE) and we have photo ops and autograph passes available with him starting today! Also, KRISTANNA LOKEN who is starring in the new TERMINATOR film as the female lead (watch out Arnold!), MAKO (who has been in countless genre films) and LORENZO LAMAS! Plus more: quite an amazing line-up so far: we're up to #50 and many more to come!! And we are proud to announce the latest guest speaker. Phil Huff, "formally" known as Fiero Phil. He will switch roles from his usual screwing over of the beloved Fiero community and instead share his ideas on what it must have been like to get screwed over by being picked to be a red shirted security guard in the original 1966-69 Star Trek series. Visit us at: http://www.creationent.com/cal/ for the full details. Find out about our fantastic SATURDAY NIGHT DESSERT FANTASY PARTY and more! http://www.creationent.com/cal/

Seriously though, I can't wait to hear what Archies take on this cancellation is.

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Despite all the mud-slinging, bad-mouthing, rumor-spreading, inuendos, insinuations, lies, etc., etc., etc., the Fiero Owners Club of America is not closing down, and it is not going to close down. FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners, and it is here to stay, DESPITE WHAT ELSE ANYBODY SAYS. Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away. Trying to drive others away from FOCOA, just because you don't like it, will not help the Fiero community. There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

Since you seem to have the only open line to fPhil, why don't you tell him to join up to PFF?, We have something to say to him.

Archie

So what about all the people over here on the west coast who were excited to have a big event on this side for once?????????????????????????????????????????????

quote Originally posted by spddy: So what about all the people over here on the west coast who were excited to have a big event on this side for once?????????????????????????????????????????????

We are working on trying to save the show. For now, watch this thread for information:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/028655.html

quote Originally posted by Fiero5: I just heard on John Edwards Crossing Over that Phil canceled as he has a prior commitment that he obviously had forgot about. He was apparently selected to be a guest speaker at the upcoming Las vegas Star Trek convention on what it must have been like to be one of the red shirted security people on the original Star trek.

I imagine YOU'LL be attending this one, too, Steve? Wish I could find that picture of you in the Star Trek uniform...

Like I said in another thread, here is the real meaning of F.O.C.O.A.

FOCOA:

Fuck Often Consumers Ordering Accessories

Well I feel that ever since I got my First fiero when I was 16 and started attending FOCOA festivals that Phil & Gloria have done so so much for the fiero people and I love and have the best times at the nationals when I get to see other fiero friends I've made over the years and we all get together and do the activities planned. You always get someone who has to ruin for the others enjoying them selfs but I my self can name other fiero businesses that I have had some bad dealing with but I don't go around and say they are asses or crooks I just don't do business with them but everyone is different. But i love FOCOA and the other clubs I'm in and if they have to cancel do to whatever be personal or what not then thats ok there is always next year and I WILL be there with my family to enjoy all the fun amnd see my friends. The fiero people/community has made me so happy that I stayed with my obsession of the fiero dispite the things i heard about and friends saying crap about the car but I love it and enjoy everytiumne I drive it. SO those who can't appreciate the hard work that is put into organizing all of this and what not try it your self and see how hard it is or shut up. My hat off to Phill and Gloria for they're hard work and dedication.
A,C, Dobson II
88formula
84SE

ps I'm not afraid to put my name out why are those who complain don't hhhhhmmmm

Hell, I don't know how you can order accessories from them! I have tried many times since they lost their original domain name to contact them with no success. Certainly not a way to maintain good relationships with with the Fiero community if you can't get hold of them.

------------------

www.fieroexcitement.com
Rate me if I've been helpful! :)

quote Originally posted by litespd: Wish I could find that picture of you in the Star Trek uniform...

I wish I had a picture of fPhil choking on his sandwich when I saw him in CA. He said '89/90 emblems didn't exist, and when I pulled a set from my jacket pocket he nearly caused me to call 911. (Well, not really - I wouldn't have wasted a phone call.)

------------------
Boomtastic

quote "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

<silence>

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Despite all the mud-slinging, bad-mouthing, rumor-spreading, inuendos, insinuations, lies, etc., etc., etc., the Fiero Owners Club of America is not closing down, and it is not going to close down. FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners, and it is here to stay, DESPITE WHAT ELSE ANYBODY SAYS. Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away. Trying to drive others away from FOCOA, just because you don't like it, will not help the Fiero community. There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

So I guess this means that someday I will eventually get a magazine from my lifetime subscription..??

Never mind, I'm over it!.....

When I receive the rest of my Fiero magazine subscription that was promised to me 5 YEARS AGO, maybe you'll have some credibility with me.

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away.

Sorry, But aside from my personal bad experience with them and the other members that have had simular experiences with them, They are doing more harm then good using other people to promote themselves.

To state that people who share their bad experiences with others in a community shows low mentality, What does that say about those that aid in promoting a club that has ripped off numerous people? The internet is a wonderful thing. Information and experiences can be relayed to many people in a short amount of time.

I know that in every club or business you have your share of bad memebers/customers, But in the case of FOCOA, There are way too many, including myself, who paid for parts or a subscription and the service was lacking or the items were never received. It also isn't just members of PFF, I know many local memebers in the 3 major clubs near me that all have had a bad experience with FOCOA.
I was a "life-time member" for 3 years and had no complaints. Then the service degraded to the point where I received nothing. The 2-3 times I called trying to resolve the problem, promises were made but none were carried out. The last call I made turned into a very distasteful call.

I have been into the Fiero community since 1986 when I bought my first Fiero. I have purchased many things from many vendors and at 1 point was a member in no less than 6 clubs. FOCOA is one club that will no longer get my money nor recommendation.

If FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community, they need to come here on PFF and correct their past mistakes. At the very least come here and promote their club in person instead of using "pawns". If they are truely dedicated to the Fiero community, they need to prove they are changing for the better.

One final note, Telling those who have had bad experiences to "shut up" does nothing but harm YOUR credibility within the community. It shows a childish mentality and dis-respects those with legitimate complaints towards the club you are promoting.

------------------

Happiness isn't around the corner...
Happiness IS the corner.

[This message has been edited by Oreif (edited 05-06-2003).]

Wouldn't matter either way to me. I have heard so much negative stuff about FOCOA, that I won't go handy anything they are involved in.

Sure vendors / clubs will get some flack at some point, but the amount of people that have something to say about FOCOA is startling. Just read through this tread.

We have a very small community, 2 or 3 or a half dozen bad comments is nothing to be concerened about usually, but when there is literally hundreds of people pissed at FOCOA, one has to relize, they shafted ALOT of people at some point.

As far as FOCOA comming here to set things straight, thats a waste of time, they have created an image that cannot be turned around.

What FOCOA ripping people off? Never... say it aint so. LOL they suck. I am still waiting on parts from 1997. Wonder if they just got lost in the mail or something?

Steven

------------------
88 Fiero coupe 2.5 5 speed, Custom IHI RHB6 turbo equipped, gutted and track abused
88 Coupe Project "F-88" has begun....Classified TOP SECRET **your gonna love this**
88 Fiero Coupe 2.5/auto Not sure what I am going to do to this one!
87 Fiero GT 14.9/ 89mph **4.9 PFI swap in progress**
87 Fiero Coupe 91k miles
86 Fiero SE
88 Mazda RX-7 'vert SBC v8 383/T-5
Always have engines, fiero parts and accessories for sale. Custom engine swaps and chassis modifications are available.

quote Originally posted by jelly2m8: Wouldn't matter either way to me. I have heard so much negative stuff about FOCOA, that I won't go handy anything they are involved in. Sure vendors / clubs will get some flack at some point, but the amount of people that have something to say about FOCOA is startling. Just read through this tread. We have a very small community, 2 or 3 or a half dozen bad comments is nothing to be concerened about usually, but when there is literally hundreds of people pissed at FOCOA, one has to relize, they shafted ALOT of people at some point. As far as FOCOA comming here to set things straight, thats a waste of time, they have created an image that cannot be turned around.

Actually I believe there is some hope....If they came here, apologized to all of us.
Refunded all of our money, long distance call charges, postage and paper supplies,
and gave us the stuff we ordered just out of respect.........then........well............

They would go more than bankrupt, as I'm sure they are close to now...but in the end
there would be no more FOCOA, but at least we could say eventually we got what we
bought...........

I used to own a small automotive shop, and when I had problems, there was nothing money,
and free labor couldn't solve. Even if I know the customer was wrong, and I was right, I would still
"take it in the ass" to make that customer happy so they would refer me to someone else...
I had a good reputation...I went bankrupt, but at least I went out with happy customers, and dignity...

Now I'm a mortician, and no longer deal with the living!....

[This message has been edited by Seanpaul (edited 05-06-2003).]

So you want me to believe your story, and not believe anything else, huh? I've seen no evidence of any ripoffs by FOCOA. I've read allegations, but that's all - no evidence. I've been a member of the Fiero community since 1986, why haven't I ever been ripped off, as you say you have? Why haven't I ever had any problems with them? Why would certain people be singled out and victimized, while others are not? It doesn't make sense.
Curry Obenshain

I don't even want to touch that one Curry but that statement is going to bring a flood of comments. Here is the problem.

FOCOA is a club?..........NOT

Can we elect a new president?.......... NOT!

FOCOA is a poorly run business for Phil to make a living. There lies the problem and the reason for the death of the "CLUB"

Curry, on a slightly different vain. you stated:

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

If that is the case why wouldn't Phil step up and help the people trying to revive the Los Vegas show. They could use his help with the names of those pre-registered, location of reserved facilities and he could easily contact all those that would be interested in still attending the revived show.

------------------

Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 Supercharged
White 88 GT Stock
Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution.
History of Skitimes Car

[This message has been edited by skitime (edited 05-06-2003).]

OK, Curry. How do I prove that I never received schitt for my "lifetime membership". How do I "prove" that my dad never received anything either? How do you prove something that DIDN'T HAPPEN?I would think the burden of proof is on the Huff's. I don't know if my dad still has the receipts from paying for two lifetime memberships, but I know that he would not stoop to lying over this.If something as petty and easy as adding someone to membership list and sending them a magazine every now and then is apparently botched, why on earth would I trust them to handle anything else I wanted to become involved in?

My name is Jeffery Stillwell. I'm not hiding from anything.

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: I've been a member of the Fiero community since 1986, why haven't I ever been ripped off, as you say you have? Why haven't I ever had any problems with them? Why would certain people be singled out and victimized, while others are not? It doesn't make sense. Curry Obenshain

Well, It could be that you know them personally, or that your position in your local club may have something to do with it. Paul V who is a member of our board of directors for N.I.F.E. has never had a problem with FOCOA. His lifetime membership is still active (unlike mine) and he has never had any problems with them. It seems if you don't know them personally or hold a managing position in a local club, you have a 50% chance of getting ripped off.

[This message has been edited by Oreif (edited 05-06-2003).]

quote Originally posted by Oreif: It seems if you don't know them personally or hold a managing position in a local club, you have a 50% chance of getting ripped off.

May or may not be true. I've been a director in the Mid Atlantic Fiero Owners Association for the past 5 years. The one and only time I met Phil Huff, he totally ignored me (good thing?).

Gloria never replied to any email, and I never got anyone to answer any phone call. Thankfully I never bought a life membership, so it was easy to terminate things. But I only ever received two magazines in the two years I was a member.

And I'm also lucky to not have ordered anything expensive before I figured out the modus operendi . . . the one thing I did order was a POS, and we managed to get our money back. That ocurred in late 1997, just about the time things were starting to turn really sour.

[This message has been edited by Denny (edited 05-06-2003).]

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: So you want me to believe your story, and not believe anything else, huh? I've seen no evidence of any ripoffs by FOCOA. I've read allegations, but that's all - no evidence. I've been a member of the Fiero community since 1986, why haven't I ever been ripped off, as you say you have? Why haven't I ever had any problems with them? Why would certain people be singled out and victimized, while others are not? It doesn't make sense. Curry Obenshain

Oh my, I cannot believe that you have just said this.
You are either dumber than owl $hit , just plain clueless or you are just as bad as Phil and Gloria.

So you want us to believe only you over the many on this 7000 plus Fiero forum, the variety of Fiero e-mail lists, etc, etc, etc?
I don't think any of us here need to prove or disprove anything to you, since you are not the one we had dealings with on what we ordered, paid for and never ever received. I highly doubt that anything we prove to you will do any good anyway as you are obviously just the latest messenger boy. Tell us, no prove to us that we are wrong on that however and "maybe" some of the forum members here will talk further with you. Doubt it though.

Pennocks is THE largest assmbly of Fiero owners in the world. You want to reach the largest audience for your Fiero club and/or Fiero product, this is THE place.
The fact that Phil and Gloria are not on here says volumes to us, all by itself.
Strike One.
Phil and Gloria have in so many cases never sent the items or newsletter subscriptions that were paid for by so many from all over, or even worst case refunded that money. They have never fullfilled thier end of so many transactions and instead ignored those that they, as even you state, were supposed to be supporting.
They have ripped off and told lies for so many years to so many in this valued Fiero community, that now just the name FOCOA brings negative images and thoughts of rip off artists, even to those who have never dealt with them.
Strike Two.
They have never even attempted to make ammends or try and right the wrongs that they have made, and instead have insulted, attacked and belittled those of us who even tried to work with getting what we paid for by calling (long distance), leaving messages (never returned) e-mailing (at first promises made by Phil but never followed thru and then insults, threats and harrasement from Gloria) is the worst of all.
Strike Three.

I will say one thing to you Curry, your statement you made above will now live in the classic archives of kissing ass stupidity. That is one big whopper of total BS you have made.
I hope Phil and Gloria at least gave you a towel to wipe your mouth off with after this ass kissing beauty

Steve Kelley
Plainfield, NH

Edited to put in my full name and location.

[This message has been edited by Fiero5 (edited 05-06-2003).]

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

Hmmm...what's wrong with this picture? Maybe I'm just naive, but I'm guessing you won't win a lot of support like that.

Personally, I have never had any dealings at all with FOCOA. I've never tried to join the "club," and I've never tried to order parts. I won't badmouth them, because I don't have any first hand experience, either good or bad. However, let's talk about reputation.

There are enough complaints from enough different people that I would be very leery of doing business with them. Would I go to a FOCOA show if it was held close enough to me? Sure. Would I buy mdse. in person? Sure, if they had something I needed and I could inspect it for quality. Would I trust them to order stuff through the mail? Not based on their reputation.

Along the same lines, I have ordered parts from Rodney Dickman and Ed Parks, based in large part on the reputations they have developed, and recommendations from the Fiero community. I have been very pleased with each transaction. I plan to do business with both again, and have highly recommended them to others.

Somewhere in the middle would be the Fiero Store. Some people like them, some people don't. Some people think they charge too much. However, I can't think of any instance where I've heard that someone ordered an item and the Fiero Store took their money and didn't deliver. Certainly not dozens of experiences from numerous individuals.

My $.02

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Despite all the mud-slinging, bad-mouthing, rumor-spreading, inuendos, insinuations, lies, etc., etc., etc., the Fiero Owners Club of America is not closing down, and it is not going to close down. FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners, and it is here to stay, DESPITE WHAT ELSE ANYBODY SAYS. Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away. Trying to drive others away from FOCOA, just because you don't like it, will not help the Fiero community. There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

If you like FOCOA so much, OK then, just keep sending Phil your money. Fact is many have sent Phil their money and received nothing. We are not making this up or badmouthing anyone, just stating a true fact. As for saying something nice, we are; crime prevention warnings are nice.

------------------
87GT 3.4 Turbo Best 0-60 5.2 seconds
http://turbofiero.fierojoe.com/turbo.htm

FOCOA...? Riiiggght... I think most people can guess my opinion of them.

It started with their BS at the national events back in '93 (I attended 4, from '93-'96)... just ask anyone about driving on the track for the '96 event or their repeated promises of getting the '90 prototype on display...

Then, I won a "Free Year's Subscription" at the '96 Banquet- which I sent in the end of that year... and never recieved another magazine. So I stopped sending my money or attending their events.

...until last year. I wanted to give them another chance for the events. So I went to Osage beach. I had a great time seeing & meeting my PFF friends- but the show, well... yeah: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20030204-1-020628.html

In any case- I'll look at it like the stock market. Some people invest & lose, others invest & win. I personally, wouldn't buy any FOCOA stock as it's history reveals it to be far too risky of an investment. -but how you spend your money is up to you!

And as for my name. It's in my signature, and it always has been!
Rob Bartlett
Savage, MN

------------------

Looking for Fiero posters?

[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 05-06-2003).]

quote Originally posted by ACSCAR: ps I'm not afraid to put my name out why are those who complain don't hhhhhmmmm

I guess for most of us we all know each others real names already.

For those who don't:

Earl Rice
St. Louis Mo
Gateway Fiero Club

I will not support anything Phil or Gloria do. I guess it's a matter of morals. I don't help anyone who lies, cheats, and belittles others for thier own short term goals. I wish I still had the E-mail I received from Gloria when I E-mailed her about parts, and my magazines and other things I ordered. She tried to rip me a new A-hole. That is not the way to run a business. I'm the customer, and if I have a question about something I've ordered, I should not be treated like that. Very obviously I'm not the only one.

So are Phil and Gloria REALLY interested in supporting the Fiero community, or are they really interested in using this niche market to make a business for a living? Maybe in the beginning Phil was interested in helping the community, but for the last few years I seriously doubt it.

I think he is running from creditors and has serious finanical problems. But thats my opinion since I don't know him. It's the pattern that I see with orders not being filled, and the moving a few times in the last few years even to a different state from my understanding. It's just very suspicious if he's not.

Yes I know what it takes to put on a show. It is alot of thankless effort for the most part in the beginning. But when the show is finished and all went well, and people leave with smiles on thier faces, it's worth every minute spent putting the show together.

I will support any other show around the country, but FOCOA's. They presently do have the name recognition, but that is fading away with all the problem's. I think if CFOG can continue, they will pick up where FOCOA is leaving off.

My .02

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: Despite all the mud-slinging, bad-mouthing, rumor-spreading, inuendos, insinuations, lies, etc., etc., etc., the Fiero Owners Club of America is not closing down, and it is not going to close down. FOCOA is the world's first car club dedicated to Fieros and their owners, and it is here to stay, DESPITE WHAT ELSE ANYBODY SAYS. Its main purpose is to bring the Fiero community together. The efforts of those who spread rumors to the contrary will ONLY drive a wedge through the heart of the Fiero community, but FOCOA will still be here. Those who are continually bad-mouthing FOCOA are acting with the same kind of mentality as the non-Fiero folks who believe that all Fieros are firetraps. FOCOA is here for the entire Fiero community - but if you don't want to be a part of it, then shut up and stay away. Trying to drive others away from FOCOA, just because you don't like it, will not help the Fiero community. There's a saying in this area of Virginia: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." Curry Obenshain '86 SE 3800SC 5 speed

Hold on there sparky, I never said I was ripped off. I did order a part last August, called Gloria twice and still do not have it.
To be fair, they haven't charged my card yet.
I am more frustrated than mad, are they in business? Where? Wouldn't you think that 2-4 weeks was a resonable time to get parts?
If they were in the process of moving, relocating, whatever, they could have bought an answering machine to explain all the details. That too much to ask?
Their income is directly generated by the Fiero community. If they pi$$ enough people off, they lose their customer base...Paul

Curry, now would be a good time to shut up and slip away. You just poured salt on an open wound. I dont know why you have your head up Phil and Glorias ass but, get it out quick. Your blinded because your club is linked to FOCOA. I have made mistakes trying to defend someone that I thought was my friend only to make an ass out of myself. Your doing the same thing now. Just remember your posting as FOCOSEVA, as in your are representing your club. Next time you are at one of your own meets try asking your members how many of them got burned by FOCOA and try to do something about it. Or you could just go into one of your typical tantrums and not invite anyone on this thread to your club meets!

Now here is something I dont understand. If FOCOA is ripping off so many people, how are they still having meets/functions etc. Wouldnt they be worried about angry mobs of ripped off customers? I know I would be first inline to put foot to ass.

Steven

------------------
88 Fiero coupe 2.5 5 speed, Custom IHI RHB6 turbo equipped, gutted and track abused
88 Coupe Project "F-88" has begun....Classified TOP SECRET **your gonna love this**
88 Fiero Coupe 2.5/auto Not sure what I am going to do to this one!
87 Fiero GT 14.9/ 89mph **4.9 PFI swap in progress**
87 Fiero Coupe 91k miles
86 Fiero SE
88 Mazda RX-7 'vert SBC v8 383/T-5
Always have engines, fiero parts and accessories for sale. Custom engine swaps and chassis modifications are available.

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: So you want me to believe your story, and not believe anything else, huh? I've seen no evidence of any ripoffs by FOCOA. I've read allegations, but that's all - no evidence. I've been a member of the Fiero community since 1986, why haven't I ever been ripped off, as you say you have? Why haven't I ever had any problems with them? Why would certain people be singled out and victimized, while others are not? It doesn't make sense. Curry Obenshain

Hey Curry...

Dale Houston from Bakersfield, CA, formerly from Nashville, TN... don't want to be accused of not posting my name.. like someone said, we mostly know each other here so we don't have to post our names. If you had more than 100 posts on the forum you might be a little better informed about who we are and what we do here.

I don't know you and have nothing against you, but let me tell you that you are in a very small minority here. In the 8-9 years I have been into Fieros I have very rarely heard anything good about them. You can try to say that there are just a 'few' instances that people try to sensationalize, but the truth is that there are just a few instances of people getting what they paid for when it comes to FOCOA.. luckily FOCOA has people like you to come and try to insult the entire Fiero community that they say they are trying to help. Let me tell you, that this post is just as damaging to FOCOA in my eyes as some of their antics.

As someone mentioned, FOCOA is not a club as it claims to be. It never has been. FOCOA is a business hiding behind a club. If FOCOA really is a club, tell me when the next election of officers is. I want to throw my name in for President. I was President of TN Fieros so I have the qualifications...

Oh.. one more thing... I was going to go to Vegas even though it is a FOCOA sponsored event. But I was going not planning to get anything from FOCOA. I was just going to go hang out and meet other Fiero folks. Personally, I am glad that it is still going to happen but not be a FOCOA event. Now I think there will be more people show up... and we will get whatever it is that we are promised.

------------------

I've had good luck with them. Every three years or so when I need headers or something big I join to get my discount since it pays for itself. I was so impressed with the quality of their header coatings I had Phil coat some custom turbo stuff for me. Did I get my magazines ? most of them... (remember those combined issues :-) Most of the problems I've heard of seem to have started when they started moving around, now that they've settled maybe they can get things organized, or maybe not. If they have it & I want it I'd buy from them again.

quote Originally posted by FOCOSEVA: So you want me to believe your story, and not believe anything else, huh? I've seen no evidence of any ripoffs by FOCOA. I've read allegations, but that's all - no evidence. I've been a member of the Fiero community since 1986, why haven't I ever been ripped off, as you say you have? Why haven't I ever had any problems with them? Why would certain people be singled out and victimized, while others are not? It doesn't make sense. Curry Obenshain

Here's a thought for you to chew on: what possible reason could all these people on here have to make up their stories?
What could they possibly gain by making up bad experiences?
Should have seen how i was treated when i dared to ask for a dyno sheet for the FOCOA headers which were "dyno tested" acording to gloria.
My name is in plain view i think.

------------------

Activities Director N.I.F.E.