Is California Cruisers actually gone out of Business?

[Candyman]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was talking to Slayer and Ron from ODaddyO who had Cruised over to do a Photo Shoot out towards my direction, and passed by the California Cruisers Shop, and they had noticed the signs were apparently down, and their big billboard with a full sized mock up of a PT Woody was sitting on the side broken in two pieces I believe. Now their Website is offline as well.

Unfortunately, old PT Bob was never really a favorite among the general PT Community due to poor Business practices, and poor quality of some of his body parts particularly his larger urethane, and fiberglass parts like his front ends, and roll pans had some quality control issues.

But no matter what, PT Bob has also done some good having positively promoted the PT since it first hit the streets, made from what I can tell was a very decent woody kit, and did help produce a few cool PT's along the way.

If he really is out of Business entirely, I would like to wish him all the best! I think we all know we all have for sure felt, and many are still feeling the tightness of this Economy first hand, and nothing is easy!

No matter what, if you need my Prayers, they are with you, as so many other s hav been for me !

Go easy, and I will catch you later.

Candman

[CREWZIN]

Right Don. Sad to see the business go down the tubes. I can remember first seeing their ads and going to the web site. What a terrific display of accessories and great looking PT's all done up with the things they sold. I used to recommend it to anyone looking for parts. Then, as you stated, we started to here from so many owners that were having trouble with parts, getting them and making them fit, trying to return them. Customer service by mail, email or phone just became non-existent. We started telling anyone interest in their parts to deal with them directly at the store.

That, along with the economy would be a death blow to any business but still sorry to see them go.

[slayerdarkcross]

Here's that shot I sent Candyman when me and Ron stopped by his shop


Yeah its unfortunate to see anyone go out of business. But with his reputation it leaves alot of people who will be happy to see him gone. His business practices gave him the ability to be indestructible so if this is the final nail in the coffin I will be surprised but who knows what the future holds.

The visor I have on my car was created by him and I absolutely love the part

I do hope this will draw more business to the surviving PT aftermarket companies.

[Evnsma]

Please say this isn't true. I paid cash in advance to Bob to have my PT customized. I got most of them done, but he hasn't come through with all of them. My calls have gone unreturned, and now his email and website are down. Any ideas?

[Evnsma]

Anyone know where I can get the rest of my customized work done on my PT in southern california? It makes me sick to think I'll have to pay all over again for a wood interior kit, and to have the drivers side seat heater hooked up ... but now the California Cruisers closed without finishing my job ... I'll have to.

Please help.

[slayerdarkcross]

I would give Ray at Pteazer a call or Mitch at Cruiser Motorsports

[Evnsma]

Thanks Slayerdarkcross. I'll give them a try.

[Candyman]

Hey Evnsma,

Welcome to the Forum, just sorry it was under these circumstances.

Like Slayer said, Ray over at PTeazer could most likely be of help, and would be a good place to start.

Also, if nothing else, depending on what all you are wanting done to your Interior, If you need true wood work, I know a guy up here by me who does excellent wood work, and has done a ton of work to a well known Woodie PT here in town. If you need realistic air brushed wood grain work, I can do custom paint work, and could most likely handle any of that kind of thing as well. If you are somewhere in LA, I am not too far from you over in Hemet if need be. Either Ray, or I most likely could probably figure out your seat issues as well, and anything else you need to finish up your PT correctly.

Mitch from Cruiser Motor Sport, should be able o track down any parts if you may need anything. He is about 15 minutes from me, and one of the largest PT Parts Warehouses in the Industry, and if he doesn't have it, he is one of the best at tracking it down period. If he can't get it, nobody can.
One way or another

Go easy, and please feel free to ask me if you need any help, and I would be more than happy to see what needs to be done, and try to put a good game plan together if needed anytime.

Take care,

Candyman

[Evnsma]

Thanks Candyman,

Boy you guys are something else. I have an email into Pteazers and will go from there. I'm so grateful for the advice and look forward to getting the problem resolved.

I know I'm late to the party, but I've loved PT's since I saw the 1st magazine advertisement while in a doctor's waiting room. Now I finally have one and am truly in love. (if you don't count the debacle with California Cruisers).

Thanks for your help,
Evnsma

[Candyman]

Hey their Evnsma,

Sounds like a plan. Ray is a good man, and does some great work!

And then like I say, if you ever need any custom work like air brush, custom paint, interior and so on, I can handle most any of that kind of stuff myself, and stuff like custom wood, and so on I got that guy over in Beaumont for that as well so one way or another one of us will get her done for ya.


To give you an example, I did all of the full custom paint, body, and most of the flame work on my PT, some interior, and did the design and paint, and upholstery work on my trunk audio layout myself. Here are a couple of pic's of my work.






Anyways, remember, if you ever need anything, please feel free to look me up anytime, and I would be more than happy to try to answer any questions, or help out any way I can! Its just what I love to do!

Go easy, and I will catch you later.

Candyman