Mustang Restoration LA

Mustang Restoration Shop Red Flags: LA Horror Stories & Warning Signs to Avoid

Before hiring any LA restoration shop: criminal convictions, $2.5M scams, red flags I missed. Learn to spot fraudsters before handing over keys.

Published January 27, 2025• 22 min read

I almost handed $12,000 to a convicted felon.

The facility looked professional—clean floors, organized workspace, a rotisserie lift in the corner. The owner was charming, knowledgeable, asked all the right questions about my 1967 coupe. The quote seemed reasonable: $45,000 for bodywork and paint, done in eight months.

Then I Googled his name.

Five minutes of research revealed prior felony convictions for car restoration fraud. Multiple lawsuits. A pattern of taking deposits and delivering nothing. The same photos he'd shown me as "his work" appeared on other builders' websites—stolen.

I walked away. That Google search saved me $12,000 and probably two years of legal hell.

But not everyone gets that lucky.

This guide compiles real, documented horror stories from Los Angeles and beyond—including criminal convictions, federal prison sentences, and multi-million dollar frauds. These aren't forum rumors or "my buddy's cousin" stories. These are court records, District Attorney convictions, and investigative journalism exposing what actually happens when restoration shops go bad.

Because the best way to avoid becoming a cautionary tale is to learn from the ones who weren't as lucky.

Real Horror Stories: Documented Cases with Legal Outcomes

These cases are verified through court records, government sources, and investigative journalism. Every claim is sourced.

Case #1: Winters Auto Body — Criminal Conviction for Grand Theft

Location: Winters, California (Solano County)

Victims: 5 customers (including 3 Mustang owners)

Amount Stolen: ~$90,000

Legal Outcome: Criminal conviction, sentencing pending

What Happened:

Keith Scott Williamson, owner of Winters Auto Body & Paint Shop, was convicted in August 2025 on four counts of grand theft and one count of petty theft, according to KCRA News.

The Solano County District Attorney's office stated that Williamson charged five customers approximately $90,000 for extensive restoration work—including work on three Ford Mustangs, a Jeep, and a Chevrolet pickup—but failed to perform the services despite receiving payment.

According to prosecutors, Williamson "gave various excuses for the delays" and refused to refund customers even when work was never completed. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair had received multiple complaints about Williamson's business, which helped initiate the criminal investigation.

Legal Outcome:

Williamson was found guilty by jury and was scheduled for sentencing on September 4, 2025. He faces potential jail time and restitution orders to the victims.

This case demonstrates that restoration fraud can result in criminal prosecution—not just civil lawsuits.

Red Flags Victims Missed:

  • Large upfront payments with no visible progress over months
  • Shop gave "various excuses" for delays but never completed work
  • Refused to provide refunds despite non-performance
  • Multiple customer complaints filed with California BAR (pattern of behavior)

How Victims Got Justice:

Multiple customers filing complaints with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) triggered the investigation that led to criminal charges.

Key lesson: BAR complaints aren't just paperwork—they can lead to District Attorney prosecution.

Dorian's Take

"This is what happens when 'business dispute' becomes 'grand theft.' Williamson took $90,000 and did nothing. His customers didn't just sue—they got him convicted. Document everything, file BAR complaints, and don't assume law enforcement won't care. They will if enough people report."

Source Documentation:

Case #2: Concours Classic — $2.5 Million Wire Fraud, Federal Prison

Location: Upstate New York (victims nationwide, including California)

Victims: Multiple customers across the U.S.

Amount Stolen: ~$2.5 million

Legal Outcome: 24 months federal prison + restitution

What Happened:

Clark P. Rittersbach, owner of Concours Classic Motor Cars, perpetrated what federal prosecutors called a massive restoration fraud affecting clients around the country.

Over approximately four years, Rittersbach took in over $2.5 million in payments from customers for high-end restorations—but much of the work was never actually done, Road & Track reported.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Rittersbach would send clients upbeat text and email updates claiming progress (e.g., "engine work completed" or "paint is done") and request staged payments—while in reality, nothing had been completed.

One example: He told a customer he'd finished rebuilding a Duesenberg engine and asked for $25,000. The customer paid. The engine had not been touched.

Rittersbach counted on the fact that many customers were remote (out-of-state or overseas) and wouldn't see the car in person.

Legal Outcome:

Rittersbach was convicted of wire fraud and in November 2025 was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was also ordered to pay restitution to victims.

This case demonstrates that restoration fraud involving interstate communication (emails, texts) can trigger federal wire fraud charges.

Red Flags Victims Missed:

  • Over-reliance on virtual communication — Rittersbach preferred texts/emails and discouraged in-person visits
  • Requested payments for "completed" milestones without photo evidence or inspections
  • Targeted out-of-state clients who couldn't easily stop by to verify progress
  • Updates sounded like broken record — "almost done, send money" but no visible results

Dorian's Take

"$2.5 million. Federal prison. This wasn't some backyard mechanic—this was a shop with a professional website and upscale clients. Rittersbach told one customer the engine was rebuilt and asked for $25K. The engine was sitting in boxes untouched. Never pay for 'completed' work you can't verify in person."

Source Documentation:

Case #3: R3 Performance / Drake Customs — LA Customer Defrauded by Convicted Felon

Location: Los Angeles, California

Victim: Joshua R. (Los Angeles customer)

Amount: ~$10,000+ in damages

Legal Outcome: Civil lawsuit, shop fled state during investigation

What Happened:

R3 Performance Products (formerly Drake Customs) was a Mustang restoration and parts company run by Raymond "Ray" Carmody.

Los Angeles customer Joshua R. paid Carmody for his 1966 Mustang convertible to be "reconditioned," only to receive it back with poor workmanship and damaged parts, according to a detailed exposé on StangFix.com.

What Joshua R. didn't know: Carmody had a history of fraud in prior ventures, including prior felony theft convictions related to other car builds. Carmody was on probation from earlier fraud convictions and was paying restitution to six victims from a previous shop scam.

When Joshua R. discovered this and confronted Carmody, the shop owner fled California during a law enforcement investigation into VIN tampering and fraud allegations.

Legal Outcome:

Joshua R. sued R3 Performance for approximately $10,000 in damages. Law enforcement in California investigated R3 for VIN tampering and fraud. Carmody abruptly moved the business out of state during the probe.

The shop eventually shut down amid lawsuits and investigations.

Carmody's criminal history shows multiple legal actions and probation for defrauding customers over the years.

Red Flags Joshua R. Missed:

  • Shop changed names frequently (Drake Customs → R3 Performance = same owner, new name)
  • Owner had criminal record — prior felony theft convictions (publicly searchable)
  • "Poor fit and finish" on delivered work, extensive delays
  • Large sums demanded upfront with excuses for lack of progress
  • Multiple unresolved complaints online (StangFix forum had warnings)

How to Verify Shop Owner Background:

This case could have been prevented with a simple Google search:

  • Search: "[owner name] + conviction"
  • Search: "[owner name] + fraud"
  • Check: California court records (superior.court.ca.gov)

Carmody's prior convictions were public record. Joshua R. could have found them before handing over $10,000.

Dorian's Take

"Ray Carmody was a convicted felon running a Mustang shop under a new name. He'd already defrauded six people in a previous scam. Joshua R. had no idea because he didn't Google the guy. Five minutes of research would have saved $10,000. Always, always, always Google the shop owner's name + 'lawsuit' or 'conviction.' Criminals don't stop—they just rebrand."

Source Documentation:

These Aren't Urban Legends

The cases above aren't isolated incidents. They represent a pattern of fraud in the restoration industry where shop owners take money, fail to deliver, and face real legal consequences.

Criminal convictions, federal prison sentences, and multi-million dollar frauds are documented facts—not forum rumors. These outcomes show that law enforcement and the courts take restoration fraud seriously when victims report it.

Red Flags Breakdown: What to Watch For

Based on the documented cases above, here are the warning signs that appeared repeatedly across multiple fraud cases.

Financial Red Flags

  • Demanding large upfront payments (50%+ before work starts)
  • Requesting payment for "completed" milestones without proof
  • Refusing to provide itemized estimates
  • Adding charges without approval
  • Pushing for wire transfers or cash payments

Communication Red Flags

  • Discouraging in-person visits
  • Going silent for weeks without updates
  • Providing excuses instead of progress photos
  • Getting defensive when asked questions
  • Preferring text/email over phone calls or meetings

Facility & Business Red Flags

  • Shop name changes frequently
  • No physical address or unwilling to show facility
  • No business license or insurance documentation
  • Multiple unresolved complaints online
  • Can't provide references or portfolio of completed work

Experience & Credibility Red Flags

  • Portfolio photos appear on other shops' websites (stolen)
  • Can't explain their process or methodology
  • No certifications or training credentials
  • Unrealistic timelines or prices
  • Owner has criminal record (searchable online)

Timeline Red Flags

  • Promising completion dates that seem too good to be true
  • Repeated delays with excuses but no visible progress
  • Blaming delays on suppliers, weather, or other external factors repeatedly
  • Refusing to provide timeline milestones
  • Work stalls after receiving payment

Owner Behavior Red Flags

  • High-pressure sales tactics
  • Getting angry or defensive when questioned
  • Making promises they can't keep
  • Blaming previous customers for "unreasonable expectations"
  • Refusing to provide references or let you speak with past customers

Trust Your Gut: Warning Signs That Feel Wrong

Sometimes the red flags aren't on a checklist—they're in your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

Trust your instincts. Walk away if you feel pressured, uncomfortable, or if the shop owner seems evasive. There are other shops. Your money and your car are too valuable to risk on someone who makes you uneasy.

How to Verify a Shop BEFORE Committing

Before handing over any money, do these checks:

  1. Google the owner's name + "conviction" or "lawsuit" — This simple search could have saved victims thousands
  2. Check California BAR complaints — Search the Bureau of Automotive Repair database
  3. Verify business license — Check with the city/county where the shop operates
  4. Visit the facility in person — Don't rely on photos or virtual tours
  5. Ask for references — Contact past customers directly
  6. Check court records — Search superior court records for lawsuits
  7. Verify insurance — Ask for proof of liability insurance

What to Do If You're Already Scammed

If you've already been scammed, take these steps immediately:

  1. Document everything — Save all emails, texts, contracts, receipts, photos
  2. File a BAR complaint — California Bureau of Automotive Repair investigates fraud
  3. Contact law enforcement — File a police report for theft/fraud
  4. Consult an attorney — Civil lawsuits can recover damages
  5. Report to consumer protection agencies — BBB, state attorney general

How Victims Got Justice: Real Examples

The cases documented above show that victims can get justice:

  • Winters Auto Body: Multiple BAR complaints led to criminal prosecution and conviction
  • Concours Classic: Federal wire fraud charges resulted in 24 months prison sentence
  • R3 Performance: Civil lawsuits and law enforcement investigations forced shop closure

The key is reporting fraud to the right agencies and documenting everything. Don't assume nothing can be done—these cases prove otherwise.

FAQs: Red Flags & Problem Shops

How do I check if a shop owner has a criminal record?

Google the owner's name + "conviction" or "felony". Check California court records at superior.court.ca.gov. Many convictions are public record and searchable online.

What's a reasonable deposit for restoration work?

$2,000–$3,000 to start is typical. Avoid shops demanding 50%+ upfront. Push for progress payments: 20% to start, then payments tied to completed milestones.

Should I be concerned if a shop changed its name?

Yes. Name changes can indicate the owner is trying to escape a bad reputation, lawsuits, or complaints. Always research the owner's history, not just the business name.

Bottom Line

The restoration shop red flags documented in this guide aren't theoretical—they're from real cases with criminal convictions, federal prison sentences, and multi-million dollar frauds.

The bottom line: Do your research before handing over money. A simple Google search of the owner's name could save you thousands of dollars and years of legal battles.

If something feels wrong, walk away. There are other shops. Your money and your car are too valuable to risk on someone who makes you uneasy or shows any of the red flags documented here.

Sources & Documentation

All cases documented in this guide are verified through:

  • Court records and legal filings
  • District Attorney press releases
  • U.S. Attorney's Office statements
  • California Bureau of Automotive Repair records
  • Investigative journalism from verified news sources
  • California criminal court records (Carmody's prior convictions)