Harold just indicated he was burnt out on upgrading the car. It needed another roof replacement to be "right" for him. The hood was showing some mild cracking that he insisted would have to be restripped and rebonded to be "right" for him. Then there was the engine bay. I installed that in 2002 when I was still learning what I wanted to put into a "TurnKey" install. Harold's install was certainly short compared to what I do today. I wanted to help him with the upgrades at a reduced cost, but we never really got together on that.
Its great car, but you are not helping Harold buy bidding on the car. Harold traded it in and will not see a dime on this sell on ebay.
Loyde
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10:23 PM
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
It's tough to be into Fieros and also want a perfect car. I keep a list of all the little problems I need to fix on mine and that list always has at least 10 things on it, not counting unfinished mods .
I am tempted to trade in all my cars on a new one but nothing new (that I can afford) interests me.
I hope someone on here get it because it's a really nice looking car.
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10:48 PM
Jan 23rd, 2005
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
He used the Mera word in his description. I brought up the fact that this is a kit car and not a Mera. A long discussion on the use of the Mera word followed and he insisted he did not try to use the Mera word to make people think this was a real Mera. Now I look at the ebay ad and it uses the Mera word and they make it sound like this is a true Mera. How terribly sad. Harold should be ashamed of himself.
Sorry Rodney Dickman Mera Registry
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06:05 AM
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
He used the Mera word in his description. I brought up the fact that this is a kit car and not a Mera. A long discussion on the use of the Mera word followed and he insisted he did not try to use the Mera word to make people think this was a real Mera. Now I look at the ebay ad and it uses the Mera word and they make it sound like this is a true Mera. How terribly sad. Harold should be ashamed of himself.
He used the Mera word in his description. I brought up the fact that this is a kit car and not a Mera. A long discussion on the use of the Mera word followed and he insisted he did not try to use the Mera word to make people think this was a real Mera. Now I look at the ebay ad and it uses the Mera word and they make it sound like this is a true Mera. How terribly sad. Harold should be ashamed of himself.
Sorry Rodney Dickman Mera Registry
If you read a little closer a few post up you will see that Harold is not selling this car, he has already sold it and the buyer is reselling it. So he has nothing to do with the E-bay auction or using the word Mera in it.
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08:32 AM
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
If you read a little closer a few post up you will see that Harold is not selling this car, he has already sold it and the buyer is reselling it. So he has nothing to do with the E-bay auction or using the word Mera in it.
And who do you think provided this information on this KIT CAR to this car dealer? Maybe he felt he could get a better price from this dealer if he spiced up his story some?
This is very sad.
Rodney Dickman Mera Registry
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08:51 AM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Rodney I really have nothing against you, and I had enjoyed doing business with you while building my car. The only sad thing about all of this is your ability to be blinded by the word MERA! As stated out on ARI's site, there is only two ways to discribe the appearence/body style of this car... Ferrari 308, or Mera! All the MERA was, is a copy of the 308. I did not have to "SPICE" up my "STORY" to do the deal I did with "MY" car. I did inform the person about the MERA, and the numerous kits that used to be out there, and that the "CUSTOM COACH CRAFT KIT" was one of the best ones to get, if you could get one. If you notice the title on E-Bay says "FERRARI 308 REPLICA", not "MERA", which exxcuuuse me, but that is all a "MERA" was anyway, a 308 Replica kit(why do you think Ferrari shut them down)!! As the Mighty Defender of the "Mera Registery", I have no understanding of why you targeted me and the car I built to rant and rave about. You have tried making me out as some sort of deceptive or deviant person out to make a buck using the word MERA in my "discription" of the body style. Damn I guess I could of used VW Beetle, but then again it doesn't look like one, DOES IT!! I tell you what... Why don't you tell all of us what body style that car looks like! Then tell all of us what the "MERA" looks like, and see if you can put 2 and 2 together. Get over yourself, and this MERA thing with the car I built. The only one that should be ashamed of something is you, and your inability to read. To say that I tried selling this car as a "true" MERA(which is nothing but a kit car also) is stupid. If anyone takes the time to READ what was said out on ARI's, will see you have something personal against me or the car I built... I do want to thank you for reassuring me that I made the right move getting out of this project, because it is people like you and this sort of crap that took the fun out of it. Enough said.. I will now return to the shadows
And who do you think provided this information on this KIT CAR to this car dealer? Maybe he felt he could get a better price from this dealer if he spiced up his story some?
This is very sad.
Rodney Dickman Mera Registry
Here you go again bashing Harold when will you realize his old car makes a real Mera want to crash its self into a brick wall. He is not responsible for what someone else puts in there add and I have never heard him say his car was a Mera just it was based off of one and in my opinion is a big improvement over the real one. This is very sad that you keep harping on bashing Harold for nothing he has done. It does not give others a good opinion of you.
Now I look at the ebay ad and it uses the Mera word and they make it sound like this is a true Mera. How terribly sad. Harold should be ashamed of himself.
It doesn't matter if he uses the Mera word, all that matters is how he uses it.
Nowhere in that auction does it state it's a Mera.
All it states is the body / kit is molded from a Mera... which is basicly true.
Harold, I for one am sorry to see you out of Fieros...I really enjoyed shooting the crap with you at last year's shows. I can imagine the frustration building such a project and I know it must be frustrating when there are still little problems that require more money to fix. Like I said earlier I would love to own a new car but where is the fun in that?
I hope you continue to visit our little forum and I hope someone on here buys the car and keeps it in the family.
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11:11 AM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Harold, I for one am sorry to see you out of Fieros... I hope you continue to visit our little forum and I hope someone on here buys the car and keeps it in the family.
Thanks Jonathan, I am always lurking out here in the shadows . I also hope someone out here buys it, because they will be getting one heck of a deal. I just had to get out of this project due to alot of reasons, and the money was not the number one issue. It is like you said above, I was basically trying to build a new car, and for the money I should of had one. I have made a lot of friends out here, and I enjoyed sharing ideas and projects with all of you, but for now I am content doing what I am doing. I will get another Fiero one of these days when my life settles down, and the next time it will be right! Thanks again, and if I can ever do anything to help any of you, just hollar. A plus for everyone that I haven't given too(except for you know who).
Harold
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11:23 AM
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
And who do you think provided this information on this KIT CAR to this car dealer? Maybe he felt he could get a better price from this dealer if he spiced up his story some?
This is very sad.
Rodney Dickman Mera Registry
Yes it is very sad.
Have you ever seen this car in person or talked to Wholf in person at a show?
Well I have.
The car is Stunning, I've seen & built several 308's over the years and I was totally stunned when I saw this car the 1st time. This has to be the best owner built 308 replica I've ever seen. It's better built that many professionally built 308's (including the one's I've built).
I had never met Wholf before, but before that weekend was over we'd know each other well. I talked to Wholf several times that weekend at the CFOGi show in KS. I questioned him a lot about the kit he used and the build of the car & never once did the M word come up. Since that weekend I've thought about Wholf's car several times, thinking about the quality of that build several times. Never once in those thoughts have I thought about the Mera. I can see a Mera at a show & walk right past it. However, when Dave Bagwell & I pulled the truck & trailer into the Hotel parking lot at Topeka, I spotted 2 Black 308's sitting side by side. Guess what, before I even unloaded the GT40, I was over there looking at the 308's. I normally wouldn't even have considered walking across a parking lot to look at a stock Mera unless it belonged to someone I know.
The 1st time I ever saw your 308 replica, (oh yeah it's a Mera ) was at the Kit Car show at Carlisle. I think it was the 1st year that the Fiero people were there but you were setup as a Kit Car Vendor. You had a sign leaning against the front bumper stating "THIS IS NOT A KIT CAR" "IT'S A REAL MERA" or something to that effect. That sign is probally the reason I can walk right past a Mera without even thinking about it. That weekend I talked to several Kit Car vendors who were very put off by that sign.
I, for one, would think that you'd be better off if you were to embrace 308/328 Kit Cars rather than to bash them.
Respectfully submitted.
Archie
edited to add......
BTW, if someone doesn't run the price up on this auction, this car will be mine in a couple of weeks & next time you see it, it will have a SBC in it.
Archie
[This message has been edited by Archie (edited 01-23-2005).]
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11:37 AM
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
Was this body taken from a real Mera? If so I offer my apologies. If not this is not the truth and degrades the real 247 real Mera's that were made.
I in no way am saying this is not a nice car. I am saying this ebay ad makes some think this could be a real Mera or a Fiero that while is not a real Mera sports a true real Mera body.
Rare Mera body. Corporate Concepts never sold just a body kit. Only new Fieros were rebodied and sold through Pontiac dealers. This is not one of them and does not have a rare Mera body on it as the only way to get a real Mera body is to take it off another of the 247 Mera's.
Harold: where did this body come from and if it did not come from a real Mera why is this seller saying it did? Who supplied him with this Mera information then??
I will always stick up for the 247 real Mera's and defend against any misinformation about the real 247 Mera's.
Bob Bracey (the creator of the Mera) died last year. He is no longer around to defend his work.
Thank you Rodney Dickman
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12:24 PM
FierceGT Member
Posts: 111 From: Westerville, Oh., USA Registered: Jan 2005
The 1st time I ever saw your 308 replica, (oh yeah it's a Mera ) was at the Kit Car show at Carlisle. I think it was the 1st year that the Fiero people were there but you were setup as a Kit Car Vendor. You had a sign leaning against the front bumper stating "THIS IS NOT A KIT CAR" "IT'S A REAL MERA" or something to that effect. That sign is probally the reason I can walk right past a Mera without even thinking about it. That weekend I talked to several Kit Car vendors who were very put off by that sign.
Archie;
If at one of the next cars shows you happen to go you let me ask you this: Say there were several Cobra "kit" cars there and one "real" Cobra. If that real Cobra owner had a sign on his car stating this is a real Cobra and not a kit car would you feel the same way towards him?
Just for reference, I went and looked at the ad on ebay, here's an excerpt:
1985 Ferarri 308 Replica Kit car.
Mera body on a Fiero chassis.
This car won 2nd overall place at the 2004 Wheatstock Fiero/kit car show in KS. This car is the nicest replica available anywhere. The workmanship is unsurpassed and almost flawless in every way. ABSOLUTELY NO SHORTCUTS were taken. This replica has a Mera body which to my knowledge is extremely rare and is within 1/2 inch of true 308 dementions. Everyone who sees this car assumes it is a real Ferarri unless they
Now it's obvious that this owner is representing this car such that a casual reader would infer it's a Mera. Now I know that a Mera was just a kit, not really conceptually different than any other Fiero kit out there, but what distinguishes the Mera is it's history. Not the fact that it's a kit, but the fact that it has a history that no other kit can ever share. Does that make it worth more? Dunno, depends on if one has a thing for Meras or not.
I know that this is not a Mera, so on that account this car is being misrepresented. If someone was bidding on this car thinking it's a Mera they would not be getting what they paid for were they to win the auction. It's a beautiful car, I've seen it in person and if I had the money I'd be in the fray for it as well, but I wouldn't be buying it thinking it was a Mera.
I could take an old 6-banger 67 Camaro and turn it into a DZ302 Z-28, and it would be exactly that, but it wouldn't be legitimate simply because that's not what it is, regardless of what parts I put on it. To a true car collector legitimacy is what it's all about, it's that history that makes collector's cars special.
Someone should contact the seller and advise them that this is not a Mera body nor a Mera, just so that they can avoid potential future problems if the buyer believed they were getting a Mera.
JazzMan
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12:46 PM
PFF
System Bot
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
I, for one, would think that you'd be better off if you were to embrace 308/328 Kit Cars rather than to bash them.
I have nothing against 308 and 328 kit cars. I love them. I have never bashed a 308 or 328 kit owner. I only speak up on this when I see information that is misleading against the real 247 Mera's produced. I don't see how that should offend anyone.
Still waiting Harold. Is this a real Mera body? If not who supplied this seller with this information?
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12:52 PM
RTNmsds Member
Posts: 1104 From: Woodruff, SC Registered: Oct 2003
Have you considered posting a public list of the known / confirmed VIN numbers of the production Mera's on your web site. A definative list would be valuable to the community - and that would help make these types of conversations moot.
Why does the roof look like it is painted flat black?
*Nevermind.....*
In some of the earlier pictures, notice the roof was not painted. This was because a targa top was the next and final modification. He decided not to do the targa as the cost was about $2300. I took the car back to the same painter and had the top finished black to complete the car without the targa top. The paint job is top notch work and will last many years.
[This message has been edited by Falcon Fiero (edited 01-23-2005).]
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01:12 PM
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
I have nothing against 308 and 328 kit cars. I love them. I have never bashed a 308 or 328 kit owner. I only speak up on this when I see information that is misleading against the real 247 Mera's produced. I don't see how that should offend anyone.
Still waiting Harold. Is this a real Mera body? If not who supplied this seller with this information?
The guy who wrote the ad states that Wholf supplied him with a letter that is quoted in the EBay ad as follows.
quote
This is a copy of a letter he gave me with the car at the time of trading it in: _______________________________ < The suspention has been completey removed at replaced new with the exception of the actual steering rack. Poly was used on the entire suspention including the engine cradle bushings.
The engine is a 32k mile 3800 Series II supercharged V6 from a 1998 Gran Prix GTP along with the 4 spd automatic transmission. Due this this conversion the car may only be put in overdrive or 3rd gear. The it is shifted below 3rd gear you must open the hood and manually put it back in 3rd or overdrive. The engine/transmission conversion were performed by Loyde Rascoe at Fast Fieros of Dallas(972)880-6643. If the car had any future mechanical problems, he is the one to talk to. If I were to have kept the car, I would have gone back to him for upgrades, however I have lost interest in the project and do not want to spend any more money on it.
At this time the A/C compressor is needing replaced. Otherwise, the A/C works excellent. You engage the A/C compressor with the blue switch on the console, and set the temp on the HVAC dash panel like normal. The body is a Custom Coach Craft fiberglass kit. This is the same kit used by GM on the 1997-1998 Mera cars.
The interior is from a 2000 Pontiac Firebird cut down and customized to fit the fiero chassis.
When jacking up this Fiero you must use caution. Coolant lines run down each side of the car. The jack spots must be used.>>>
Maybe the guy who is selling the car got the Mera info from your web site & not from Wholf. After all maybe the seller knows how to use Google or some other search engine.
quote
Archie; If at one of the next cars shows you happen to go you let me ask you this: Say there were several Cobra "kit" cars there and one "real" Cobra. If that real Cobra owner had a sign on his car stating this is a real Cobra and not a kit car would you feel the same way towards him?
If he was at a KIT CAR show, the answer would be YES.
quote
Bob Bracey (the creator of the Mera) died last year. He is no longer around to defend his work.
I knew Bob Bracey also, I never heard him defending his work like you are. The one time, that he had a good chance to defend the Mera was when Ferrari was trying to shut it down. Bob didn't defend the Mera then, he just took all the money he had made & moved on.
BTW, that original Cobra you were asking about is a COBRA, not a copy of a car that was copied from a real 308.
Isn't the Mera an attempt to replicate the 308? Didn't you once make/sell Ferrari name badges & door jamb stickers for use on Meras?
Archie
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01:22 PM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
I have nothing against 308 and 328 kit cars. I love them. I have never bashed a 308 or 328 kit owner. I only speak up on this when I see information that is misleading against the real 247 Mera's produced. I don't see how that should offend anyone.
Still waiting Harold. Is this a real Mera body? If not who supplied this seller with this information?
No Rodney, as I said before in ARI's site Farrar Patterson of Custom Coach Craft splashed the molds off an actual MERA, this is the same information that was given to the person who purchased my car. What he puts in his add is what he put in it. As far as bashing anyone, lets see you explain how come you came off on me on ARI's, when all I said it was is a 3800GT Mera/308 Replica. Which it was/is a 308/Mera replica, if not, PLEASE tell me what the heck it is a replica of. And since you did not put a link to the actual post for everyone to read.... Here it is http://www.kitcar.ca/yabbse/index.php?topic=4292.0 No where in the posting did I say or indicate this was a real Mera, I stated the obvious, that it is a "REPLICA" of the 308/MERA body style!! If you feel so high and mighty about this, Robert(the individual selling it) has his phone number, and email address right there in the listing. It is his car and has been for about 2 1/2 months. You call him up and say what ever you want to say, it is his deal not mine.... It probably won't be out there long anyways since he is using the Ferrari word... Yea, I could warn him about that also, but it is none of my business, like this is really none of yours!!
Harold
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01:37 PM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Isn't the Mera an attempt to replicate the 308? Didn't you once make/sell Ferrari name badges & door jamb stickers for use on Meras?
Yea and he still does, but there is nothing wrong with him selling stuff for the Mera using the FERRARI 308/328 in his adds. I addressed this in the ARI's post.... It appears like a one way street with Rodney. Thanks Archie, I hope you do get my car, that way I know it would be finished out properly....
Harold
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01:43 PM
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
Somebody just shoot me!!! This is one stupid thread. Why would anyone go to such great lengths to defend the Mera?? Whatever this guy wants to put in his ad is his business, if he took what Wholf told him out of context then that's his problem. Like Wholf said, it was a "splash" or "copy" of a real Mera...yes...one of the original 247!! I knew the owner of the molds and know the whole sordid details of how and when he got the molds. They were NOT 4th, 3rd, or even 2nd gen molds from other molds...they were splashed from an original Mera. So, let it rest already...I'm tired of puking.
So I emailed the seller asking who supplied him with the information that this was a "rare Mera body kit". This was his relpy:
quote
-----Original Message----- From: Firchiken@aol.com [mailto:Firchiken@aol.com] Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2005 6:21 PM To: rodney1@execpc.com Subject: Re: Question for item #4521842247 - Replica/Kit Makes : All Models
In a message dated 1/23/2005 5:50:48 PM Central Standard Time, rodney1@execpc.com writes:
Thank you. Just out of curiosity – who gave you the information that this was a “rare Mera body kit”?
Thank you Rodney Dickman
It was in the letter with the car. I think the owner may have had some bad info because I have received another email saying it is not. I will make sure and imform everyone it may not be, but I dont see what difference it makes - its a KIT CAR! Thanks, and have a good day.
(817)202-5844 (817)992-8068 Robert & Julie Clark Cleburne Motorsports 617 North Main Street Cleburne, Texas 76033
Hmmmm.
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07:26 PM
PFF
System Bot
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Again Rodney you cannot read... Take a look at the so called letter he received from me. The letter is about 99% right, and as soon as I get a hold of Robert I am going to verify it since I do not have a copy of the letter. Anyway no where in this letter did I say this was a "RARE MERA" I plainly state it is a Custom Coach Craft kit, and it is suppose to say it is the same type of kit used by GM on the 87-88 Mera. Which by the way 98% of the world doesn't even know what a MERA is, why the heck would it pump up a sell. I had to tell Robert what a MERA was and how few molds were actually splashed off an actual MERA because Ferrari shut them down. The misunderstanding came from him and not me. A fiberglass kit car is a fiberglass kit car, no matter who does it, and that is all a MERA is, is a hyped up kit car put out by GM dealerships. You started this crap months ago for no reason on ARI's site with no justification, and most of the members shut you up, and thought you fell on your head to many times.. Now your here, and back at ARI's(YES FOLKS HE FOUND A WAY TO START THIS UP ON ARI's also) starting this $hit all over again, and I don't even own the car. Yet you are trying to get some sort of dimmented gratification, by blaming me for someone elses screw up or misunderstanding. This is pretty much the last of it, and I am sorry I built a kit car that is 5 times better then any MERA/kit car you will ever own(unless of course you are bidding on it). I am glad however, that you are so proud to stand up for a kit car that was such a complete copyright infringment of Ferrari, that it is almost imbarassing. So take pride in the 247 Mera's that you defend so highly, as I still take pride in the copy of a copy I built.
Did I read in a the very first post in the Thread that Harold does not even own the car anymore? Yeah--I thought I did, then why are all the questions being directed to him and not the dealer? If Harold did provide the dealer with the information posted about the car, then it is the dealers fault for not verifing the information before putting it up for sale. So lets end this thread and stop asking Harold all the questions and direct this torward the seller in some E-mails.
I agree. The current owner is the one calling this car a Mera when it isn't. Though that distinction may be trivial to many, it is still a distinction worth notice to someone wanting a Mera.
Imagine the heat I would get if I listed an '86 Fiero on Ebay as having CJB T-Tops. There's no significant difference between the '88 CJB and the pre-'88 non-CJB T-tops but the purists would still rip me a new one. CJB cars go for more, just because they are CJB cars, regardless of the fact that they are essentially the same parts installed by the same company for the same end result.
First of all, if someone is willing and able to pay some excess amount for a Mera (whatever that may be) over a Fiero rebody then it's up to the buyer to do the homework. First, they should ask for the production number. Second, it has a freakn 3800 SC in it!!!, Third it has an awesome 2000 Firebird interior!!! Now I may be wrong but if anyone buys a collectible, isn't the whole POINT to keep it as original as possible???? If Rodney tried to sell his "Mera" he would need to take off anything that he put on after Bob Bracey did in 1988 in order for it to be a true Mera as it left the factory. Right???
If Rodney were to sell his Mera he could advertise it as a Mera, because it is a Mera. Sure, it's a Ferrari 308 rebody on a Fiero, and sure, you could do a Ferrari 308 rebody on a Fiero, but the difference, however trivial it seems from the mechanical standpoint, is that Rodney's Mera is still a Mera, and the car on ebay isn't a Mera.
Now, let me be very clear with what I'm saying. I have nothing bad to say about the car that Wholf built. It's an awsome car by any measurement, and again, if I had the money I'd be trying to get it myself. The fact that it's not a Mera would not concern me in the least.
That being said, the Meras are unique cars with a specific history. Slapping a 308 rebody on a Fiero does not make it a Mera, it just makes it a 308 rebodied Fiero. I don't understand what the confusion is regarding this.
If Rodney were to sell his Mera he could advertise it as a Mera, because it is a Mera. Sure, it's a Ferrari 308 rebody on a Fiero, and sure, you could do a Ferrari 308 rebody on a Fiero, but the difference, however trivial it seems from the mechanical standpoint, is that Rodney's Mera is still a Mera, and the car on ebay isn't a Mera.
I agree Jazzy...and I think everyone in the free world understands and agrees except (1) one other person that has posted on this thread. It's a freakn REPLICA of a MERA or a REPLICA of a 308...whatever. It's a MERA REPLICA to me...and I have one in my garage. If I choose to sell mine on eBay, I may just put it up with a GENUINE MERA REPLICA as a main description just to piss people off!!!
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11:04 PM
USFiero Member
Posts: 4877 From: Everywhere and Middle of Nowhere Registered: Mar 2002
) was at the Kit Car show at Carlisle. I think it was the 1st year that the Fiero people were there but you were setup as a Kit Car Vendor. You had a sign leaning against the front bumper stating "THIS IS NOT A KIT CAR" "IT'S A REAL MERA" or something to that effect. That sign is probally the reason I can walk right past a Mera without even thinking about it. That weekend I talked to several Kit Car vendors who were very put off by that sign. 
