Journalist seeking enthusiasts for article

[AZhitman]

Hey guys - I received this email today from a journalist looking for some imput for an artcle he's working on. Help out if you can!

Stephen, make sure you mention NICOclub in your article!

Hi- I'm writing an article for a national enthusiasts magazine, this oneabout importing a sports car from Japan, and wonder anyone in your circlescan help.

Specifically, I'd like to talk with people who have brought an old car in,is contemplating doing so, or is in the business. I'm interested in somecase histories and lots of practical information about customs, shippingstyles, US registration etc.

I've written for Autoweek, BritCar and others. A feature article I wrotefor Classic Motorsports on how the Turner Marque was rescued by theinternet, was recently awarded the IAMA Silver Medal.

Please don't hesitate to call or write if you have advice, or to pass thisrequest along. Many thanks.

Cheers.. Steve AginsStephen M. Agins201-944-4037

http://www.aginscom.com <http://www.aginscom.com/>

[nsrZ32]

Bummer....wish I could help.

[JESTER]

Cant help. But we will bump it...........Maybe someone else can.

[MaineExport]

Haha... I know a fella (former NICO mod) that had a whole BUNCH of problems with importing engines and cars. He isn't around too much anymore since he charged people before he figured out how to actually acquire the product! It's unfortunate too, because the business end of his shop was looking very strong, but when there is NO PRODUCT (or service), it's kind of hard to have a business.

As a matter of fact, lately I've been trying to dig up contact info on the guy to get in touch with him... I'm sure he could be of some use to this article. Especially in the "what NOT to do" department.

[Altiman94]

AfterDark Tuning, eh? I was down to the shop since it is only about an hour drive from me. I bought a few parts off him directly, mostly used things for my s13. He was a nice guy himself, a shame the business failed. Thta's what happens when you have no business experience and get a little ahead of yourself. I was looking forward to ordering a ca18det from him as well.

[nsrZ32]

AfterDark Tuning, eh? I was down to the shop since it is only about an hour drive from me. I bought a few parts off him directly, mostly used things for my s13. He was a nice guy himself, a shame the business failed. Thta's what happens when you have no business experience and get a little ahead of yourself. I was looking forward to ordering a ca18det from him as well.

Lots of horror stories about them in the Cleveland area. Not to mention unhappy customers.

[MaineExport]

Adam (AfterDark's owner) is a VERY nice guy. He was a huge assset to this community for a long time. I won't pretend to know exactly why he failed, but I know it wasn't from poor character or lack of brains.

We spent a lot of time on IM going over the accounting and asset management end of the shop. Unfortunately he had problems generating start up capital due to his age. So, he had to take payments up front to obtain inventory. Then, one snag after another delayed delivery and the costs kept coming in without any products to sell.

I'm sure he will bounce back and get it right next time... I just feel bad for the people that got shafted out of money.