Here's another fine piece of Ty Lofstroms work - NOT !
'Dukes' fan is in trouble with the law
Web Posted: 06/10/2008 11:04 PM CDT
By Zeke MacCormack
Express-News
BANDERA — A mechanic with a love for the “Dukes of Hazzard” television show faces a theft charge and a fraud suit.
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Ty Lofstrom of TLI Racing Engines in Medina was arrested May 27 after a customer in Australia complained he'd gotten only excuses for the $40,000 sent to Lofstrom for three custom engines, Bandera County sheriff's Deputy George Wintel said.
Two days after posting $15,000 bond to get out of jail on the theft charge, Lofstrom was sued by a Florida man who reportedly paid him more than $60,000 to create a replica of the “General Lee,” the Dodge Charger driven by the TV show's title characters.
The suit by Damon Becnel accuses Lofstrom of fraud and deceptive trade practices and alleges he agreed to modify the plaintiff's 1969 Charger into a General Lee replica by July 30, 2005, in exchange for $72,192.
In his proposal, a copy of which was attached to the suit, Lofstrom said he was donating many of his services because “it is my vision to see this car the best General Lee known to the Mopar world.”
“My life-long admiration for the Duke's of Hazard (sic) have driven my everyday lifestyle from naming our first cat “Hazard” and our dog “Duke” to our plans for children next year, ‘Bo' and ‘Luke,'” he wrote.
The plaintiff's attorney, Lee Rigby, said Lofstrom hasn't returned the car, despite numerous requests to do so.
Neither Lofstrom nor his attorney could be reached.
Wintel said Lofstrom had been the subject of at least three prior complaints by Internet-generated customers for high-performance engines, but those disputes were resolved without charges being pursued.