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Sterling Automotive - Robert L. Youngblood Faux Mechanical Engineer, Professional Rip-Off Specialist and the last person on earth you want anywhere near your vehicle Sandy Utah
I purchased an Edelbrock intake manifold, gasket, and carburetor from a local supplier and they referred me to Robert Youngblood II to install the new parts on my Ford truck. The company I purchased the parts from had been led to believe that Mr. Youngblood was a mechanical engineer and qualified to perform the work. Mr. Youngblood confirmed his qualifications as a mechanical engineer when I arranged to have the new parts I had already purchased delivered to his shop and to leave my truck with him for the installation.
I discussed the work to be performed again with Mr. Youngblood at his shop prior to the start of the "easy" job, but in addition to the parts I had supplied, I wanted him to install a double roller chain cam set and give the engine a full tune up once all the parts were installed. Job was to be performed ASAP.
After waiting a week with no call from Mr. Youngblood, I called him and he told me the job was ongoing. Several days later he called me and told me my radiator had restricted flow and should be replaced with a new one and that my existing exhaust mufflers, though practically new, should be replaced with performance mufflers. I agreed to both since my radiator was the original and the new mufflers could be a better choice for the Edelbrock intake and carburetor performance upgrades.
After about two weeks I called Mr. Youngblood again and asked when the truck would be ready and again he told me the work was still ongoing. In that conversation, I asked how the double roller chain cam set installation was going and he responded that he wasn't aware that he was supposed to install one, though I had specifically requested it before the work had begun. He then ordered the set from the same company I purchased the Edelbrock parts from and it was installed.
Finally, after 20 days, Mr. Youngblood called me to let me know my truck was ready to go. I expected the bill to be somewhere between $1,600 and $1,800, at the most, for all of the work performed and additional parts added. Instead it was for $2,683.94. I knew it was about $1,000 over the going rates professionals charge in the Salt Lake City market to do everything he had done, but I could deal with that overcharge later once I had the truck in my possession.
My major concern at the time was to test drive my truck to see that everything worked properly because I had already begun to suspect that Mr. Youngblood was not a mechanical engineer as claimed based on many of the "know it all" but "know nothing" comments he made to me.
I returned from my 60 mile test drive and opened the hood to discover that the engine compartment was saturated with motor oil. I immediately returned the truck the Mr. Youngblood. He looked under the hood and said, "I don't see a problem." Fortunately, one of his employees looked under the hood, as well, and acknowledged the engine compartment oil bath.
The problem was most likely a blown intake manifold gasket caused by not properly venting the engine - my original oil filler/breather cap was somehow misplaced and a $14 Chevrolet non-vented cap was installed instead. But, Mr. Youngblood insisted it was quite possibly a blown head gasket - something he had not installed and a very costly job - and he said I had to leave the truck with him then and there. I had to call a taxi to get home.
I also knew then that Mr. Youngblood was not a mechanical engineer and did not perform the work, met the mechanic who had actually performed the Edelbrock installation - his first attempt - and suspected the second attempt to properly install the intake manifold would likely fail, as well. I also was concerned about what other damage may have resulted by not properly venting my engine.
It was, infact, the intake manifold gasket that had failed, and it failed again with the addition of a sticking throttle the second time around.
It was obvious by then that Sterling Automotive (Robert L. Youngblood II) had neither the expertise or experience to properly install my performance parts. By then I also had two estimates from legitimate shops for all of the equivalent work and parts Mr. Youngblood had supplied and they were between $1,000 and $850 less than the bill I got from Sterling Automotive.
I then confronted Mr. Youngblood and showed him how out of line his charges were, including parts where he had added 100% or more markup. He laughed and said he marks up all performance parts 100% to as much as 300%. I then told him he defrauded me by pretending to be a mechanical engineer - who I thought would actually be performing the installation. He laughed again and asked me if I knew what a "Curriculum Vitae" is?
Though I didn't respond with "It means that because you own a muffler and brake shop, that somehow makes you a self appointed mechanical engineer," I couldn't help but wonder if he had ever applied a bandage if that meant he was a doctor, as well, and yet another "Curriculum Vitae" he had acquired. Instead, I informed him that I would be filing a complaint in court for money damages and he immediately "banned" me from his premises.
In my opinion, Mr. Youngblood, the faux mechanical engineer, should not be permitted to promote his business based on fraudulant academic claims which he flaunts continually.
A master rip-off pro is what he really is, and he does have years of experience doing what he does best.
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights, Utah
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
Robert L Youngblood II serves me with No Trespassing Order
#13Author of original report
Tue, January 31, 2006
After prevailing in small claims court against Robert Youngblood, despite his giving false testimony under oath over and over again and emphatically telling me I would never be able to collect on the judgment, he has filed an appeal. The court, however, has set a date for mediation prior to moving forward with his appeal.
How can one possibly mediate with a Professional Rip-Off Specialist whose only intent is to buy time as he disposes of whatever assets the business owned?
But since I recently met with one of the new owners of the business who is leasing the commercial property from Robert Youngblood and informed him that the property has delinquent Salt Lake County taxes owing for 2004 and 2005 totalling $9,796.44, Mr. Youngblood has served me with a No Trespassing Order not to enter the property he is leasing to the new owners. The lengths to which Robert L Youngblood II will go in his continuing attempts to dodge the truth appear to have no bounds.
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
I repeat, Youngblood is out of business!
#13Author of original report
Fri, January 13, 2006
It is not possible that Robert L Youngblood II has any involvement with Sterling Automotive Car care, LLC. And as a result of many disgruntled calls from former Sterling Automotive customers, the new owners will be changing the name very soon to Automotive Car Care, LLC.
Only time will tell just how well the new owners are accepted, but they are truly experienced - unlike the former owner.
Robert Youngblood II still has not gone to trial in the Sandy, Utah, court on criminal assault charges, thanks to numerous motions filed by his attorney.
I have spoken at length with one of the new owners and am aware of the details regarding the transfer of ownership. Youngblood is long gone!
Brenda
Sandy,Utah,
U.S.A.
The new name is Sterling Automotive Car Care, LLC
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, January 13, 2006
According to the Utah Department of Commerce, the new owner of Sterling Automotive is Thomasin Bounthot. The new name is Sterling Automotive Car Care, LLC.
My question is this: Is it possible that Mr. Youngblood is still running Sterling Automotive but under the name Sterling Automotive Car Care, LLC?
I could be wrong, but I believe that Mr. Youngblood could still be running the show. He just parks out back now.
It might be worth your while to look into how Mr. Bounthot's acquired Sterling Automotive from Robert Youngblood. You may want to ask Mr. Bounthot a few questions under oath regarding their arrangement.
Also, it might be worth your while to see if Robert Youngblood has a criminal record (court clerks office - Sandy, Utah).
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
Judgment was against Sterling Automotive LLC
#13Author of original report
Fri, January 13, 2006
Robert L Youngblood II filed Articles of Dissolution of a Limited Liability Company (Sterling Automotive LLC) with the Utah Department of Commerce on December 14, 2005. Though he gave false testimony under oath at trial claiming he WAS NOT the only member of the LLC - no surprise there - the records with the Utah Department of Commerce clearly show that he was the one and only member.
Utah Law requires that when an LLC is dissolved, assets of the LLC must be retained to satisfy any claims against the company before converting the business assets to the member, namely Robert Youngblood. No doubt, he has disregarded the law, as usual, but I have a Supplemental Order filed and will be requiring full financial disclosure regarding the transfer of any and all business assets from the company to Robert L Youngblood II or the Youngblood Family Trust.
Next appearance in court will be February 8, 2006.
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Go to the local Credit Bureau and have the Judgement applied to his report
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, January 12, 2006
After you do that, go to the Sheriff and ask about enforcing the Judgement. You may be able to have assets seized to satisfy the Judgement. Also, see if Utah is a community property state. If it is, and he's married, you may be able to place a lien against his house.
Of course, if he incorporated, none of this matters. All he'll do is fold the corporation and move on.
It's worth a few hours checking though. Good luck.
BTW Rina, my shop is still alive and kicking down here in Florida. Word of mouth advertising is the best, and my customers love me.
I tell them the truth.
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
Sterling Automotive is no longer in business!
#13Author of original report
Thu, January 12, 2006
Sterling Automotive LLC is no longer in business. On January 11, 2006, My complaint against Robert Youngblood II/Sterling Automotive was heard in small claims court in the Utah Third District in South Jordan, Utah, and the court ruled in my favor and awarded me judgment for the full amount of the claim. Upon exiting the courtroom, Robert Youngblood, aka Buster, exclaimed in the presence of my two witnesses at trial, "You'll never collect it."
So much for Robert Youngblood's respect for the law, but that comes as no surprise to anybody who has been ripped off by him.
Rina
Sandy,Utah,
U.S.A.
Correction
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, September 15, 2005
Robert in Florida does spell correctly, but I think we all know who Buster is. Buster states in the rip off report from Douglas that what if all of our information was made public. Well, maybe that would be a good thing, so that everyone that has had dealings with this man's business could get together to file a class action suit. By not giving our full names, addresses or phone numbers, we were only following the rules from the rip off report web site. Maybe you should follow the rules yourself, Buster. If anyone should want to contact me regarding Sterling Automotive, feel free to call. You all have my number now.
Rina
Sandy,Utah,
U.S.A.
It appears as though Youngblood is trying to pretend he is a consumer responding or an employee
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, September 14, 2005
It appears to me that Robert from Florida may in fact be Robert Youngblood himself. Note the common tone to all of his responses, the poor spelling and the terrible writing skills.
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
Robert Youngblood II aka Buster, Sandy, Utah
#13Author of original report
Wed, September 14, 2005
Judging from the rude tone of the last rebuttal remarks, I have not doubt who Buster really is. Up until a couple of years ago, he was a roofing contractor who left that business to become an "overnight mechanical engineer/automotive expert."
Prior to Mr. Youngblood spewing forth his insults, he apparently failed to read the complaint to see that while he was nailing shingles to roofs, I was drafting patent applications for automakers, specifically the R&D departments of the engine divisions.
I can only hope he presents the same lame, rude and unsupported by the facts rebuttal/defense in small claims court in the near future.
Buster
Sandy,Utah,
U.S.A.
Phillip, The truth is you were given exactly what you asked for.
#13UPDATE Employee
Mon, September 12, 2005
Phillip in Cottonwood Heights Hi Phill.
I have to ask , what is that thing with you hyper
excitable like you had too much coffee? Is that some kind of physical condition ? Any way , Gee phillip,it appears you have a problem with the truth!!
The truth is you were given exactly what you asked for. Oh yes , James is not an exhaust
mechanic but infact an automotive tech. Exhaust techs don't have the knowledge to install in- take maifolds and pull distributor shafts reinstall them and re set the timing.
The fact is
Phill you are only one who dosen't know anything about vehicle mechanics! Did you ever wonder why rpm did'nt want anything to do with you. I did call them with you standing there that day!Very sad phillip.Very,very sad. Just an angry little person.Emphysis on the little.
You appearently enjoy offering your opinion on some-people or somehting you know absolutely nothing about. Maybe you should tell evryone about the fact that you picked up your vehicle
thrilled ,even when writting the check and didn't say anything for 3 weeks! Whats up with that PHILL ? And yet when you did come back claiming there was a problem ,it was quickly taken in and fixed at no charge to you.
A POS ford pick-upthat wasn't worth what you wanted done and yet you insisted. Oh yes, You were told how much each item you ordered was, as it was done. You also insisted that there was no hurry and that you had alternative Transportation.
Don't forget that all calls are recorded for documentation Philly boy!
Phillip
Cottonwood Heights,Utah,
U.S.A.
Mechanical engineer/know it all "mechanic" operating automotive shop = assumed competence
#13Author of original report
Sun, August 28, 2005
No reputable shop in the Salt Lake City market adds a 100% markup on performance parts. I have two estimates from two of them for the exact work and parts from Sterling Automotive and if a markup was added to parts in those two estimates, it never exceeded 30%. As to the rebuttal claim that performance parts stores/wholesalers add a 300% markup, I'd suggest the poster is totally out of touch with aftermarket wholesale/retail.
I will be filing a complaint in small claims court and I expect to prevail, despite the rebuttal "lack of education" based argument. I made my decision to have Sterling Automotive perform the work because:
1. Robert L. Youngblood II made false claims relating to his education and skill level to the performance parts supplier that resulted in the supplier recommending that I take the performance parts installation job to him.
2. Robert L. Youngblood II only, not anybody else, met with me and went on with his mechanical engineer and automotive expert spiel and said it would be an easy job he could do.
3. Robert L. Youngblood II, the "mechanical engineer"/expert mechanic, did not actually perform the work as I was led to believe, but had an exhaust system mechanic install the engine performance parts, something the mechanic had not done before as I learned after the fact.
Everything I have included in my Rip-off complaint is accurate and true, but I have no doubt that the 300% markup on performance parts as claimed in the rebuttal is not true or even close thereto.
I realize that many very good mechanics are not mechanical engineers, but after spending many years with a major Patent Law Firm drafting patent applications for automakers and suppliers, some of the most brilliant and skilled mechanics I've ever known were also mechanical engineers with Ford, GM, et al. So, to me, at least, Mr. Youngblood falsely claiming to be a mechanical engineer/automotive expert held greater importance to me in assigning the job over to him than it apparently would have to the rebuttal poster. Different people with different experiences translates to different expectations.
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
HUH?
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, August 26, 2005
What does a mechanical engineer have in common with a mechanic? Nothing at all. What is wrong with the 100% markup on performance parts? Again, nothing at all. Most stock replacement parts are marked up that much by the repair shop. The store that sold them marked them up about 300%. While I'll grant he stuck you, you need to become more educated so you don't have this issue in the future. At a little con-fab today, I asked the question..."why do you try to get an education, and if possible, the best education available"? Nobody could answer it correctly. The ONLY answer is this..."so you can make better decisions". File in small claims if you wish, but I do not believe you will prevail. Good luck though. If what you have written is completely accurate, you deserve some recompense.