Albuquerque Classic Car Restoration Business Accused of Defrauding Customers

Customers claim 'Fast Eddie' has taken their money and failed to complete promised restoration work on their beloved vehicles

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A KRQE News 13 investigation has uncovered a pattern of complaints against an Albuquerque classic car restoration business owner, Eddie Harshbarger, who customers say has taken their money and failed to complete promised work on their vehicles. Several customers have reported giving Harshbarger tens of thousands of dollars for restorations that never materialized, with some cars sitting in his shop for years with little to no progress. The investigation found Harshbarger has a history of similar complaints dating back over a decade, earning him the nickname 'Fast Eddie' from past victims.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues with consumer fraud and lack of accountability in the classic car restoration industry, where customers can be left with significant financial losses and their prized possessions in disrepair. It raises questions about whether current laws and regulations are sufficient to protect consumers from unscrupulous business owners who repeatedly take advantage of customers' trust and passion for vintage vehicles.

The details

Customers Anita Trejo and Thomas Gentry both say they paid Harshbarger thousands of dollars to restore their classic cars - a 1965 Mustang and a 1952 Chevy Deluxe, respectively - but after years of delays, excuses, and broken promises, their cars remain unfinished or in worse condition than when they were dropped off. Other customers have reported similar experiences, with one saying they lost two vehicles valued at over $120,000 after Harshbarger failed to return them. Court records show Harshbarger has been sued numerous times for breach of contract, fraud, and other issues, and was previously convicted of embezzlement in 2018.

  • Trejo took her 1965 Mustang to Harshbarger's shop in 2023, expecting a 6-month restoration that is still ongoing.
  • Gentry brought his 1952 Chevy Deluxe to Harshbarger's shop in November 2021, with the promise of a 2-week job that is still not complete 4 years later.
  • Harshbarger was convicted of embezzlement in 2018 in Sandoval County, but reportedly stopped making court-ordered restitution payments shortly after.

The players

Eddie Harshbarger

The owner of the classic car restoration business 'Eddie's On The Side' in Albuquerque, who has a history of taking customers' money and failing to complete promised work on their vehicles.

Anita Trejo

A customer who paid Harshbarger approximately $21,000 to restore her 1965 Mustang, which remains unfinished years later.

Thomas Gentry

A customer who paid Harshbarger around $18,000 to work on his 1952 Chevy Deluxe, which is still not completed 4 years later.

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What they’re saying

“It's always been a kind of dream of mine to have an antique car like that.”

— Anita Trejo (KRQE News 13)

“Well, it's sentimental. My dad had a body shop when I was growing up, and he had passed about 25 years now, and I thought I wanted to buy a Deluxe, my son and I.”

— Thomas Gentry (KRQE News 13)

“He's like a shyster. He knows what he's doing, he knows how to get money out of people.”

— Unidentified client (KRQE News 13)

What’s next

Customers have filed police reports and lawsuits against Harshbarger, but authorities have indicated the issues are primarily civil matters. It remains to be seen if further legal action or law enforcement intervention will occur to hold Harshbarger accountable and provide restitution to his victims.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections and oversight in the classic car restoration industry, where unscrupulous business owners can repeatedly take advantage of passionate customers. It serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering entrusting their prized vehicle to a restoration shop, underscoring the importance of thorough research, written contracts, and vigilance throughout the process.