Character mistake: When Harry takes the kids to his business, he's showing them how he "restores" cars. After putting the bumper on, Harry says, "Transmission. The sawdust quietens the gears and let's the engine run as sweet as a nut." Putting sawdust into the transmission would not change how the engine runs as they are two separate components. It may make the transmission quieter but would have zero effect on the engine.
Matilda (1996)
1 character mistake
Directed by: Danny DeVito
Starring: Danny DeVito, Embeth Davidtz, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson
Continuity mistake: When Harry puts Million Dollar Sticky on the TV, between shots Zinnia puts her sunglasses on twice. (00:18:45)
Agatha Trunchbull: You wanted cake, you got cake! Now EAT IT.
Trivia: The two actors who play Matilda's parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, are Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito. They are actually husband and wife and have been married since 1982 and have 3 children.
Question: What exactly has Harry done to have the FBI watching him for ages?
Answer: It is a federal violation to own/operate a "chop shop." Other possibilities include interstate transport of stolen vehicles or car parts, altering Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), and falsifying documents. After a VIN is altered, it is difficult to positively identify the vehicle as stolen and acquire the necessary evidence to get a conviction if the.case goes to trial. But it is the interstate aspect that makes the FBI the key investigators.
Answer: He has been receiving and selling stolen car parts.