Possible body shop issue (longish)

[Black Sun 5.0]

I've been in the process of rebuilding a foxbody Mustang and have had a full resto done on the body. Part of my issue is my own fault, I did not get a written estimate on the work. As a result, the final bill was significantly higher than the original estimate. I should have known better. Anyway, before bringing the car to the shop, I, with the help of a friend, disassebled the interior, pulled the engine, tranny, etc., then brought it to the shop for the body work and paint. I get a call from the shop to pick the car up so I can install my parts. The owner of the shop notifies me that the car still needs to be wetsanded, but he wanted me to finish my end in case we caused any scratches or chips. Upon reassembling the car, we found issues with some of the body shop work: rear wing not installed properly, original color showing on the inside of the side skirts, a good scratch in the side, etc. I paid the shop about 3/4 of the bill, with the balance to be paid when the shop completed the work. Well, I spoke to the shop owner and let him know that there were some issues that needed to be addressed, and suddenly he gives me flack for not paying him in full and he usually doesn't let a car leave without full payment. Now I'm getting nervous about bringing the car back, in case he doesn't make good on fixing these issues and not releasing my car until I pay. What kind of rights do I have here? I already overpaid for the job, and the shop owner did a real 180 on me attitude-wise, so I have questions. Sorry for the long exposistion.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

Oh, c'mon. Someone has to have some perspective on this. This is my 'Stang on the line here.

 

[Boss 351]

Bad memories here...

I got ripped off once at a body shop. Guy came over and started saying he'd paint it black with blue pearl, how good he is and whatnot... In a moment of stupidity I paid him 1/2 IN ADVANCED, I learnt he spent the cash on drugs (didn't buy any supplies). I should have gone and taken my car back and cut my losses, but I didn't... long story short, car was painted a dark brown, nasty paint job - a house burnt down (not mine)...

I don't know man, does he have any references? I'd take a bunch of pics, put EVERYTHING in writing so if he doesn't finish the job, you don't pay. If you ever need to get the law involved, at least the last part would be in writing and get a witness or two for when he reads and signs the paper.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

He appears to be a reputable shop, a friend of mine referred me to him and I've seen some of his other resto jobs, real nice work. Unfortunately, as stated earlier, I've paid him about 3/4 the total bill. The car is painted and all body work (rust, dings, etc.) is complete. It the final touches plus the small problems (large, depending on your view) that have me concerned. The guy is fanatical about the product out of his shop, that's why I'm so concerned with the somewhat glaring issues that need to be resolved before I finish paying up.

 

[Kingcater]

here in california it is the law for the shop to give you a written estimate.....for any work done.....check your state laws

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

That's the kind of lead I'm looking for here. It's a start, thanks.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

Now my next question: where do I find such info? Been searching the net, no luck yet.

 

[ryan218]

Now my next question: where do I find such info? Been searching the net, no luck yet.

call the city...they will be able to look it up for you.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

Because I was foolish enough to not get a written estimate, I could have some difficulties. But my thing is, what if I bring it to the shop and they don't properly complete the job or fix the problems? I won't pay them the balance, obviously, but they may not release my car.

 

[Kingcater]

Typically they wont release your car until services are paid for in full. But you can threaten them with getting a lawyer since they didn't provide a written estimate...that you would have to sign at the time

 

[bgiles]

He appears to be a reputable shop, a friend of mine referred me to him and I've seen some of his other resto jobs, real nice work. Unfortunately, as stated earlier, I've paid him about 3/4 the total bill. The car is painted and all body work (rust, dings, etc.) is complete. It the final touches plus the small problems (large, depending on your view) that have me concerned. The guy is fanatical about the product out of his shop, that's why I'm so concerned with the somewhat glaring issues that need to be resolved before I finish paying up.

i think it if it a reputable shop they will make it right....i had a problem when i got some work done at a ford dealer that i noticed after i paid in full and took the car home....brought it back and they fixed it....but i now wouldnt take a wheel barrel to that dealer

 

[RYC CUKR]

My 65 is in the body shop right now and I have an agreement with the owner that when the paint is done I will bring the engine down and reinstall it that way if there is any damage he can fix it. I have known him for years and trust him.

That said he isn't being fully paid until I am satisified with the car. I am not looking for a trailered show car but everything that I have seen come out of his shop has been great. When there has been a problem he has fixed it with no problems. He will be paid in ful when the car is done.

NEVER pay everything until you are satisfied with the work. It is the only leverage that you have to get things fixed like they should be.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

That's the angle I'm going with. I've paid 3/4 of the bill, the rest will wait until the job is completed and satisfactory. Thanks.

 

[DMAN302]

Why not have him write up a receipt (yes you pay him in full) that indicates the issues in question will be fixed to your satisfaction. Possibly take digital photo's of the issues and have him sign off on the photos with a written mutual agreement that they will be resolved...That's how I conduct business when a customer has an issue. Documentation rules the world.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

Funny, working on the car this past weekend and found that the entire driver's side of the car is out of alignment and spread out, as if they had a problem with the front bumper and instead of fixing the problem, slapped it on, and spread out the fender and the driver's door. The door now jumps out at you when opening it and there's nice gaps between the fender and the door, and the door and the rear quarter panel. Oh, and now the hatch doesn't shut properly and is extending back like an additional inch. Damn, and I thought those new Cobra tail lenses looked good. I'm not at the point of posting the name of this shop yet, but there's an easy joke in the making here if I do.

 

[Kabuki_notch]

Halfassed Paint and Body Inc.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Always get a written estimate!!! And....didn't you look at the car before you took it home to put it back together? I'm sure you would have noticed the scratch before you took the car out of the shop. I would have looked that thing over like a hawk.

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

It's going back to the shop, they knew they weren't done, but I'm wondering if they knew how much more work really needed to be done.

 

[concise]

you should have brought your car to my shop!

remember talking to me about your car ?i tried to point you in the right direction..........................if you would have come to my shop your car would have been %100 and you wouldn't have gotten bent over.


Concise Autosports
851 south second street
ronkonkoma n.y. 11779
631-676-3479
we speacialize in 5.0 mustang repair and restoration,and i try to help my customers not screw them!

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

Did I talk to you? Were you the one interested in taking my old car that got smacked? The only reason I went to the shop that I did was a friend referred me. I've since discovered that was a mistake. Plus, you're right in Ronkonkoma, right next door to me. Well, I haven't paid the guy in full. If I get flack from the guy, I'll give you a call to finish it up.