Help Solve This Problem With Painter/Mechanic
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Help Solve This Problem With Painter/Mechanic
I had a crate engine installed last Summer by a mechanic that was recommended to me by the guy who rebuilt my transmission.
It took him two months to install it and he did a mediocre job.
When he called me to tell me that the car was done he also mentioned that he accidentally smashed my front spoiler. He was willing to have his guy paint it and I agreed to let him handle it.
I tried to book with the painter last year, but he never returned my calls. I called the mechanic and told him that I received an estimate from another shop for $800 and he wigged out and told me to just take it to his painter. I explained that I've tried to get an appointment with him, but he didn't return my calls or says he's too busy.
I tried to book an appointment again 3 times this year and am getting the same runaround. I'm starting to wonder if they just want to keep prolonging things until I give up and pay for it myself.
Do I have the right to take the car to my shop of choice and ask the mechanic to pay the bill or should I just wait a bit longer?
Les
It took him two months to install it and he did a mediocre job.
When he called me to tell me that the car was done he also mentioned that he accidentally smashed my front spoiler. He was willing to have his guy paint it and I agreed to let him handle it.
I tried to book with the painter last year, but he never returned my calls. I called the mechanic and told him that I received an estimate from another shop for $800 and he wigged out and told me to just take it to his painter. I explained that I've tried to get an appointment with him, but he didn't return my calls or says he's too busy.
I tried to book an appointment again 3 times this year and am getting the same runaround. I'm starting to wonder if they just want to keep prolonging things until I give up and pay for it myself.
Do I have the right to take the car to my shop of choice and ask the mechanic to pay the bill or should I just wait a bit longer?
Les
Last edited by AGVI; May 3, 2006 at 07:12 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Les,
If you've checked out his buddy's shop & are satisfied that the work done would meet your standards (I'd definitely do that first), then put the responsibility on his shoulders- tell him to set up an appointment for you since it's his buddy & he hasn't responded to you. If that doesn't work I'd do what "onaqwst" said. If that doesn't work I'd do what "brdd" said. Good luck!
If you've checked out his buddy's shop & are satisfied that the work done would meet your standards (I'd definitely do that first), then put the responsibility on his shoulders- tell him to set up an appointment for you since it's his buddy & he hasn't responded to you. If that doesn't work I'd do what "onaqwst" said. If that doesn't work I'd do what "brdd" said. Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 0
From: Some Beautiful Place Sunny and Amazing One
In some states, many service shops have insurances for bad practices claims. Check if that mediocre shop have a related insurance. Claim the insurance company if they have one. Consult state lawyers that can provide you specific orientation. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
Tell the jerk off to take care of this or you'll have to do whatever it takes. He's the one who should be calling the body shop. I know it's your problem but it really is his problem. I know it's hard to find anyone competent or who gives a damn about anything. Good luck with it.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 0
From: Some Beautiful Place Sunny and Amazing One
Originally Posted by AGVI
I had a crate engine installed last Summer by a mechanic that was recommended to me by the guy who rebuilt my transmission.
It took him two months to install it and he did a mediocre job.
When he called me to tell me that the car was done he also mentioned that he accidentally smashed my front spoiler. He was willing to have his guy paint it and I agreed to let him handle it.
I tried to book with the painter last year, but he never returned my calls. I called the mechanic and told him that I received an estimate from another shop for $800 and he wigged out and told me to just take it to his painter. I explained that I've tried to get an appointment with him, but he didn't return my calls or says he's too busy.
I tried to book an appointment again 3 times this year and am getting the same runaround. I'm starting to wonder if they just want to keep prolonging things until I give up and pay for it myself.
Do I have the right to take the car to my shop of choice and ask the mechanic to pay the bill or should I just wait a bit longer?
Les
It took him two months to install it and he did a mediocre job.
When he called me to tell me that the car was done he also mentioned that he accidentally smashed my front spoiler. He was willing to have his guy paint it and I agreed to let him handle it.
I tried to book with the painter last year, but he never returned my calls. I called the mechanic and told him that I received an estimate from another shop for $800 and he wigged out and told me to just take it to his painter. I explained that I've tried to get an appointment with him, but he didn't return my calls or says he's too busy.
I tried to book an appointment again 3 times this year and am getting the same runaround. I'm starting to wonder if they just want to keep prolonging things until I give up and pay for it myself.
Do I have the right to take the car to my shop of choice and ask the mechanic to pay the bill or should I just wait a bit longer?
LesHint: Next time check the type and conditions of the cars that the mechanical shop provide services. Check the tools and equipment that are located in the shop? Are they adequate? Do you see many junk cars in the shop?, Do you see MBenz, Porches, Corvettes, Good looking cars waiting for services in the shop?, Ask another clients if they are satisfied with the services. Check if the shop have licenses to practice the profession. Require the shop an specific and realistic written completion date for the job.
In some locations you can check if one specific shop have claims by unsatisfied clients.
Last edited by c3dreamer; May 2, 2006 at 10:43 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 613
Likes: 2
From: West Central Florida
CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FIRST!!!!! I have had a similar problem in the past and after pissing around for several months and several estimates, I finally talked to my insurance company who fixed the car (deductable applies, but wait) then went after the deadbeat whos business insurance paid my ins. then I got a refund on my deductable. And the work is guaranteed through the ins. co.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
AGVI, what bumper is that on your front?
Anyway, here's an update.
I called the painter and he basically told me that he's busy and doesn't want the job.
I called the mechanic and told him about this and he said he'd talk to the painter.
Stay Tuned.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by TonySinclair
I do most of my work myself and also have a lot of money, so where does that leave me?
Les i would go back to your mechanic with cell phone in hand and call the painter and then hand the phone to the mechanic and say help me book a date.....