Paint job problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Paint job problem
Good morning, I am just looking to vent some problems here. I have had my 71 at a shop recommended by a friend of mine. The car has great lines and did not need a great deal of body work. After having the car for five months, he informed me that the cost would be between 8k-10k. After looking on this forum I found that to be a little high,but not outrageous. I told him I don't mind the price, but I am really looking for an almost show quality result. I asked if I could have a friend that has more knowledge about this stuff ,
than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?
than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by 1mean71
Good morning, I am just looking to vent some problems here. I have had my 71 at a shop recommended by a friend of mine. The car has great lines and did not need a great deal of body work. After having the car for five months, he informed me that the cost would be between 8k-10k. After looking on this forum I found that to be a little high,but not outrageous. I told him I don't mind the price, but I am really looking for an almost show quality result. I asked if I could have a friend that has more knowledge about this stuff , than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?
than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?sounds like
to me. what did he do that could possibly have cost $8100 to this point? he claims that he is insulted it sounds to me like he got in over his head or possibly wants your car via a mechanics lean if you refuse to pay.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Time to kiss some boots, I guess.
Perhaps an apology and explain that 10Gs is a lot of cash and you
don't know chit about paint. If his work is good, he shouldn't
have any problems with someone looking. Would he be pissed if
you came to the shop to take pics and document ? I hope not, but
the same info is gained.
So the estimate is 8-10k and he is already at 8100 ? What stage is she at ?
At 8100, I would assume all primed and block sanded - ready to paint.
Good luck
Perhaps an apology and explain that 10Gs is a lot of cash and you
don't know chit about paint. If his work is good, he shouldn't
have any problems with someone looking. Would he be pissed if
you came to the shop to take pics and document ? I hope not, but
the same info is gained.
So the estimate is 8-10k and he is already at 8100 ? What stage is she at ?
At 8100, I would assume all primed and block sanded - ready to paint.
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 5
From: the land of a never ending frame-off resto-mod. May Visa have mercy on my soul.
I had a similar situation up to last month. Body shop had my car for 14 months. He stopped working on it the last 5 months. All he had managed to do was sand the body and remove the interior.
I went to a lawyer for advice first. Since we had no paperwork between us (none was wrote up) I came in and demanded my car along with a police back up. Sometimes you have to be nasty. Picked up my car and never paid any money.
Go see a lawyer first for a consult. Mine was 75.00. worth it for the advice. When you pick up your car be ready to do it right then and now. have a trailer or tow truck ready. Don't cave in to the azzhat.
I went to a lawyer for advice first. Since we had no paperwork between us (none was wrote up) I came in and demanded my car along with a police back up. Sometimes you have to be nasty. Picked up my car and never paid any money.
Go see a lawyer first for a consult. Mine was 75.00. worth it for the advice. When you pick up your car be ready to do it right then and now. have a trailer or tow truck ready. Don't cave in to the azzhat.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
What has he done to this point? Did he give you an estimate before he began work and how much has he completed toward that total estimate? If the guy is reputable at all, he shouldn't have an objection to anyone coming to see the car at any stage of work. It's your car and if he has nothing to hide, he shouldn't.
I think if the guy took an attitude like that with me, his next phone call would be from my attorney. You might also check with your state's attorney general's office. The threat of having his business license pulled may sway his decision away from being such a turd.
I hate stories like these!! I hope it turns out OK for you.
I think if the guy took an attitude like that with me, his next phone call would be from my attorney. You might also check with your state's attorney general's office. The threat of having his business license pulled may sway his decision away from being such a turd.
I hate stories like these!! I hope it turns out OK for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I would expect for that kind of money, they shouldn't mind anyone looking at the car. When mine was being painted earlier this spring, I went to the painter's house where he was doing the work every Wednesday nite. Fortunately he was very cool and we'd even hang out, BS, and drink a couple of beers.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
one more thing i just thought of.
if you have nothing in writing and do go to take it back
dont give him any warning that you are coming
just show up with the police and get it.
if you forwarn you may end up with some damage..
if you have nothing in writing and do go to take it back
dont give him any warning that you are coming
just show up with the police and get it.
if you forwarn you may end up with some damage..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 15
From: DFW Metroplex Texas
Originally Posted by 1mean71
....After having the car for five months, he informed me that the cost would be between 8k-10k....... I owe him $8100 to this point.
Yikes.... he has had it for 5 months and he is not done yet? Whats the $8000 charge for? Storage fees?
So he was insulted because you requested to see YOUR car?
Please post the name of the shop so we can steer clear of this guy.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
Originally Posted by 1mean71
Good morning, I am just looking to vent some problems here. I have had my 71 at a shop recommended by a friend of mine. The car has great lines and did not need a great deal of body work. After having the car for five months, he informed me that the cost would be between 8k-10k. After looking on this forum I found that to be a little high,but not outrageous. I told him I don't mind the price, but I am really looking for an almost show quality result. I asked if I could have a friend that has more knowledge about this stuff , than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?
than me see the car before the paint is applied. After an hour he called me to say he would not finish the car, because he was insulted by my request. He said he wanted the car picked up and that I owe him $8100 to this point. I am really frustrated since he has my car. I don't know what to do?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I don't believe the police will help you with this case. He has done work on your car over the last five months and deserves to be paid. If he is not, then in most jurisdictions he can rightfully place a mechanic's lien on the car. This is completely within the law. If he won't back down from his current position, the key will be to obtain his work records, timesheets, material costs, etc. in order to determine what his actual costs have been. Unless he is operating out of a closet somewhere he will have business records for accounting and taxation purposes. A lawyer's letter will extract those from him if not offered to you freely.
On the other hand perhaps he was just having a bad day. A peace offering (12 beers?) and a few well chosen (conciliatory) words by you might get the project back on track. That would be my first tack.
On the other hand perhaps he was just having a bad day. A peace offering (12 beers?) and a few well chosen (conciliatory) words by you might get the project back on track. That would be my first tack.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I appreciate all your advise. I did not have any written agreement. I did try to explain to him that I did not mean to insult him. (asking to see MY CAR). I sent a tow truck yesterday he would not let the car go until full payment of $8100. I contacted my attorney , and a letter was sent to him today. He claims the car is ready for paint. The last time I saw the car it didn't look ready to me. I just feel sick to my stomach, I have been so excited about this summer. I just purchased a tremec 5 speed for her and it is looking like enjoying the car this summer ain't happening.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
At my shop the vehicle is half done after the primer stage, unless major additional body-work was required. I figure the materials for paint are roughly $800, the spray, wet-sand and polish and re-assembly are worth about $4,500. Ask for that much taken off the total. (IMO)
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
[QUOTE=1mean71]I appreciate all your advise. I did not have any written agreement. I did try to explain to him that I did not mean to insult him. (asking to see MY CAR). I sent a tow truck yesterday he would not let the car go until full payment of $8100. I contacted my attorney , and a letter was sent to him today. He claims the car is ready for paint. The last time I saw the car it didn't look ready to me. I just feel sick to my stomach, I have been so excited about this summer. I just purchased a tremec 5 speed for her and it is looking like enjoying the car this summer ain't happening.[/QUOTE
Will he not go ahead and finish the paint job? Yes the police will help you if the guy is really committing fraud, the crime is called theft of services. At least in Ohio it is theft of services, I have to tell you though the price he is claiming is not all that high. I just saw a vette redone here locally and it cost him $9500.00.
Will he not go ahead and finish the paint job? Yes the police will help you if the guy is really committing fraud, the crime is called theft of services. At least in Ohio it is theft of services, I have to tell you though the price he is claiming is not all that high. I just saw a vette redone here locally and it cost him $9500.00.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: clarksdale mississippi
insulted by your request!!! something smells here. you say a friend recommended this guy and you have a friend that knows paint, then all three of you go there and see whats up. there is NO way anyone would deny me of seeing my car when i am spending that kind of money PERIOD. give him $800 more tell him to finish it within a time frame or you will consult legal. boy this kind of stuff ruins my day. goodbye.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Keizer OR
Probably a bit late if you already sent a tow truck and have a letter from your lawyer on the way...
If it were me I'd calmly explain that you don't know him or are familiar with is work and this request would be made to any shop. As a professional he should understand and expect requests like this.
If it were me I'd calmly explain that you don't know him or are familiar with is work and this request would be made to any shop. As a professional he should understand and expect requests like this.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
Originally Posted by skeptic
Probably a bit late if you already sent a tow truck and have a letter from your lawyer on the way...
If it were me I'd calmly explain that you don't know him or are familiar with is work and this request would be made to any shop. As a professional he should understand and expect requests like this.
If it were me I'd calmly explain that you don't know him or are familiar with is work and this request would be made to any shop. As a professional he should understand and expect requests like this.
Call the attorney generals office, they will have a file on him if he has done this sh@t before! One call the state Attorney Generals office and he will be sh@tting bricks, this what we pay taxes for!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Paul67 I absolutely agree that he should get paid for his work. I have never stuck anyone in my life. I would give him $6000 since I feel he is about 60% done. I just feel like he is acting like someone thats hiding something. I am in Pa. I will look into the state attorney generals office. Thanks for the advise. The attorney letter does ask for the time sheet and other costs, but he claims he has 178 hours into the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
What did your attorney say? As long as he has the car, he has the upper hand. I am not sure how he can legally keep it. If you don't pay, he could put a lien on the title. It's not unusal for someone to look at the work during its progress. Something set him off. After 5 months he tells you what the price range is. That should have been discussed prior to dropping off the car. He should have given a estimate detailing what needed to be repaired body wise and what parts he was going to have to replace. If this was an insurance job, they would drop off a car to have it repaired and when it's almost done get the price. Since you already agreed to a price, tell him to finish it. Draw up a contract and both sign it.
Edt:
What part of PA are you in? If in the Harrisburg area, could you send me a PM so I know who not to do business with.
Edt:
What part of PA are you in? If in the Harrisburg area, could you send me a PM so I know who not to do business with.
Last edited by mandm1200; May 23, 2006 at 02:56 PM.