Bats Nightmare...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Having stated the facts, If you feel you were "screwed," as you felt the need to tell everyone, you are welcome to bring your car back to us and we will gladly take our motor out and give you a full refund.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek Michigan
With all that was said in the response I still didn't see any appoligies for the leaking gas line, coolant, chit rigged carb spring and cable, and any other picture prooven problems. I think its odd that instead of contacting bats to settle the issues you felt the need to defend yourseld to us. If you truley believed everything you did was correct then you wouldn't have felt the need to defend yourself at all. In your response you don't actually address any issues he's had with the car and only speak of everything you did free. It was great of you to give him so many parts and not charge him, but did you ever ask if he wanted his original parts back or care to credit him for the parts of value you didn't return? Any reputable shop I know, well even the nor-reputable one's i know, offer some sort of a warranty, even on used products. Bats i would seriously them up of the offer of full refund with removal of their 'top quality' product. With a full return of ALL of your parts.
Last edited by BWH76; Apr 7, 2010 at 08:32 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Man if you can get the original stuff back that would be great. Let them pull the motor get your refund and make sure they are not going to charge you to pull it. Take lots of pics of the car so you know they don't scratch it up from having been made pull it. 3500.00 is what i pay in Texas for a 6" rod 383 w/ domed Keith Black Pistons.Crower Cam 289 290 duration 557 lift, Eage Rods, Scat Crank, Milled and decked block, Stock heads 882's W/ some port work and milled and surfaced. Blocks are 150.00 if needed. Mine had minor stress cracks shown to me before another purchased. Head work, all parts magnafluxed. This is not installed however. Can't see them pulling one, Rebuilding one, and installing it for 3000.00 in the first place. That should have been a warning. But this is the same motors i ran in Dirt Track cars for yrs. They are pretty simple to build. Did he use a double roller timing chain? Did he degree the cam. What brand cam and stuff did he use. What lift and duration. Should have gotten a cam card with it. Lots of reason it is not performing for you. If you are going to build a 383 it also has to be balanced as they use a 400 crank It could be internally balanced if not will end up shaking itself to pieces. If not internally balanced the fly wheel has to be balanced on the crank. This in itself costs a bit. And from there response and yours have not seen anything about balancing. Also should have gotten a reciet with every part used, replaced, what they did as far as machine work. Surely they magnafluxed the engine, and heads unless new. And if all the old stuff was cracked then should have been leaking water out of it or had major blow by. Man hate it for you. Now my dad has passed so if anyway man suck it up and apologise even if you don't want to . I miss my dad BAD. Went fishing the day before he lft. thank god cause every once in awhile he got on to me. We just have to remember we are still just kids to them no matter how old we are.
Last edited by kid chuckles; Apr 7, 2010 at 08:48 PM. Reason: lft out cam part.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Fla. 6 months- New Middletown, Ohio 6 months
The old saying is that there are "three sides to every story", bat's version as he sees it, the shop's version as they see it and "the truth" which is somewhere in between. Not putting the blame on anyone because I am not privileged to know what the real facts are.
Bat's, take the shop up on their offer, return the engine and learn from the mistakes made. Either buy a crate engine or have one built in the Orlando area by someone that will give you references that you can talk to. I think if the builder would of been local you would of been able to oversee things and the whole thing would not of gotten out of hand. Sounds like you have recourse, keep your cool and perhaps offer to have the engine pulled yourself and return it. Would probably be cheaper in the long run since you would not have to haul the car back and forth.
Bat's, take the shop up on their offer, return the engine and learn from the mistakes made. Either buy a crate engine or have one built in the Orlando area by someone that will give you references that you can talk to. I think if the builder would of been local you would of been able to oversee things and the whole thing would not of gotten out of hand. Sounds like you have recourse, keep your cool and perhaps offer to have the engine pulled yourself and return it. Would probably be cheaper in the long run since you would not have to haul the car back and forth.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Too bad her version is not accurate yet it does prove they do not care...
She does brag about the used parts they threw in for free but doesn't really address all the fire/safety hazards or the way the carb was rigged used carb or not in no excuse to shade tree rig it.
In fact she pretty much proves my side for me...
I would like to thank everyone who followed this thread, it has ran it's course and done for me now...sometimes we are the windshield and this time I am the bug,
I feel am again being blamed for the way they allowed my car to leave their shop, I know most will say take it back and get that refund,
I simply cannot take them up on the offer to remove the engine, in fact I always said it runs well I just do not know the details of the build even now,
Also all my old stuff is long gone he called it "junk" over and over.
Here is my list again,
A Fluid damper....I will return the stock balancer to you.
Roller tip rockers that DO fit my car.
A carburetor spring bracket, there was one on my car,
A gasket or new carb fitting that doesn't leak.
I badly would like you to return the blue carburetor plate/throttle cable mount that I left in the car.
Sealer for intake bolts.
Can of black engine paint to detail the things that are orange.
Read all my babbling and her self serving rebuttal take a long hard look at all those carb pictures and then ask yourself about his side, her side and the truth and then decide did I ask for all that much to make this right?
All I asked for was the things that we all saw are not right to be fixed and I can't even get that so I live and learn,
I would say unless the shop is very well known for being good just buy crate engines and drop it in yourself...saves all kinds of headaches
She does brag about the used parts they threw in for free but doesn't really address all the fire/safety hazards or the way the carb was rigged used carb or not in no excuse to shade tree rig it.
In fact she pretty much proves my side for me...
I'm not going to waste time responding to the sarcastic, unprofessional remarks in your post. I am only interested in stating the facts to everyone that is so eager to judge a repair shop without knowing anything about it.
The fact is you paid $3,000 for a rebuilt 383 Stroker motor which is exactly what you got, and I encourage you to have it torn down and checked; I will be happy to pay for it if it is anything other than what you requested or paid for.
People know what they see and they see the carb pictures...they speak volumes about the way you guys do work,
I am out of pocket to your shop 3700.00 plus some change,
I admit that when people see a carburetor set up in the shade tree fire hazard way your shop set that one up they might make funny remarks, as far us unprofessional...I can only gauge that the way your shop treated me and is still treating me is very unprofessional
This is what you asked for, and what you now have: 383 Stroker motor with an Eagle steel crank, Eagle rods, SPS head bolts, SPS Rod bolts and SPS main bolts, new 993 cylinder heads with bowls cut with 3 angle valve job.
Additionally, you paid $142.00 for a 140 amp alternator, $132 for a high torque starter, $85 for an SPI flywheel and $100 for a chevy harmonic balancer. You claimed to have been charged for a fluid damper, but you were not. The total, installed, was $3,466.50
Actually Phil pushed and WE agreed that a fluid balancer was the way to go, you told me he changed his mind and installed the stock balancer without asking me about it...tagging that with the shop doesn't have time to tell me every little thing, 100.00 for a stock balancer is a rip, Summit gets just over 1/2 that price.
I agreed to fluid damper not stock balancer...he should have asked me if I wanted him to use stock I am the paying customer.
I should have been told...you would have looked more creditable
The carburetor, which you were not charged for, was a used one. We installed it until you could afford to get a new one since your original carburetor was bad. We gave your old carburetor back to you at the time you picked up the car.
Also, you have insinuated that we owe you rollertip rockers. The ones that we were going to install were some that we had and were going to give to you at no cost; unfortunately they would not work on your heads so we could not use them.This, however, is not an issue because you were not charged extra for rollertip rockers.We also did not charge a core deposit on block or cylider heads because they were cracked and were not reusable.
No core fee on the mail order engine I spoke of, and I was told my old block was cracked and the heads just junk...which is it? I had a brand new edelbrock carb that was working fine, Phil said he personally hated Edelbrock, I told him I could provide a NEW Holley to please him and he told me he had a good used Holley he would give me...being used doesn't excuse the way it was rigged in a dangerous shade tree manner,
My dad was told my engine was going to have roller tip rockers I wasn't told if these were some used junk you had laying around or new but dad/I were told they were going into my build and they were not...we should have been told...you would have looked more creditable....I was told it's a 383 or did Phil change his mind without telling me and installed on old truck engine from the u pull it lot down the street?
I'm going to list the parts that were installed that we did not charge you for. We did this in an effort to make it as affordable as possible, since you expressed this was important to you. Any other shop would have charged you for these parts:
Oil pan; yours was rusted
Header gaskets
Acell header plugs
Plug wire brackets
Thermostat and housing chrome
Chrome water pump
Micky Thompson valve covers
Micky Thompson air filter housing
Elderbrock Intake
Alternator belt
Power steering belt
Stock torque converter
What I stressed was the going rate of good warranted crate 383's ( Did your engine include any warranty? )
First I heard of the oil pan
The cheap plug wire brackets fell apart before the car made it home
Plugs are part of a rebuild.
The air cleaner is a junk used Edelbrock lid on my old base...not MT sorry
That was my converter in my car...you didn't "give" that to me,
I said many thanks over and over for the parts you threw in, but what I didn't like was pointed out and ignored or the blame was placed on me....
As far as the charging problem with your car, we didn't work on the charging system. We installed an alternator which you needed, but as far as the wiring, we did not work on that. The car was here for an engine rebuild not a complete restoration. The car is not in good condition, it needs numerous things done to it but that's not why it was here and that is not what you asked for, nor is that what you paid for.
You might have read that before saying it...talk about shooting yourself in the foot,
I didn't "need" a new Alt mine worked fine, I wanted to upgrade, and you guys kept my old alt without asking me.
You were asked over and over to be sure the car was fit to drive home, a car that has a bad battery drain and charging issues is not going to make it safely home, Actually you were paid to work on wiring involved in the addition of a 140 amp alt and the high torque starter because wiring is involved in their installion, it's not a reach to expect the charging system to be checked out on a car that the shop changed the alt...goes with that job....testing the new alt.
The car is actually in very good shape..trashing the car doesn't get the spot light off your shops shortcuts and mess ups, but I did ask for a run down on what it needed to drive home safe and I was told it was good to go.
There was no fuel leak when it left here or we would have gladly repaired it. The vehicle was driven numerous times before you picked it up to make sure the mottor ran properly so that it could be safely driven back to orlando.
What is a "mottor " So you admit to having the car and testing it...the car hardly made it a mile to my dads....the fuel filter didn't break from your shop to my dads it was already leaking.
You tried to trash my fuel filter on the phone saying phil didn't like them...so why reinstall it?
Your father referred you to us, he is a very nice man and has been a dedicated customer for 20 years. You stated that you needed a good price on the rebuild so we went out of our way to make it affordable for you while still giving you a quality job. I know your main concern is the way the carburetor looks, we paid $100 for the used carburetor. The choke was disconnected because it was a manual choke, again, it was installed just until you could afford to purchase a new one and you were not charged anything for that.
My dad who is salt of the earth used you guys for oil changes and little things,
You said before the carb was "FREE" or was it 100.00 make up your mind, The way the carb looks isn't the issue at all the unsafe way it was set up is,
Again here is that telling picture,
The banjo is leaking, which is a fire hazard, the spring is going across the fuel line rubbing it and in time it would leak, fire hazard,
The spring is hooked to the hose clamp...just cheesy and shade tree and unsafe.
The carb was converted to manual choke by bending the choke rod in a wicked shade tree style, it was nothing to do with me "affording" a new carb I all but begged phil to let me provide a new carb he said this used one was good.
I called and tried to discuss this with you on the phone because you told me you didn't want to get into a heated argument with anyone or you would be in the hospital because of health issues. I respected your request and tried to discuss the situation with you. Phillip would have been glad to discuss it with you but you did not want to speak with him. When I tried to discuss it with you in a calm, professional manor, you got angry and defensive and hung up on me. I have no reason to try this again and I did not, as you claimed, in any way get "pissy" with you nor did I ever have an attitude.
You did get "pissy" because I didn't "praise" you guys and you did blame me...so I hung up bacause like on here it was going no where. you told me phil was mad I didn't praise him and you didn't want us on the phone since he was angry, and you dismissed the issues and pointed blame at me....all the smoke and mirrors you are using doesn't change that.
In reference to you saying Phil was too mad to talk to me, I said it isn't worth making my health issues which are aggrvated by stress
As for the CASH deal everyone is voicing their misinformed opinions on, I did not insist on cash. I made it clear that I would have gladly accepted a cashiers check made out to the company name but I would not accept personal checks. The only reason that I did not want to accept a credit card on that particular invoice is because there wasn't enough profit for me to have to pay a 4% fee for accepting the credit card. Yes, you were charged tax and yes it was reported so those threats are invalid and I am not concerned with them at all.
All I know is you said no credit and no bank cards and I do not recall you saying cashier check but wanting cash....I made no threats that is what others are saying and suggesting not me so do not group me in that I do not care what you do with your taxes...
Having stated the facts, If you feel you were "screwed," as you felt the need to tell everyone, you are welcome to bring your car back to us and we will gladly take our motor out and give you a full refund. We can easily sell the motor by itself for more than we charged you for the entire rebuild job.
I did state the fact and I do feel screwed, more so now, bringing the car back is not really an option for me, after seeing the way the car was handed to me I would never let you guys at it again, nor can I afford to drive up there, and have the car hauled home....no, I am stuck with what I have, I hoped that if you guys were as professional and cared at all you would have made right on the things I pointed out...add it up not even big $$$
Here is what I asked for in the email sent to you to make it right,
A Fluid damper....I will return the stock balancer to you.
Roller tip rockers that DO fit my car.
A carburetor spring bracket, there was one on my car,
A gasket or new carb fitting that doesn't leak.
I badly would like you to return the blue carburetor plate/throttle cable mount that I left in the car.
Sealer for intake bolts.
Can of black engine paint to detail the things that are orange.
Can you at least send me my carb plate?
We have been in business here for 20 years and have a very large, loyal customer base. We do not advertise because we do not need to; all of our business is repeat or referred from repeat customers. I am not concerned with your negative effect on this business so please do not waste your time with threats. No responses are necessary, we will not read anymore comments or be registered to this forum. The purpose of registrating was only to post the facts to those who were misinformed.
I never made any threats I said I would post my story here and I did, no one knew what shop it was until you posted the info, I wanted you to take a good look at the carb pictures and make it right, I am pleased that you have enough business to not care about what you guys did to me, that speaks volumes, the reason for a forum is to comment and that is what you did and what I am doing, no one was misinformed if anything you made my case for me in your unconcerned attitude towards what was pointed out to you...did you even see one reply that said that carb rigging was right did phil think it was the right way to do it...I guess he did.
You again pointed the finger at me and avoided the actual problems.
We are a small, honest, family owned business. Phillip has had a long standing reputation with his customers for his honesty and integrity since the open of the business 20 years ago. Phillip requested that if anyone would like to discuss the issue further, he can be reached at (904) 783- 6966. He would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings
I was hoping that was true that's why I wrote you to make it right, what kind of integrity would allow a carb rigged the way to leave their shop...stop blaming me for this
So Phil cooled off enough from my lack of praise to talk about it,
Of course that is his "version" which I thought you just posted...my version is here along with pictures of your shops work.
...
The fact is you paid $3,000 for a rebuilt 383 Stroker motor which is exactly what you got, and I encourage you to have it torn down and checked; I will be happy to pay for it if it is anything other than what you requested or paid for.
People know what they see and they see the carb pictures...they speak volumes about the way you guys do work,
I am out of pocket to your shop 3700.00 plus some change,
I admit that when people see a carburetor set up in the shade tree fire hazard way your shop set that one up they might make funny remarks, as far us unprofessional...I can only gauge that the way your shop treated me and is still treating me is very unprofessional
This is what you asked for, and what you now have: 383 Stroker motor with an Eagle steel crank, Eagle rods, SPS head bolts, SPS Rod bolts and SPS main bolts, new 993 cylinder heads with bowls cut with 3 angle valve job.
Additionally, you paid $142.00 for a 140 amp alternator, $132 for a high torque starter, $85 for an SPI flywheel and $100 for a chevy harmonic balancer. You claimed to have been charged for a fluid damper, but you were not. The total, installed, was $3,466.50
Actually Phil pushed and WE agreed that a fluid balancer was the way to go, you told me he changed his mind and installed the stock balancer without asking me about it...tagging that with the shop doesn't have time to tell me every little thing, 100.00 for a stock balancer is a rip, Summit gets just over 1/2 that price.
I agreed to fluid damper not stock balancer...he should have asked me if I wanted him to use stock I am the paying customer.
I should have been told...you would have looked more creditable
The carburetor, which you were not charged for, was a used one. We installed it until you could afford to get a new one since your original carburetor was bad. We gave your old carburetor back to you at the time you picked up the car.
Also, you have insinuated that we owe you rollertip rockers. The ones that we were going to install were some that we had and were going to give to you at no cost; unfortunately they would not work on your heads so we could not use them.This, however, is not an issue because you were not charged extra for rollertip rockers.We also did not charge a core deposit on block or cylider heads because they were cracked and were not reusable.
No core fee on the mail order engine I spoke of, and I was told my old block was cracked and the heads just junk...which is it? I had a brand new edelbrock carb that was working fine, Phil said he personally hated Edelbrock, I told him I could provide a NEW Holley to please him and he told me he had a good used Holley he would give me...being used doesn't excuse the way it was rigged in a dangerous shade tree manner,
My dad was told my engine was going to have roller tip rockers I wasn't told if these were some used junk you had laying around or new but dad/I were told they were going into my build and they were not...we should have been told...you would have looked more creditable....I was told it's a 383 or did Phil change his mind without telling me and installed on old truck engine from the u pull it lot down the street?
I'm going to list the parts that were installed that we did not charge you for. We did this in an effort to make it as affordable as possible, since you expressed this was important to you. Any other shop would have charged you for these parts:
Oil pan; yours was rusted
Header gaskets
Acell header plugs
Plug wire brackets
Thermostat and housing chrome
Chrome water pump
Micky Thompson valve covers
Micky Thompson air filter housing
Elderbrock Intake
Alternator belt
Power steering belt
Stock torque converter
What I stressed was the going rate of good warranted crate 383's ( Did your engine include any warranty? )
First I heard of the oil pan
The cheap plug wire brackets fell apart before the car made it home
Plugs are part of a rebuild.
The air cleaner is a junk used Edelbrock lid on my old base...not MT sorry
That was my converter in my car...you didn't "give" that to me,
I said many thanks over and over for the parts you threw in, but what I didn't like was pointed out and ignored or the blame was placed on me....
As far as the charging problem with your car, we didn't work on the charging system. We installed an alternator which you needed, but as far as the wiring, we did not work on that. The car was here for an engine rebuild not a complete restoration. The car is not in good condition, it needs numerous things done to it but that's not why it was here and that is not what you asked for, nor is that what you paid for.
You might have read that before saying it...talk about shooting yourself in the foot,
I didn't "need" a new Alt mine worked fine, I wanted to upgrade, and you guys kept my old alt without asking me.
You were asked over and over to be sure the car was fit to drive home, a car that has a bad battery drain and charging issues is not going to make it safely home, Actually you were paid to work on wiring involved in the addition of a 140 amp alt and the high torque starter because wiring is involved in their installion, it's not a reach to expect the charging system to be checked out on a car that the shop changed the alt...goes with that job....testing the new alt.
The car is actually in very good shape..trashing the car doesn't get the spot light off your shops shortcuts and mess ups, but I did ask for a run down on what it needed to drive home safe and I was told it was good to go.
There was no fuel leak when it left here or we would have gladly repaired it. The vehicle was driven numerous times before you picked it up to make sure the mottor ran properly so that it could be safely driven back to orlando.
What is a "mottor " So you admit to having the car and testing it...the car hardly made it a mile to my dads....the fuel filter didn't break from your shop to my dads it was already leaking.
You tried to trash my fuel filter on the phone saying phil didn't like them...so why reinstall it?
Your father referred you to us, he is a very nice man and has been a dedicated customer for 20 years. You stated that you needed a good price on the rebuild so we went out of our way to make it affordable for you while still giving you a quality job. I know your main concern is the way the carburetor looks, we paid $100 for the used carburetor. The choke was disconnected because it was a manual choke, again, it was installed just until you could afford to purchase a new one and you were not charged anything for that.
My dad who is salt of the earth used you guys for oil changes and little things,
You said before the carb was "FREE" or was it 100.00 make up your mind, The way the carb looks isn't the issue at all the unsafe way it was set up is,
Again here is that telling picture,
The banjo is leaking, which is a fire hazard, the spring is going across the fuel line rubbing it and in time it would leak, fire hazard,
The spring is hooked to the hose clamp...just cheesy and shade tree and unsafe.
The carb was converted to manual choke by bending the choke rod in a wicked shade tree style, it was nothing to do with me "affording" a new carb I all but begged phil to let me provide a new carb he said this used one was good.
I called and tried to discuss this with you on the phone because you told me you didn't want to get into a heated argument with anyone or you would be in the hospital because of health issues. I respected your request and tried to discuss the situation with you. Phillip would have been glad to discuss it with you but you did not want to speak with him. When I tried to discuss it with you in a calm, professional manor, you got angry and defensive and hung up on me. I have no reason to try this again and I did not, as you claimed, in any way get "pissy" with you nor did I ever have an attitude.
You did get "pissy" because I didn't "praise" you guys and you did blame me...so I hung up bacause like on here it was going no where. you told me phil was mad I didn't praise him and you didn't want us on the phone since he was angry, and you dismissed the issues and pointed blame at me....all the smoke and mirrors you are using doesn't change that.
In reference to you saying Phil was too mad to talk to me, I said it isn't worth making my health issues which are aggrvated by stress
As for the CASH deal everyone is voicing their misinformed opinions on, I did not insist on cash. I made it clear that I would have gladly accepted a cashiers check made out to the company name but I would not accept personal checks. The only reason that I did not want to accept a credit card on that particular invoice is because there wasn't enough profit for me to have to pay a 4% fee for accepting the credit card. Yes, you were charged tax and yes it was reported so those threats are invalid and I am not concerned with them at all.
All I know is you said no credit and no bank cards and I do not recall you saying cashier check but wanting cash....I made no threats that is what others are saying and suggesting not me so do not group me in that I do not care what you do with your taxes...
Having stated the facts, If you feel you were "screwed," as you felt the need to tell everyone, you are welcome to bring your car back to us and we will gladly take our motor out and give you a full refund. We can easily sell the motor by itself for more than we charged you for the entire rebuild job.
I did state the fact and I do feel screwed, more so now, bringing the car back is not really an option for me, after seeing the way the car was handed to me I would never let you guys at it again, nor can I afford to drive up there, and have the car hauled home....no, I am stuck with what I have, I hoped that if you guys were as professional and cared at all you would have made right on the things I pointed out...add it up not even big $$$
Here is what I asked for in the email sent to you to make it right,
A Fluid damper....I will return the stock balancer to you.
Roller tip rockers that DO fit my car.
A carburetor spring bracket, there was one on my car,
A gasket or new carb fitting that doesn't leak.
I badly would like you to return the blue carburetor plate/throttle cable mount that I left in the car.
Sealer for intake bolts.
Can of black engine paint to detail the things that are orange.
Can you at least send me my carb plate?
We have been in business here for 20 years and have a very large, loyal customer base. We do not advertise because we do not need to; all of our business is repeat or referred from repeat customers. I am not concerned with your negative effect on this business so please do not waste your time with threats. No responses are necessary, we will not read anymore comments or be registered to this forum. The purpose of registrating was only to post the facts to those who were misinformed.
I never made any threats I said I would post my story here and I did, no one knew what shop it was until you posted the info, I wanted you to take a good look at the carb pictures and make it right, I am pleased that you have enough business to not care about what you guys did to me, that speaks volumes, the reason for a forum is to comment and that is what you did and what I am doing, no one was misinformed if anything you made my case for me in your unconcerned attitude towards what was pointed out to you...did you even see one reply that said that carb rigging was right did phil think it was the right way to do it...I guess he did.
You again pointed the finger at me and avoided the actual problems.
We are a small, honest, family owned business. Phillip has had a long standing reputation with his customers for his honesty and integrity since the open of the business 20 years ago. Phillip requested that if anyone would like to discuss the issue further, he can be reached at (904) 783- 6966. He would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings
I was hoping that was true that's why I wrote you to make it right, what kind of integrity would allow a carb rigged the way to leave their shop...stop blaming me for this
So Phil cooled off enough from my lack of praise to talk about it,
Of course that is his "version" which I thought you just posted...my version is here along with pictures of your shops work.
...
I would like to thank everyone who followed this thread, it has ran it's course and done for me now...sometimes we are the windshield and this time I am the bug,
I feel am again being blamed for the way they allowed my car to leave their shop, I know most will say take it back and get that refund,
I simply cannot take them up on the offer to remove the engine, in fact I always said it runs well I just do not know the details of the build even now,
Also all my old stuff is long gone he called it "junk" over and over.
Here is my list again,
A Fluid damper....I will return the stock balancer to you.
Roller tip rockers that DO fit my car.
A carburetor spring bracket, there was one on my car,
A gasket or new carb fitting that doesn't leak.
I badly would like you to return the blue carburetor plate/throttle cable mount that I left in the car.
Sealer for intake bolts.
Can of black engine paint to detail the things that are orange.
Read all my babbling and her self serving rebuttal take a long hard look at all those carb pictures and then ask yourself about his side, her side and the truth and then decide did I ask for all that much to make this right?
All I asked for was the things that we all saw are not right to be fixed and I can't even get that so I live and learn,
I would say unless the shop is very well known for being good just buy crate engines and drop it in yourself...saves all kinds of headaches
Last edited by The13Bats; Apr 7, 2010 at 10:32 PM. Reason: typos
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Caldwell Idaho
Take the car back. Let em pull the motor. Refund your money. Tow it back to your dads. Order a crate motor with the refund and shop around for an install. I would hold them to there word just for general purpose. Lest not forget to relay your experience to the BBB in the area.
c-ya
ToddG
c-ya
ToddG
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Bats.... You're like a bird dog with a dead duck in its mouth...you just don't know when to call it quits. The place told you to come in and get your money refunded. Stifle and cut the cr@p.... 
[P.S. I have a step-son with the same syndrome. There is just no 'end' to anything...even when he wins.]
[P.S. I have a step-son with the same syndrome. There is just no 'end' to anything...even when he wins.]
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
You mean that somebody actually wins with you??
Guys again I want to thank everyone for their views and opinions. I realize the open and shut answer for many is to snap my fingers and go take the shop up on their alleged refund.
The simple fact is... life, health, my finances and hostility from the shop owner is going to make that impossible.
There was a lot of speculation, but nothing proves that the bottom end build is not what they say it is. The car did run home fine, after the broken feul filter was replaced and as long as I didn't turn the engine off the whole way to Orlando.
I realize this is going to give lots of fodder to the people who like to poke at me but things are always easier sitting in front of an easy chair in front of the computer.
Since the shop won't just replace the known bad parts which they could mail, I'm pretty much at a dead end.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Yes. If "winning" is what you must call it. I can be "wrong" and have said so many times on threads at this Forum. But, huge volumes of words and grandiose claims of experience and knowledge from one person does not reality make. It doesn't take a page and a half of rhetoric to state one's case. And, if someone offers a different 'opinion' or 'past knowledge', it is not mandatory to 'take them on'.
This is a Forum to share knowledge and experience with folks having a common interest...the C3 Corvette. Every thread doesn't have to have a "winner" and/or a "loser". People's knowledge and understanding of their C3 (or C3's) is based on their experience which may, or may not, be exactly correct as it might be biased by other conditions. That's why this is a DISCUSSION forum, instead of "Ask the Experts".
This is a Forum to share knowledge and experience with folks having a common interest...the C3 Corvette. Every thread doesn't have to have a "winner" and/or a "loser". People's knowledge and understanding of their C3 (or C3's) is based on their experience which may, or may not, be exactly correct as it might be biased by other conditions. That's why this is a DISCUSSION forum, instead of "Ask the Experts".
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 3
From: Woodinville WA
They offered to remove the engine and give a refund. Time to take them up on their offer or fix the small things yourself and move on.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Frogday,
I stated why I will have to pass on the offer to drive me car up there have them pull the engine get a refund and drive me car home, I said I will fix the stuff myself, I was done with it,
I guess you missed where I said that several times before, you are right time to move on....so what do you say can we move on?....
I agree with you 100% on that, I would add people should be able to say what they desire in the way the desire without some witting cop saying "that's too long" just to get in a poke and jab.
while I agree with you what a forum is all about you forgot to mention how many people here want to be, heck demand to be considered an expert, ( some actually are ) sure most of the fine people here give their opinion and view point as nothing more than that, food for thought, and that is priceless to me, but then again others here have that whole do it my way or the highway or be damned mentality.
How many times has speculation run rabid?
Then you have people on forums who do not care at all about helping others they just want to poke at people and be all negitive no matter what.
All I ever wanted from the shop was to make good on the things I knew were wrong the things we all saw in the pictures and a couple others things they admitted were changed without telling me, boy did that get lost,
Never did I say I wanted a whole new engine or a refund...I am not a person to throw out the baby with the bath water just because the tub needs paint or has a small leak,
At this point I am damned for not taking the car back up there and getting a refund,
Even when I explain in details why that is not an option for me right now and I will cut my losses and fix the other things myself,
I am told to "let it go" which I have,
I know a thread like this is like flies on a rib roast everyone wants to be heard, get in their 2 cents and have,
I did let it go, and there is some irony that I will continue to get scolded by the people who like to poke at me for not doing it their way...you are very correct this isn't about winning or loosing ( you used that term ) it's about sharing an incident, receiving feedback and opinions and then moving on,
Since a few missed me saying that I was done and moving on allow me to one last time cover this,
While the shop offered for me to bring the car up there and they would pull the engine and give me a refund on that, they made no mention of putting my old engine back in or if they even still have my old engine, The simple fact is... life, health, my finances and hostility from the shop owner is going to make that impossible.
So then I have to fix the problems myself and cut my losses and move on which is what I have been saying I am doing for several posts now.
Sorry if I came off snide this of course isn't at all directed at the all the wonderful people who give me their opinions and tried to help, some going as far as to offer to come in person and help me, this is just going to the few who want to use this as a way to high jack the topic to poke at me.
I have moved on...can you?
I stated why I will have to pass on the offer to drive me car up there have them pull the engine get a refund and drive me car home, I said I will fix the stuff myself, I was done with it,
I guess you missed where I said that several times before, you are right time to move on....so what do you say can we move on?....
Yes. If "winning" is what you must call it. I can be "wrong" and have said so many times on threads at this Forum. But, huge volumes of words and grandiose claims of experience and knowledge from one person does not reality make. It doesn't take a page and a half of rhetoric to state one's case. And, if someone offers a different 'opinion' or 'past knowledge', it is not mandatory to 'take them on'.
You used the term "winning" taking about your kid, We both know that you like to poke at me and have proven that in almost every thread that you reply to me in, In this case you have swung the topic off my engine build and made it a personal poke session at me, I know your type it's all good, I get a kick out of it, you always have to get in your word, you want to be taken as some higher authority on things...superior to everyone else, in a "my way or the highway" type way.
"I could have made that shorter but didn't have the time"
I have always said I am very detailed and if I use too many words for a persons liking I can only hope they move on with better things to do but never read a few of my words and speculate and reply on that,
No grandiose claims of experience and knowledge from me, I didn't spew some page and a 1/2 of rhetoric but thanks for the flatter, I stated in details what happened to me and provided pictures which no one felt was the right way to rig a carb, I didn't ask for a whole new engine just the issues fixed.
getting back on topic does this look like the right way to rig a carb,
Rhetorical question the answer has been given.
This is a Forum to share knowledge and experience with folks having a common interest...the C3 Corvette. Every thread doesn't have to have a "winner" and/or a "loser". People's knowledge and understanding of their C3 (or C3's) is based on their experience which may, or may not, be exactly correct as it might be biased by other conditions. That's why this is a DISCUSSION forum, instead of "Ask the Experts".
You used the term "winning" taking about your kid, We both know that you like to poke at me and have proven that in almost every thread that you reply to me in, In this case you have swung the topic off my engine build and made it a personal poke session at me, I know your type it's all good, I get a kick out of it, you always have to get in your word, you want to be taken as some higher authority on things...superior to everyone else, in a "my way or the highway" type way.
"I could have made that shorter but didn't have the time"
I have always said I am very detailed and if I use too many words for a persons liking I can only hope they move on with better things to do but never read a few of my words and speculate and reply on that,
No grandiose claims of experience and knowledge from me, I didn't spew some page and a 1/2 of rhetoric but thanks for the flatter, I stated in details what happened to me and provided pictures which no one felt was the right way to rig a carb, I didn't ask for a whole new engine just the issues fixed.
getting back on topic does this look like the right way to rig a carb,
Rhetorical question the answer has been given.
This is a Forum to share knowledge and experience with folks having a common interest...the C3 Corvette. Every thread doesn't have to have a "winner" and/or a "loser". People's knowledge and understanding of their C3 (or C3's) is based on their experience which may, or may not, be exactly correct as it might be biased by other conditions. That's why this is a DISCUSSION forum, instead of "Ask the Experts".
I agree with you 100% on that, I would add people should be able to say what they desire in the way the desire without some witting cop saying "that's too long" just to get in a poke and jab.
while I agree with you what a forum is all about you forgot to mention how many people here want to be, heck demand to be considered an expert, ( some actually are ) sure most of the fine people here give their opinion and view point as nothing more than that, food for thought, and that is priceless to me, but then again others here have that whole do it my way or the highway or be damned mentality.
How many times has speculation run rabid?
Then you have people on forums who do not care at all about helping others they just want to poke at people and be all negitive no matter what.
All I ever wanted from the shop was to make good on the things I knew were wrong the things we all saw in the pictures and a couple others things they admitted were changed without telling me, boy did that get lost,
Never did I say I wanted a whole new engine or a refund...I am not a person to throw out the baby with the bath water just because the tub needs paint or has a small leak,
At this point I am damned for not taking the car back up there and getting a refund,
Even when I explain in details why that is not an option for me right now and I will cut my losses and fix the other things myself,
I am told to "let it go" which I have,
I know a thread like this is like flies on a rib roast everyone wants to be heard, get in their 2 cents and have,
I did let it go, and there is some irony that I will continue to get scolded by the people who like to poke at me for not doing it their way...you are very correct this isn't about winning or loosing ( you used that term ) it's about sharing an incident, receiving feedback and opinions and then moving on,
Since a few missed me saying that I was done and moving on allow me to one last time cover this,
While the shop offered for me to bring the car up there and they would pull the engine and give me a refund on that, they made no mention of putting my old engine back in or if they even still have my old engine, The simple fact is... life, health, my finances and hostility from the shop owner is going to make that impossible.
So then I have to fix the problems myself and cut my losses and move on which is what I have been saying I am doing for several posts now.
Sorry if I came off snide this of course isn't at all directed at the all the wonderful people who give me their opinions and tried to help, some going as far as to offer to come in person and help me, this is just going to the few who want to use this as a way to high jack the topic to poke at me.
I have moved on...can you?
Last edited by The13Bats; Apr 8, 2010 at 08:41 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
I agree with Bats that the return of the car is just not practical. drive it there , get a buddy to follow you, drop it off, get a ride back home, wait a week for work to be done, then rent a trailer and a truck, insurance, gas, drive there again, load it up, don't forget to take your buddy to help, bring it home. return the trailer ( probably across town also). 2-3 more days of your time plus 2 days of your buddy's time, , 300-400 more $$ gas, trailer rental, etc...
if the basic internals of the engine is what she says it is, then you did get the majority of what you asked for, just the little side issues are what are driving your grief.
if the basic long block is correct then you have an excellent basis for continuing on with your project..
if the basic internals of the engine is what she says it is, then you did get the majority of what you asked for, just the little side issues are what are driving your grief.
if the basic long block is correct then you have an excellent basis for continuing on with your project..
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: liberty illinois
I'm not going to waste time responding to the sarcastic, unprofessional remarks in your post. I am only interested in stating the facts to everyone that is so eager to judge a repair shop without knowing anything about it.
The fact is you paid $3,000 for a rebuilt 383 Stroker motor which is exactly what you got, and I encourage you to have it torn down and checked; I will be happy to pay for it if it is anything other than what you requested or paid for.
This is what you asked for, and what you now have: 383 Stroker motor with an Eagle steel crank, Eagle rods, SPS head bolts, SPS Rod bolts and SPS main bolts, new 993 cylinder heads with bowls cut with 3 angle valve job.
Additionally, you paid $142.00 for a 140 amp alternator, $132 for a high torque starter, $85 for an SPI flywheel and $100 for a chevy harmonic balancer. You claimed to have been charged for a fluid damper, but you were not. The total, installed, was $3,466.50
The carburetor, which you were not charged for, was a used one. We installed it until you could afford to get a new one since your original carburetor was bad. We gave your old carburetor back to you at the time you picked up the car.
Also, you have insinuated that we owe you rollertip rockers. The ones that we were going to install were some that we had and were going to give to you at no cost; unfortunately they would not work on your heads so we could not use them.This, however, is not an issue because you were not charged extra for rollertip rockers.We also did not charge a core deposit on block or cylider heads because they were cracked and were not reusable.
I'm going to list the parts that were installed that we did not charge you for. We did this in an effort to make it as affordable as possible, since you expressed this was important to you. Any other shop would have charged you for these parts:
Oil pan; yours was rusted
Header gaskets
Acell header plugs
Plug wire brackets
Thermostat and housing chrome
Chrome water pump
Micky Thompson valve covers
Micky Thompson air filter housing
Elderbrock Intake
Alternator belt
Power steering belt
Stock torque converter
As far as the charging problem with your car, we didn't work on the charging system. We installed an alternator which you needed, but as far as the wiring, we did not work on that. The car was here for an engine rebuild not a complete restoration. The car is not in good condition, it needs numerous things done to it but that's not why it was here and that is not what you asked for, nor is that what you paid for.
There was no fuel leak when it left here or we would have gladly repaired it. The vehicle was driven numerous times before you picked it up to make sure the mottor ran properly so that it could be safely driven back to orlando.
Your father referred you to us, he is a very nice man and has been a dedicated customer for 20 years. You stated that you needed a good price on the rebuild so we went out of our way to make it affordable for you while still giving you a quality job. I know your main concern is the way the carburetor looks, we paid $100 for the used carburetor. The choke was disconnected because it was a manual choke, again, it was installed just until you could afford to purchase a new one and you were not charged anything for that.
I called and tried to discuss this with you on the phone because you told me you didn't want to get into a heated argument with anyone or you would be in the hospital because of health issues. I respected your request and tried to discuss the situation with you. Phillip would have been glad to discuss it with you but you did not want to speak with him. When I tried to discuss it with you in a calm, professional manor, you got angry and defensive and hung up on me. I have no reason to try this again and I did not, as you claimed, in any way get "pissy" with you nor did I ever have an attitude.
As for the CASH deal everyone is voicing their misinformed opinions on, I did not insist on cash. I made it clear that I would have gladly accepted a cashiers check made out to the company name but I would not accept personal checks. The only reason that I did not want to accept a credit card on that particular invoice is because there wasn't enough profit for me to have to pay a 4% fee for accepting the credit card. Yes, you were charged tax and yes it was reported so those threats are invalid and I am not concerned with them at all.
Having stated the facts, If you feel you were "screwed," as you felt the need to tell everyone, you are welcome to bring your car back to us and we will gladly take our motor out and give you a full refund. We can easily sell the motor by itself for more than we charged you for the entire rebuild job.
We have been in business here for 20 years and have a very large, loyal customer base. We do not advertise because we do not need to; all of our business is repeat or referred from repeat customers. I am not concerned with your negative effect on this business so please do not waste your time with threats. No responses are necessary, we will not read anymore comments or be registered to this forum. The purpose of registrating was only to post the facts to those who were misinformed.
We are a small, honest, family owned business. Phillip has had a long standing reputation with his customers for his honesty and integrity since the open of the business 20 years ago. Phillip requested that if anyone would like to discuss the issue further, he can be reached at (904) 783- 6966. He would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings
The fact is you paid $3,000 for a rebuilt 383 Stroker motor which is exactly what you got, and I encourage you to have it torn down and checked; I will be happy to pay for it if it is anything other than what you requested or paid for.
This is what you asked for, and what you now have: 383 Stroker motor with an Eagle steel crank, Eagle rods, SPS head bolts, SPS Rod bolts and SPS main bolts, new 993 cylinder heads with bowls cut with 3 angle valve job.
Additionally, you paid $142.00 for a 140 amp alternator, $132 for a high torque starter, $85 for an SPI flywheel and $100 for a chevy harmonic balancer. You claimed to have been charged for a fluid damper, but you were not. The total, installed, was $3,466.50
The carburetor, which you were not charged for, was a used one. We installed it until you could afford to get a new one since your original carburetor was bad. We gave your old carburetor back to you at the time you picked up the car.
Also, you have insinuated that we owe you rollertip rockers. The ones that we were going to install were some that we had and were going to give to you at no cost; unfortunately they would not work on your heads so we could not use them.This, however, is not an issue because you were not charged extra for rollertip rockers.We also did not charge a core deposit on block or cylider heads because they were cracked and were not reusable.
I'm going to list the parts that were installed that we did not charge you for. We did this in an effort to make it as affordable as possible, since you expressed this was important to you. Any other shop would have charged you for these parts:
Oil pan; yours was rusted
Header gaskets
Acell header plugs
Plug wire brackets
Thermostat and housing chrome
Chrome water pump
Micky Thompson valve covers
Micky Thompson air filter housing
Elderbrock Intake
Alternator belt
Power steering belt
Stock torque converter
As far as the charging problem with your car, we didn't work on the charging system. We installed an alternator which you needed, but as far as the wiring, we did not work on that. The car was here for an engine rebuild not a complete restoration. The car is not in good condition, it needs numerous things done to it but that's not why it was here and that is not what you asked for, nor is that what you paid for.
There was no fuel leak when it left here or we would have gladly repaired it. The vehicle was driven numerous times before you picked it up to make sure the mottor ran properly so that it could be safely driven back to orlando.
Your father referred you to us, he is a very nice man and has been a dedicated customer for 20 years. You stated that you needed a good price on the rebuild so we went out of our way to make it affordable for you while still giving you a quality job. I know your main concern is the way the carburetor looks, we paid $100 for the used carburetor. The choke was disconnected because it was a manual choke, again, it was installed just until you could afford to purchase a new one and you were not charged anything for that.
I called and tried to discuss this with you on the phone because you told me you didn't want to get into a heated argument with anyone or you would be in the hospital because of health issues. I respected your request and tried to discuss the situation with you. Phillip would have been glad to discuss it with you but you did not want to speak with him. When I tried to discuss it with you in a calm, professional manor, you got angry and defensive and hung up on me. I have no reason to try this again and I did not, as you claimed, in any way get "pissy" with you nor did I ever have an attitude.
As for the CASH deal everyone is voicing their misinformed opinions on, I did not insist on cash. I made it clear that I would have gladly accepted a cashiers check made out to the company name but I would not accept personal checks. The only reason that I did not want to accept a credit card on that particular invoice is because there wasn't enough profit for me to have to pay a 4% fee for accepting the credit card. Yes, you were charged tax and yes it was reported so those threats are invalid and I am not concerned with them at all.
Having stated the facts, If you feel you were "screwed," as you felt the need to tell everyone, you are welcome to bring your car back to us and we will gladly take our motor out and give you a full refund. We can easily sell the motor by itself for more than we charged you for the entire rebuild job.
We have been in business here for 20 years and have a very large, loyal customer base. We do not advertise because we do not need to; all of our business is repeat or referred from repeat customers. I am not concerned with your negative effect on this business so please do not waste your time with threats. No responses are necessary, we will not read anymore comments or be registered to this forum. The purpose of registrating was only to post the facts to those who were misinformed.
We are a small, honest, family owned business. Phillip has had a long standing reputation with his customers for his honesty and integrity since the open of the business 20 years ago. Phillip requested that if anyone would like to discuss the issue further, he can be reached at (904) 783- 6966. He would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings
Carefull Nancy. This is the forum, it might be suggested that EVERYONE on the forum do exactly that and call 904-783-6966 and talk to Phillip which is what you requested. I have known of more than one place of business that started out with the intention of being honest and filled with integrity and make it to the local news by messing up that reputation. It can take a thousand jobs to build a reputation, but just like the music buisness you're only as good as your last performance. I guess if some of those who want to hear the other side of the situation need to pick up their phones and give your shop the opportunity to speak. But keep in mind the old addage that, "one (1) picture is worth a thousand (1000) words." Heck, maybe all of us should pick up the phone, wouldn't that prove to be an interesting and productive month or two!
Last edited by poor boy; Apr 8, 2010 at 09:22 AM. Reason: typ-o
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
You're making the right decision.
By the time you dick around with them again and replace the engine you will likely have more money and time involved. An intake gasket and some fittings for the carb is the best way out. If the engine takes a dive a few thousand miles from now you still have legal recourse with them.
Their "gold" looks more like your "garbage".
Other than your misfortune, I find the response from the garage funny as hell.
You certainly got their attention, to say the least.
I am shocked that they offered you this, no shop that I know of, and I know plenty and have had them, would do that, if everything was 100%. Cheezy carb connections and leaking coolant do not warrant a full refund at no charge. And I agree with you on the altenator, if it required more labor, call and have it authorized, don't install inoperable.
Repair shops are out to make a profit or liveyhood as they call it and keep the "comebacks" to an absolute minimum. The same shop charges your father for an 5 dollar oilt filter and gives you hundereds, don't believe it. They do accumulate lots of parts new and used over time, some with value and some not. The carb that was installed for you worth a 100 bucks might just as easily been thrown in the trash a week ago at no monetary loss. Your balancer may have been a part from a misguided diagnosis a year ago for another vehicle. You would really have to see recent receipts for your new parts, after your commitment date.
All I'm saying is that your getting a lot of smoke screen, no business gives hundreds away, that's just a bunch of
just like the car salesman trying to make a sale. Sort of like marking it up to give a good discount. 
As far as advertising, the prime factor there is that it is very expensive, and a lot of businesses brag about the referral stuff, but in a lot of cases they simply can't afford it and if they did get results with it, they probably couldn't handle the volume productively anyway.
All repair shops that I know (mostly personal friends) are all down in volume in this economy, people just aren't spending the way they used to.
You have scared them with the info in this post.
I know it doesn't matter to you, but I would really like to know if they spelled out the sales tax separately on their bill. I guess it's the inquisitive pschologist in me. PM it if you don't want it public.
By the time you dick around with them again and replace the engine you will likely have more money and time involved. An intake gasket and some fittings for the carb is the best way out. If the engine takes a dive a few thousand miles from now you still have legal recourse with them.
Their "gold" looks more like your "garbage".
Other than your misfortune, I find the response from the garage funny as hell.
You certainly got their attention, to say the least.
I am shocked that they offered you this, no shop that I know of, and I know plenty and have had them, would do that, if everything was 100%. Cheezy carb connections and leaking coolant do not warrant a full refund at no charge. And I agree with you on the altenator, if it required more labor, call and have it authorized, don't install inoperable.
Repair shops are out to make a profit or liveyhood as they call it and keep the "comebacks" to an absolute minimum. The same shop charges your father for an 5 dollar oilt filter and gives you hundereds, don't believe it. They do accumulate lots of parts new and used over time, some with value and some not. The carb that was installed for you worth a 100 bucks might just as easily been thrown in the trash a week ago at no monetary loss. Your balancer may have been a part from a misguided diagnosis a year ago for another vehicle. You would really have to see recent receipts for your new parts, after your commitment date.
All I'm saying is that your getting a lot of smoke screen, no business gives hundreds away, that's just a bunch of
just like the car salesman trying to make a sale. Sort of like marking it up to give a good discount. As far as advertising, the prime factor there is that it is very expensive, and a lot of businesses brag about the referral stuff, but in a lot of cases they simply can't afford it and if they did get results with it, they probably couldn't handle the volume productively anyway.All repair shops that I know (mostly personal friends) are all down in volume in this economy, people just aren't spending the way they used to.
You have scared them with the info in this post.
I know it doesn't matter to you, but I would really like to know if they spelled out the sales tax separately on their bill. I guess it's the inquisitive pschologist in me. PM it if you don't want it public.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Too many horror stories of people getting ripped with rebuilds out there. It's just so much more cost effective and safe to go with a reputable crate engine builder.
Live and learn Bats. Next time buy a crate engine, bring your car down to Port St. Lucie, and I'll install it for you and it will be done right.
Live and learn Bats. Next time buy a crate engine, bring your car down to Port St. Lucie, and I'll install it for you and it will be done right.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Really? I've seen just the opposite with the shops around here. Seems like more people are trying to keep old cars on the road as opposed to buying new ones.