I'll tell you right now that I wouldn't pay that shop another dime. As mentioned above, you should have received an itemized list when you paid for the diff. Also, they should have been EXPLICIT about it not having gear oil. The diff should have had a tag and they should have said something to your dad about it needing to be filled. Unless they specifically noted that it was not full (and in writing) you should not have to pay a dime. If they insist you pay, then you should just go elsewhere, like Bairs or VanSteel.

 

the part i don't understand is why they only put in the posi oil. if the differental was completely dry, you would have known this. as far as not being able to fill the differental on the bench is something i don't buy at all. the only reason an engine or tranny or differental is left dry is for shipping purposes. Bill


[Modified by bmar, 10:41 PM 5/4/2004]

 

Have you heard of this guy? Gary Watson did a great job on mine, your outfit is raping you. They should repair the unit at their expense.

http://corvetteperfection.com/corvetteperfection002.htm

 

:iagree: with all the others again. Truly, if there was any doubt, I would say it was your fault, but they messed up and they know it. Think about it. Why would they put in the posi and not the gear oil? This makes no sense at all.

 

I think the mechanic had a brain fart and they are not willing to admit it. Bill :smash: :smash:

 

Sound like someone is playing you for a sucker, did you get an itemized bill ? Does it show rear end oil on it. If you have a bill of any kind go to the shop and tell them that you feel you are getting the shaft and will be taking them to small claims court unless they fix it. Tow the car home and phone Dan at Vansteel if they refuse.

Crap like this really gets me, I know it is easy for me to say take them to court and yada yada yada, but when it happens to you, you feel helpless. I would not give these "mechanics" any more money and if you do take them to court you might be suprised to find a judge thinks the same as you do. :D


[Modified by MotorHead, 9:57 PM 5/4/2004]

 

Thanks guys. :grouphug: I'm going to borrow a flatbed and bring my car home. I've had enough of Corvettes of Auburn.

I do not have a receipt, my dad misplaced it before I could look at it. The owner assures me that there is no charge for oil on it though, just posi lube, so I should have known that it was empty.

I don't think I would get anywhere by cancelling the credit card charge, or taking them to court. Too much of a grey area. Its my word vs theirs, with me being stupid by not fully checking for fluid, and them for having no signs, tags, warnings, instructions. And as the final kicker, a front desk guy who says its full and ready to bolt up and drive. He even showed my dad the charge for oil on the bill, which was actually posi lube. Neither he or my dad knew that posi lube AND oil was required.

What bothers me the most is that they told me it would cost around 500-600$, even after seeing the differential insides. Then I get a call a few days later that my case is toast, and he couldn't get an oil seal to work, so I have to get a new case and move my internals to it. Total cost now 1300$, and its difficult to say no when they are already mostly done with the work. THIS MUCH MONEY WITH ME PULLING AND REINSTALLING THE DIFFERENTIAL! I know he would have charged me more, but I had mentioned earlier that I don't want it to cost anywhere near 1200$ because I can get a brand new differential set up from toms differentials for that much. Then later, the owner told me later that I shouldn't buy from online places because if I have him do it I can just drive it down to him. :mad :mad :mad


Thanks for all the input, empathy, and advice, these online vendors seem much more reasonable. Perhaps if I show them my story, I can get a pity discount.
:seeya

 

If you are going to flat bed it home at least tell them you are going to sue and see if that gets you anywhere.

 

Everybody gettin' this?

This is the stuff that just sends me ballistic! :mad I've spent my entire career as a mechanic (or whatever fancy a** title you want to give me) having to fix and explain this kind of guy's FUBAR's!!!

Either it's filled and tagged as such, or empty and also tagged. That's it. Posi additive only? What a joke, dude. Run from these guys, get a lawyer to get satisfaction and buy one from a REPUTABLE dealer! Can you tell I'm P***ed yet? Show him these posts (he can discuss this one personally with me if he has the b**ls) and let him know what is gonna happen to his rep in the vette world if he doesn't make it right, right now, bud!

:rant:

Hans

 

Without a doubt. Also, do your best to find the receipt. Asking for a new print out won't do any good because the shop would have already changed it in the computer if they know that you don't have the original (which they do since you asked the owner what was on the bill). But I would still tell them I was going to sue if they don't fix it at their cost. I agree that their mechanic screwed up and only put in posi lube. Besides, if you DO take it to court and the judge (or the shops lawyer) asks if you checked for oil, you have your honest answer in that when you tipped it on its side during install, oil started to come out of the overflow. Also, the fill cap was torqued to specs; why would it be torqued if fluid wasn't in the diff?

Again, DON'T pay them another dime. Tell them that they will fix it at their cost or you will sue. Dude, I know it's difficult to be assertive sometimes, but this is one time to step up to the plate. Just be tactful and don't fly off the handle yelling at them. Be firm, yet calm.

 

they are trying to do a number on you, they know they're wrong and want you to spit the bills for their mistake. No one only adds additive to the diferential. Do what wrencher says, they won't like their name fouled all over the internet, it can do wonders for a reputation built up in many years. These nasty stories stick a lot better then all the good stuff you would ever hear about them. Haven them pay for the tow truck and tires too (you have flat spots ;) )


[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 11:31 PM 5/4/2004]

 

i'd offer them a compromise;
you don't sue,
and
they refund the labor you paid.
:cheers:

 

Rebuilt kits run between $90-110 he would get a better discount for ssure
Clutches,Eaton solid steel type run about $80 again he would get a discount.
Ring & pinion-what type? Richmonds out of Summit or Jegs are $269 Yukons form Randy's run as little as $140 you get what you pay for. I use US Gear R&P and they run about $215
So you see he's already putting another $200-250 in his pocket HELPING you plus the labor to remove it $266.
Bairs or Van steel do excellant work but I don't think they would install a new R&P and rebuild it for $500. Dan @ Van Steel is on this site maybe he will chime in and give you a better idea what it would cost.
I think you have a case for small claims, take pictures and document the complete history, why let him get away with your money and then not be held accountable. I wouldn't leave the car there or have him work on it anymore. If you were in CT, I'd help you rebuild it here.
Gary

 

There must also be some way to report these clowns via the Better Business Bureau or something. Is there a trade association out there that should know about this? I agree with others - they made a mistake and should own the problem.

 

Small claims court. You don't need a lawyer, small filing fee, stand before a JOP, each side presents their case, JOP decides the case based upon preponderance of evidence and renders opinion. They may not even show for the date which means you win by default. A judgement is issued against them. Now whether you can collect or not is another question but until they settle, the judgement will be reflected on their business credit.

 

I didn't read the whole thread but most of it. As I see it, if he charged you for fluid and additive than he should have either put it in or handed the bottles to you. You said this "Corevette Shop" didn't know about the posi additive. Give me a break. It's 100% there fault and you should not have to come out of pocket again for their mistake. It should be warrantied.

 

A local, very reputable shop added gears and blueprinted a new service replacement diff for my '80. When I picked it up, I got the oil/additive in bottles along with break-in instructions. My guess is that most places choose to have you add all lubricants instead of them 'just adding some and having you add the rest'.

I heard recently they sold the business for $800K (Alan's Gearworks, Clearwater, FL). I was really disappointed. The rear diff has performed flawlessly since I re-installed in 2002 (I did all removal/install work). The up-side is that the young man that actually performed the work is going to start his own diff/trans shop nearby.

 

TedH
Alan's gearworks is a very good rear end shop. Although Alan did sell it, his main rebuilder still work there and they still do quality work.

 

Glad to hear it. Thx for the update!

 

If you haven't been back there yet here's what you could do. Go to the shop and say
"I have been directed by my lawyer to pick the car up and take it to another shop to get the rear end fixed and he will be dealing with this matter in the courts "

Don't say anything else let him think about it as you prepare to take the car, I bet he comes back with something alot better than he is giving you right now.
Don't say "If you don't fix it I'm taking you to court" the standard reply to that is "Go ahead see if I care "