Body shops are like contractors.....

[McCoyAZ]

6 weeks ago I took my 64 step over to a local body shop to have a Big Windo installed and some misc. electrical and to french in a set of cadillac tail lights.

The guy told me then it would be $1200. and no more than 3 weeks.

The price was a screaming deal and with the 3 week timeline that meant I would have the truck back for Christmas.

Well guess what. He didn't touch it the entire time. I guess I neglected to ask which 3 weeks he was talking about working on it.

He said he was working on the electrical, which wouldn't take more than an hour, but it hasn't moved from the spot I parked it in 6 weeks ago.

Just like our local building contractors. They tell you Tuesday at 10 am....but they don't tell you which Tuesday at 10 am they mean.

[paintman]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

6 weeks ago I took my 64 step over to a local body shop to have a Big Windo installed and some misc. electrical and to french in a set of cadillac tail lights.

The guy told me then it would be $1200. and no more than 3 weeks.

The price was a screaming deal and with the 3 week timeline that meant I would have the truck back for Christmas.

Well guess what. He didn't touch it the entire time. I guess I neglected to ask which 3 weeks he was talking about working on it.

He said he was working on the electrical, which wouldn't take more than an hour, but it hasn't moved from the spot I parked it in 6 weeks ago.

Just like our local building contractors. They tell you Tuesday at 10 am....but they don't tell you which Tuesday at 10 am they mean.

Myself being a contractor, I will give you some advice........why don't you do a little more due diligence before hiring a contractor, or someone to work on your truck. Now if you would like to talk about about how homeowners have screwed over contractors, I will gladly have that discussion with you as well. Get a clue!

[jonzcustomshop]

I would get it out of there , try to recoup your money if you have already paid him... but get it out of there before he tears into the back of the cab, and then leaves it for another 6 weeks...
we had to deal with a guy like this this summer with my dads 55, what the guy was doing was stacking up his projects, and stringing us along, we almost lost the car, did lose a box of parts and about 1K in cash, but lesson learned ... the new shop that it is at there is progress every day,and communication.

If the guy can't pick up the phone and tell you that your project is delayed, you should help him by teaching him a lesson in communication.
Call him up -preferably from the parking lot, tell him you are picking your truck up, and then do so.
find another shop, it might be a little more expensive, but it is better than being jerked around.

[McCoyAZ]

Originally Posted by paintman

Myself being a contractor, I will give you some advice........why don't you do a little more due diligence before hiring a contractor, or someone to work on your truck. Now if you would like to talk about about how homeowners have screwed over contractors, I will gladly have that discussion with you as well. Get a clue!

Paintman.....I have a clue. Been in the construction business as a developer for 30 years. Where I live we are very limited on licensed contractors and they have a tendency to get the job and then make you wait. We don't have the advantage of picking and choosing from dozens of choices here.

Just like body shops. There are 3 or 4 and they all pretty much are the same, at least where I live.

[richards72chevy]

I would get your truck and money back.Maybe look up some more shops in a different area that have a good feed back.Better yet grab some old fenders and try it your self.Sometimes your better off doing the job your self.

[bk2life]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

6 weeks ago I took my 64 ....

if you can wait until march ill do it for you.

[198plus]

The first thing you should have done was run out the door, the price should have been the first clue. I own a body shop and my advice to you is to go get your truck. Sounds like he just needed some cash flow so he could have a nice Christmas

[Clyde65]

Here is what a body shop friend of mine told me to do, this is what he does with every job.

1. List all parts received from customer
2. List all work customer requests with parts list and time needed
3. Give a reasonable time line of completed work, milestones kind of.
4. Have BS manager or owner AND customer sign that there is an agreement. Also if there is a discount if timeline is not met.

Everyone gets a copy. Now you have legal recourse if something goes narly!

Sorry for your trouble
Posted via Mobile Device

[bonehead]

Take your truck and run to the nearest exit, I would not leave my truck there for another minute.

Argue about any moneys later, after your truck is safely at home.

[rustyrodknocker]

Body shops are contractors. And you are exactly right. Some people have a hard time with the truth though. Bodywork and residential construction are two industries where it's not very difficult for people who can't keep a job or make it as an employee to go into business for them selves. Adding to it, is the fact that it is such a meager living for the level of skilled work being performed. A great percentage of employees are doing work on the side to make a living. So in effect they are already in business for themselves. As a customer you need to maintain a constant presence . Don't be afraid to pull the work sooner than later.
I had a guy at a show tell me it takes two years to get a twenty thousand dollar paint job like his done. plus the two years he waited to get it in the guys shop due to its high demand. This guy was not an idiot. But when I asked him who is working for 10k a year minus taxes and materials. I seen the light in his head come on.
Posted via Mobile Device

[rustyrodknocker]

Originally Posted by bonehead

Take your truck and run to the nearest exit, I would not leave my truck there for another minute.

Argue about any moneys later, after your truck is safely at home.

Be careful here, it is very thin ice. You need to pay for any work done before leaving. If you just show up and drive off in your truck you can be charged with theft of services.
Posted via Mobile Device

[tincan1966]

why are the shops always the bad guys??

I agree, the delay in working on it with no contact is not acceptable.
There are some that will low-ball a price to get you in the door, and sometimes it works. And as with any type of this work or construction, things happen(ie previous job ran over on time due to....whatever.) Also, unseen damage can massively effect the time and costs.
We've run our shop for 3 years at this location, and we do things as mentioned above- there is a signed agreement between customer and us, usually before the vehicle ever arrives. All conditions are covered, even delays. Being a small independent with only 1 part time help, it's easy to get overwhelmed and run behind. HOWEVER the difference is I will call Joe Customer and say- "...hey I am running 2-3 days behind, just wanted to keep you in the loop..." And will usually make a slight concession for the inconvenience( free detail or something along those lines.)

And something else I notice it is simply amazing the 'experts" that know exactly what is needed and how long it should take to make a repair they are having someone else do.

I think you should honestly try to get your truck back and find another place. Do some homework and find someone reputable. Afterall, you are asking someone to cut a large section of your cab- done wrong and you've got a hacked piece os s***.

[tincan1966]

We've run our shop for 3 years at this location, and we do things as mentioned above-

--meaning we have contracts, not above mentioned practices of lowballing bids.

WOW I should have proof read better!

[63burban4x4]

If you choose a body shop or a contractor based on a "screaming deal", don't be surprised if you get a bad one.

I've been a building contactor for over 30 years, seen 'em come and go. As in any business, be clear what they are asking for, give 'em what you promised, and you will stay in business and prosper. I also choose my clients VERY carefully, avoiding those with unreasonable expectations.

Good, fast, or cheap......pick any 2, but only 2.

[McCoyAZ]

Originally Posted by 63burban4x4

If you choose a body shop or a contractor based on a "screaming deal", don't be surprised if you get a bad one.

I've been a building contactor for over 30 years, seen 'em come and go. As in any business, be clear what they are asking for, give 'em what you promised, and you will stay in business and prosper. I also choose my clients VERY carefully, avoiding those with unreasonable expectations.

Good, fast, or cheap......pick any 2, but only 2.

Actually chose this guy because he came highly recommended. Has had cars on magazine covers, shows at the SEMA show, very talented, likeable guy and I have seen his work,

I didn't walk in there blindfolded and I didn't try to beat the guy up on price or his timeline. He is the one that quoted what he would charge and how long it would take for what I wanted to have done.

I am thinking he quoted way too low and he may be waiting for me to get annoyed and come get the truck.

I'll know in a few days when I go over there with a flatbed to pick it up.

[rustyrodknocker]

A shop of any kind cannot survive without a backlog of work. So you should expect to wait going in. but an honest operator will be upfront with the timeframe.
Posted via Mobile Device

[tazattitude]

If he hasn't done anything, go get your truck and take it somewhere else.

Definitely would have done more research on this bodyshop.

I do motorcycle custom painting for customers around the country and give my best accurate completion estimate (to the day).
Obviously this bodyshop just gave you a inaccurate timeframe just to get the job in.

Guys like this gives everyone a bad name.
Not all are the same though like others that posted on this thread.

[KQQL IT]

1 month ment 3 months and a doberman pup.
For my paintjob
Posted via Mobile Device

[LostMy65]

I'd like to give my defense for the honest contractor.
I was one for years, and had to recently go back to work for a company of a completely different industry.
I find it a little offensive to lump contractors into a group of people who can't hold a job, and/or are the type looking to overcharge for inferior work.

I can just as easily lump the clients together as a bunch of chiselers looking to chisel a business down on their price.
I recount numerous occasions where a potential client wants me to do some work at the rate of the other so called Screaming Deal contractor.
I say, I can't do it for that. If you want that price, go use that guy that gave you that screaming price.
Their response to me is; 'You do better work'.
So time and again, someone attempts to chisel me down on the price to match some slipshod guy down the street.
What put the nail in the coffin for me running my own company was the cost of insurance.
For just my wife and I in good health was $700 per month.
.
So, A guy running a company legally - meeting all required licensing, regulations, and codes.
Having workers comp coverage for their employees.
Trying to put something away for retirement - Isn't giving screaming good deals.

[DesertCat]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Here is what a body shop friend of mine told me to do, this is what he does with every job.

1. List all parts received from customer
2. List all work customer requests with parts list and time needed
3. Give a reasonable time line of completed work, milestones kind of.
4. Have BS manager or owner AND customer sign that there is an agreement. Also if there is a discount if timeline is not met.

Everyone gets a copy. Now you have legal recourse if something goes narly!

Sorry for your trouble
Posted via Mobile Device

^^^ Exactly^^^
A body shop is a contractor... they are contracting work for you. If you don't have a clear scope of work, timeline, and payment/penalty provisions in a written contract... well, you get exactly what YOU bargained for.

I worked in several reputable body/restoration shops in the 70's-80's and never had a problem doing that for a customer.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I'd like to give my defense for the honest contractor.
I was one for years, and had to recently go back to work for a company of a completely different industry.
I find it a little offensive to lump contractors into a group of people who can't hold a job, and/or are the type looking to overcharge for inferior work.

I can just as easily lump the clients together as a bunch of chiselers looking to chisel a business down on their price.
I recount numerous occasions where a potential client wants me to do some work at the rate of the other so called Screaming Deal contractor.
I say, I can't do it for that. If you want that price, go use that guy that gave you that screaming price.
Their response to me is; 'You do better work'.
So time and again, someone attempts to chisel me down on the price to match some slipshod guy down the street.
What put the nail in the coffin for me running my own company was the cost of insurance.
For just my wife and I in good health was $700 per month.
.
So, A guy running a company legally - meeting all required licensing, regulations, and codes.
Having workers comp coverage for their employees.
Trying to put something away for retirement - Isn't giving screaming good deals.

it is always an art to deal with people. some times you just have to tell them to bugger off and let the others have it. there is no sense working for nothing. I remember when I first started working for myself, I remember quoting a fellow a $1,000.00 for a job and he came back and said can you do it for 800.00. I just looked him straight in the eye and said when you finish up at work tomorrow and put in your 8 hrs. and the boss comes along and says I am only going to pay you for 7 hours, what are you going to say?. he just said do the job.
the main thing that you are selling is your time. time is money
ron

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by rustyrodknocker

Be careful here, it is very thin ice. You need to pay for any work done before leaving. If you just show up and drive off in your truck you can be charged with theft of services.
Posted via Mobile Device

It sounds like nothing was done. He may need to pay for storage, who knows. I would take my truck back too.

[SS317]

Just go talk to him, Man to Man. If he has a good excuse (death in the family) then maybe he deserves another chance. If not and he hasn't moved the truck at all, calmly and firmly tell him you are taking the truck and you would like your money back.

[joedoh]

man I know the feeling. the running joke about projects is to take your first schedule and triple it, your first budget and forget it.

my truck has been at my friends since april. at the time he thought a couple weeks. life has a way of changing and he went through some changes personally and professionally, and he hasnt had any real progress to speak of in at least 6 months. when I took it over he had literally every day to do work but now he onlygets every other weekend to work on it and usually chooses not to, either through some event or illness. He required 50% up front and I paid it, and I traded him a pretty expensive tool for some additional work, which he left outside and it rusted. I dont know what to really do about it, he is a good friend and does good work but he hasnt been doing much of either lately.

This isnt my first build, far from it, and I have tried paying up front, milestone payments, paying at the end, half down, overpaying (tips), it just seems like they do whatever they want. I am clear in my expectations and they are clear in the schedules, it just all falls apart unless I am there every day.

[awbrown]

I havent seen my Pontiac in 3 years and now it is in the second body shop ..I know the feeling ................