I need a little help as I'm relatively new to classic cars. I took my '72 Skylark to a reputable body shop to have the RH core support repaired as it had rusted out. I have learned that this is common on these cars. They quoted me $350 to "repair core support/ battery pan". When I went to pick up the car it looked like it was still sagging on the front passenger side and upon inspection they had not repaired the core support, only welded sheet metal into where the battery sits. The manager told me that they "do not do" the type of work I was requesting and offered to give me $100 off of the origional price. I am wondering if this is a fair price for the work that was done and (keep in mind) now I will have to take it to another body shop to have the core support repaired. I am frusterated and have to pick the car up tomorrow so any information that I can take with me would help so much!!
I sell a repair kit just for this repair. It is an easy repair with the kit. The bodyshop should not be charging you $350 for that kind of repair. Definately raise a fuss they will help out more than $100 esspecially if he butched it.
Michael, I e0mailed you earlier today to see if that was available. Do you think the $250 sounds fair if I just take the car from them?
Its easier to ask for more off the bill than not because you get as much as you ask for. If you ask for nothing you get nothing. I am not sure what he did all over the entire ticket but if he ONLY did the core support Id say its too much.
If they dont do this type of work then why did they take on the job? I'm afraid i'd want more than $100 back.
Sounds like he has done nothing for you that will not have to be replaced. He does not do that type of work ,welds in some tin that does not fix the problem and wants $250. To keep the peace I would offer him 1 hour rate pay at his shop. Just my opinion I have not seen what he did. However if they welded in a new repo section of inner fender that is a different story.
Rip Off Shop Is this so called Repair Shop ASE CARTIFIED or a shade tree shop?Im an ASE CERTIFIED Mechanic and Transportation Mng. for BILOXI SCHOOLS MS. Shops like these give guys like me a bad name. I also have a shop at home and am a licensed Auto repair and salvage. I have 25 yrs. experience and have never had a single complant. I have all repeat customers.Untill they get old and pass away, because im fair priced and honest.#1 If this shop is ASE go to the ASE Web Site and report them and also to the Better Buisness Buro.#2 Order the proper repair parts .#3 Ask around for a reputable shop.#4 Bring your parts and car to the shop of choice and ask the manager if they are can do this repair to factory spec.If yes make sure he understands what you exspect{Make sure its on the invoice}.After droping off the car if estimate is satisfactory they should be able to give you an exact price after deeper inspection.{Estimates and final price should be free}#5 When ready check the work over before leaving,point out any unsatisfactory work.If any problem show him your copy of the written invoice agreement.#6 Request that old parts be saved. You may want to stop by several times while your car is disassembled for your inspection.#7 Print this for the manager of the RIP OFF SHOP. This shop only wants your cash and does not take pride in quality, or care about preserving classic cars for future generations. ASE CERTIFIED TEC. R. Davis
an easy repair?? Maybe for somebody that does it all the time, like you, but to do that repair correctly you need the proper tools, experience, skills and quite a bit of time. I wouldn't call a job that needs all that "easy." As for Wendi, if it was me I'd say the shop owes you money for wasting your time, not delivering on their promise (contract) and most likely making the proper repair more difficult, time consuming and costly. We all know they're not going to pay you but they'd have a hard time getting money outta me! If that shop insists you pay them go see a lawyer and get his opinion. I'll bet you legally owe them nothing.
wendi, any advice i give would get you locked up. what i would do, and what i would recommend are two different things. one time my dads car got towed after it broke down and my brother parked it on the shoulder, the gas station wanted a bunch of money to give it back, and they parked out back in an open lot. well, dad had a spare key. he and i went to the gas station in the middle of the night and took it back. dogs were barking, the muffler was loud, but he fired it up and away we went. mmmm, good times. what i would do would be much more severe. we dont let anyone mess with our rides. thems fightin words around here.
