It's been 4 months now and I can't get the body shop to get me an update

I sure hope you got to see the car and not just a pic?

Mi amigo - go get your car and find another ring master. This guy is double trouble.

so...have you seen your car in person yet?

snakeyes said:

orange peel sounds like the painter cant paint

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Welcome to California some degree of it is acceptable to the state, they basically wanted me to understand that for what I am paying overall that there was nothing they could do other than make the shop list the degrees of it or state the options to make sure it was like glass which they did.

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RT K_line said:

WOW after all you have gone through you still left your car with him. I hope it all turns out ok for you. Nice car by the way, it looks like it deserves a nice paint job. By the way I have painted 2 cars in my life and didn't get any orange peel. One I did out in the back yard jet black. Good luck to you my mopar brother.

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X2

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Thanks, I know it sounds ******* stupid on my part but I had to sit back and re evaluate the situation mainly because there are no shops near me that would even consider doing my car for anything less than $15-20k most shops here wanted $10k just to get started then go from there! That's why the next car (a 68 barracuda) I will be stripping my self, learning the metalwork and bodywork myself and painting it a matte black in my buddies back yard under a tent.

I have come this far and after speaking with many of this shop's customers happy ones and sad ones and getting the state involved the conclusion is this shop can produce some great work there is no doubt about that, but you have to be able to stomach his BS and delays. Now that doesn't mean they won't do shitty work either, one pissed customer said they used JB weld on emblem holes and other BS stuff like painting over rust and crap. This guys was out $14k as well $8500 he got back but he has to have his car redone. Now I don't know the full story of what went down so who knows. I have backs up in place with assurances if things go south I can get my money back I also made them include a warranty statement in the estimate for 1 year.

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khryslerkid said:

Where's the car now?

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The car is at this shop's new location, an industrial park type complex built 20 years or so ago with multiple shops within one big building. within that complex he has a suite that he is using to store cars until they are ready to work on them. the owner also lives in the same town so he wanted to have his business closer.

I don't know how you could move forward after all that has happened.Good luck.

1962polara said:

Sorry to be cynical but what has really changed here?
X2 on where is your car??

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No worries man I can't blame you for being cynical at all from the way it all sounded in the beginning was absolutely insane.

What's changed is me taking a deep breath sitting back and re evaluating the situation meaning.

I got bombarded with negative information about this shop and its owner etc, most of it from 2 guys who had a bad experience one of them suing this shop and winning over a door ( yes a door not sure what kind of door or why but yes a door when I asked him what kind of door is $18k he never responded so maybe a house door?!) This same guy also gave me a ton of intel on this shop making a lot of claims about what a bad criminal this guy is etc, when I did my own investigation I found 80% of what he said was BS and when I pressed him for closer detailed info when went sideways and shut me out. this was all done via chat on linkedin where he found me.

The second guy found me via facebook and Sean was way more accurate with describing the shop and the owner and what happened to him, the hard part with Sean is most everything he said the owner would tell me was right on. but then when I tested the theory with Sean and put words in his mouth to see if he was just leading me I found he was to an extent meaning I would say the dude said this and he would reply oh yeah he told me that too etc really man c'mon, now he may of had a bad experience and got into a major disagreement with the shop owner and it turned into a fight but not all of what he said was 100% true more like 90%. Real funny thing here is almost without fail as soon as I would either get off the phone with the owner or get done with a few emails of whatever this guy sean was pinging me on facebook asking for an update, and I mean like clockwork it was too coincidental to discount like he was actually working with the owner to see if I would pull my car or what it turned weird for me so I had to take that into consideration as well.

So being a somewhat of a level headed guy just wanting my car painted and looking good from 5 ft instead of 50 ft I had to make sure I wasn't making a rash decision. That said, it was VERY HARD! trust me when asking the owner for status updates and getting oh your car has been blasted and is in metal work mode and this and that just to be told later after I got the state involved that oh wait sorry I was referring to another RR that is getting a frame off resto your car has not been touched yet! Yes it was hard to not pull the car after asking to see my car and not being able to(before state intervention), yes it was hard to get pics of the car suspension like I asked for to see if they would slip and get more of the car in the shot and to make sure they still had my car period and not see any of the body work in the pics like they were hiding the fact it hadn't been touched. Yes it was all lies and BS and am I pissed **** YEAH I AM but....

So I sat back and thought to my self, I am as smart as or smarter than a BS shop clown. and sat down and carefully played the chess game making sure the moves out in front of me were laid out such that the opponent had only one option to move in. Once I got him in that narrow alley way where the only way out was to do the work like it is supposed to be done and write it out like the state says it is supposed to be and state the guarantees and warranties like the state mandates as well. That said, I have a way to get a full refund if I'm not satisfied, I also have a document to take to court if need be for in this case would be damages, because I would get my money back so the only reason to sue in small claims would be because I wanted them to pay for someone else to do the car right.

So things being what they are and the owner almost completely settled into his new shop, me with a detailed written estimate showing the start date and delivery date with a warranty etc i feel pretty confident that he will get it done and I went in to this knowing that when you strip a car of all the filler and crap there is always something you find that needs repair, so the total price is not set in stone and will be more than what I stated was my budget but at least now I can manage it properly like it is supposed to be done not like hat appeared to be a wild west act.

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GetX'd said:

Mi amigo - go get your car and find another ring master. This guy is double trouble.

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I like you concern compadre and I came close and come the start date if it turns into a lie again my car will be home.

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Basket case said:

so...have you seen your car in person yet?

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I have not personally but the current pictures I have are from the state inspector who did see and inspect the car on my behalf.

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roudabush said:

I don't know how you could move forward after all that has happened.Good luck.

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Thanks, I am probably going to need more than luck moreover diligence is the key. I kept wondering why myself but read my other stuff.

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Homstead said:

I sure hope you got to see the car and not just a pic?

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I will for sure, the pics came from the state inspector who saw and inspected the car and I have been guaranteed the right to see the car at any time I request it, it is at the shop owners new location.

I have been following and feeling your pain.I have been in engine shop,chassis shop and body shop prison.LOST 5 years of enjoyment.You seem to now have your ducks in a row at the price that brought you there in the 1st place. I am confident he will do the "good job" due to the state being in your pit.

Best of luck!!!!

The one thing I learned here is to make sure I understand the laws and the rules for this type of work, had I known the laws and rules of the state, the written estimate I now have would have been done before any money would have been given for sure and it would not have taken 5 months.

All of this drama has happened because I let it happen. being inexperienced with this type of stuff has clearly shown me that I was a complete noob and blinded by to things first the sadness of not having a decent paint job overwhelmed me, so much so I was willing to almost take it to maaco ugg! second when I found a place that claims it's an actual hotrod shop I got star struck and suckered into handing over my car blindly and then handing over my money blindly expecting the shop to just automatically be professional and send me the estimate.

My first sign of things heading south is when a week after I gave them a deposit I started calling and asking the owner for a receipt for the deposit, when he kept blowing me off until I showed up at his shop should have been the key to getting my car back but again I'm a noob a total noob and one so nooby that I was walking around with a fuking wedggy and didn't even know it! lol

The second sign, was while at his shop getting my receipt and asking why my car was not here and where is it, and why aren't your guy's hand stripping it like you said? and being told oh they looked at it and with our current workload we decided to send it out to media blasting so get it done faster. Oh ok I said that sounds reasonable.... ******* noob mistake I should have said hold on who authorized that? and what the **** do yo mean its somewhere else and how much is that costing out of the deposit?! etc etc.


Third sign was when asking for updates after 2 months in just getting typical responses like " I will check into to it and get back to you" and not hearing back for weeks. another noob mistake.


Bottom line for me is I have learned a **** ton in a small amount of time about situations like this. keep in mind I have never had a car painted other than just minor repair work for insurance at a local place in and out in a few days.


Now what made this experience even worse was the people who had negative experiences hitting me up with all kinds of bad stuff and just driving the fear factor and conspiracy factor over the top I mean I have conversation records that will blow you mind and if I get my car back done and I'm happy I will post some of this stuff. these guys just about drove me to the end of the cliff until I started getting suspicious and took the situation by the horns and did the right thing and got the authorities involved.


I really want this post to be used by the others as a learning experience. I am sure there are others out there who will be or are in my boat and could use a story like this to learn from. there are silver tongued snakes around every corner in this world and we all know they prey on the weak or the ones like me who get star struck and make big mistakes.

I too have been waiting for an update on your car. I hope it works out for you but I have to say that I feel that this is just more of what has gone on already. I am disappointed that you did not see your car and if you were to go there right now and find it at the new location I would be completely surprised. Now if you did find it there, you would be wise to get it the hell out of there while you still have it.

I hope it works out but I think that the worst is yet to come by giving this dirt bag the benefit of the doubt. Another member mentioned that the price you've been given is way low and I totally agree with that. The price is half of what it would be anywhere else. That lowball quote is what is keeping you there and I'm afraid that what you're hoping to save is going to result in losing the Runner altogether.
I hope that my words pushes you to at least take a drive to see if the Runner is where it is said to be. Just saying.. By the way, love your Runner!!

malex said:

I too have been waiting for an update on your car. I hope it works out for you but I have to say that I feel that this is just more of what has gone on already. I am disappointed that you did not see your car and if you were to go there right now and find it at the new location I would be completely surprised. Now if you did find it there, you would be wise to get it the hell out of there while you still have it.

I hope it works out but I think that the worst is yet to come by giving this dirt bag the benefit of the doubt. Another member mentioned that the price you've been given is way low and I totally agree with that. The price is half of what it would be anywhere else. That lowball quote is what is keeping you there and I'm afraid that what you're hoping to save is going to result in losing the Runner altogether.
I hope that my words pushes you to at least take a drive to see if the Runner is where it is said to be. Just saying.. By the way, love your Runner!!

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Well like I said, I have it set up now where even if it does go bad I can get my car and my money back. There are not a lot of options to screw me by the shop now, we have a start date and if that date comes and goes and it does not start the car automatically comes home. this has been established.

Some of the things I haven't mentioned are the written things that have been mediated by the state which hold certain guarantees and missing the start date or being over that or the delivery date by a week or more without prior authorization turns into a violation of our contract and they return the car to me I don't go get **** they bring it back at their expense and a full refund is issued unless they can justify any expense incurred which again get mediated by the state for legitimacy.

Each stage of progress from here on out requires my personal visit and acceptance as a part of the agreement. Sadly it has come to this vs just a gentleman's agreement but since it appears some people are no good at their word but have a business that is obligated to abide by the laws of this state put themselves into position to be fined and or shut down, since this shop has had a few other complaints to the state all but one being worked out is on the edge of the state deciding there are enough complaints to send them to the state DA's office with the recommendation they be shut down. that said its up to the this shop to come through now with my car. its in their best interest to at minimum do what they say they are going to do per the estimate.

Sounds like you have crossed your T's and dotted the I's my friend. I hope that it really goes this way and I hope that you will continue to update us with positive progress!
Over the course of this thread it's clear that you are a pretty good trusting fellow and want to believe that everyone else is the same as you.
What would be the best update of all is to see you muster up the nerve to go see that your nice Roadrunner is even where you're told that it is. I know that the members sure would be taking that drive. Face your fears fellow member!

Well it sounds like you know how you stand as a customer and now you can exercise your rights.
Just make sure to remind the shop owner that you do. Stop by unannounced at least once a week when his start date comes due. Be friendly towards him but assertive enough that he stays on the job. Comment on his good work but question him on things he could be doing different or better. Nothing worse than a half *** rush job that will need attention later on.

My son and I had a custom paint shop years back and the last thing you want to do is to piss off the customer. Things can get behind schedule real quick.

If this owner was up front with you from the beginning, you wouldn't be having this problem at all. If he made excuses before, he'll do it again. If he lied before, he'll lie again. Did he even have the car at a media blaster?

Stick to your guns and hopefully everything will work out. Thanks for posting all of this. It will be educational to folks that don't realise how things can take place at some of these shops. Education is the key! I don't care if it is your car or an appliance at home or construction on your house, things can get out of hand real quick dealing with some of these businesses.

Good Luck and keep us posted...

khryslerkid said:

Well it sounds like you know how you stand as a customer and now you can exercise your rights.
Just make sure to remind the shop owner that you do. Stop by unannounced at least once a week when his start date comes due. Be friendly towards him but assertive enough that he stays on the job. Comment on his good work but question him on things he could be doing different or better. Nothing worse than a half *** rush job that will need attention later on.

My son and I had a custom paint shop years back and the last thing you want to do is to piss off the customer. Things can get behind schedule real quick.

If this owner was up front with you from the beginning, you wouldn't be having this problem at all. If he made excuses before, he'll do it again. If he lied before, he'll lie again. Did he even have the car at a media blaster?

Stick to your guns and hopefully everything will work out. Thanks for posting all of this. It will be educational to folks that don't realise how things can take place at some of these shops. Education is the key! I don't care if it is your car or an appliance at home or construction on your house, things can get out of hand real quick dealing with some of these businesses.

Good Luck and keep us posted...

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Did he even have the car at a media blaster?

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No, that's where I should have raised the red flag and began to grill the **** out of him and force him to fess up right then. but my inexperience let it go.

After I had a complaint filed with the state and before I released them to go pay him a visit, I wrote him a letter basically explaining what we had talked about for the job, and how I asked where my car was but was not given a clear answer and letting him know that the last physical conversation we had he had made the statement he could have my car done by the 2nd week of March,

so in the letter I say that I fully expect the either of 3 thing, 1- my car is done as promised, 2-the car has not been touched and will be returned to me in the condition it left and a full refund will be given, 3- if any work has been started on the car the car will be given back to me and we will settle up on what ever invoice he had for the work and the state will verify the work vs the invoice as a third party.

Once he got that letter he called me and explained he had been talking to me about another car ALL this time. and that my car has not been touched and was #3 in line to get done. I explained to him, that I gave him several chances to fess up about my car meaning I could tell he was full of it and things he was saying and pic sent didn't add up and it was obvious he was hiding the fact he hasn't touched my car.

He apologized many times and begged me to let him finish the car telling me I will not be disappointed and they were in the middle of a shop move etc etc. So I told him a detailed estimate makes it all good get me that and I will re evaluate the situation.

He promised an estimate by the next day, it didn't come so I let loose the hounds and from just the first phone call from the state inspector got him running and he called, texted and promised I could come see my car anytime it was safe etc etc.

Keep in mind I have had the state on board for a few weeks already watching our communications and staying up with what was happening. The first letter I sent got his attention for sure and like I said early post was checked by an attorney who let me know that since they didn't give me a real estimate in the beginning my letter as descriptive as it was could be used as an estimate and be used in court. Also my chances of winning a small claims suite were at %99.99 the only problem with that is even though you win in small claims there is no guarantee you get paid unless you pay a collections service to go after it for you and in that case you lose a certain part of the amount which sucks and could take up to 5 years.

So all these things I am running in my head and thinking its just better to stick it out if I can just get detailed estimate. which now we have so here we go fingers crossed. and yes I sure do plan on being a part of the cars build at each stage if I fail to show thens it bad on me and I get what I get.

Damned strait you should be worried. The next call I would make would be to a lawyer. You better get over there and get every piece of your car out of there before the bank or someone else closes that shop.

if you decide to let the car stay with this asshat.....get YOUR *** up there as much as you can.....and UNannounced visits, with camera and witness in hand.

John, Please just go get your car. Its only 2 hrs from you.

You have tried to do what you think is the right thing in dealing with these *** clowns. What you have to understand is they do not play by the same rules, They do not give a rats azz about the state or laws or lawyers.
I figure the reason your car has not been blasted is no media blaster in the area will work for these idiots.
They are in business to collect down payments, The few cars they do finish is prob more because they are leary of the owner and what will happen if the rip them off, Even yet today some folks handle their own problems without the law.

This shop will be closed again, mabey bankruptcy, liens , law suits , state , who knows but it will be closed. they will move on and operate under another family members name, on and on it will go. If and when your car does vanish you will have a suit or lien on someone that's out of business with no assets to sell off. Your RR will have been reported as stolen from their place by them to the local PD along with other unlucky folks cars who are is the same trap.
Then you get to get inline for a claim on their insurance on a closed or bankrupt shop that prob didn't make last months premium payment.
I hope I am dead wrong but I don't see this ending well, You have been more understanding and forgiving than most on here would.
You seem like a nice guy John and I am sorry all this has happened to you.
Get your trailer man , Get a deputy and go get you car.

Xs 2

To each his own but I wouldn't let that joker waste my time calling this agency and that agency to make him to his job.And I would be carful of all the social media on it .The is a small world and they are probley reading all you are posting,not to mention the time out of your life tapping keys on here about it.All to self consuming IMO.He wouldn't still have my car.good luck.

This may sound harsh, but I think you are either afraid to go get your car, with the accompanying big stink that goes with it, or you keep thinking with your wallet. Common sense tells everyone on the last seven pages to go get your car. If he's so much cheaper, there's a reason. Either he buries his mistakes in bondo, or, as has been said, he's collecting down payments, or when the work starts, that's when he will start hitting you up for more money. I got ripped off as a young man several times. That's when I learned to do the work, and bought my own tools. It was cheaper in the long run, and I had control over what went on. Get your damned car!

Good luck man, keep us posted!