Need to vent

[1969CoronetR/T]

I did not pay a dime until my car was done and it took him less than four months to strip the car to bare metal, block sand and paint. The shop took took the doors, fenders, hood and deck lid off as well as the glass to paint. Was quoted $12,000.00 for the car, $2000.00 for the engine bay and trunk that included the removal of the engine and painting it. Mike at Ray Donch's did a million dollar job for about $15,000.00 as I had minor problems with the passenger side door and trim work. A new deck lid for $600.00 as mine was rotted.

http://www.raydonchbodywerkspa.com/

 

[Donny]

I take some up front money, do the job, then get the rest when done.

 

[greenmachine]

That's my problem. I can't afford a 15000 paint job. Every shop I went to quoted me 12000 min. I understand it's a lot of overhead at these shops. That's how blue collar guys like myself get into these situations. I just can't a afford top shelf paint job.

 

[Bruzilla]

No need to apologize greenmachine. I did the exact same thing myself. And to be honest, I've heard plenty of horror stories from guys who went the top-shelf shop route and are in the exact same boat as you. The only difference is the reason for their vendor not getting the job done is usually because they are too busy making quick cash on insurance repairs to cars damaged in accidents. It's also been my experience that most of these shops charge way more than they should because they sell the owner on vague concepts like "you need to have this done right", when in reality they are going to do it the same way anyone else would and just charge you more.

I think you're issue goes more to motivating your painter, and nothing motivates a cash-strapped painter like cash... or more specifically the loss of it. I would pay him a visit with his balance due in $100, and tell him you need the car done and this money is enough to where you can have the car taken to Maaco and have them do it. If he wants the money, fine, get the car done. If not, you're taking the car and the balance of his money and giving them to someone else. That sure worked for me when I had this problem.

 

[Rocketman]

I just got off the phone with my painter. I was planning on bringing him my car this Friday. He is a one man operation in a nice shop behind his house. He does really good work at a good price. The problem is he is very slow. I understand good bodywork takes time. I have been extremely patient. I first met with him spring of 2013 about painting my car. I started pre-paying him fall of 2013. I have paid him a total of 2500.00. The car he is working on now is painted, but he is having issues with the cut and polish. He has had this car over a year. He is living off a line of credit so the money I pre-paid him is long gone. The part where I am an idiot is that I didn't get a written contract. It was a old school shake hands and that was it scenario. If I went the angry route I would have a tough time getting my 2500 back. He stated the current paint job is pushed off a week. But I have heard this over and over again. At what point do I cut bait? I could use some advice.
Thanks Erik

if you did not live in such a liberal state a damn good *** whooping would do the trick. I would probably issue a lean against him and pay a collections specialist to get your money back.

 

[Bruzilla]

if you did not live in such a liberal state a damn good *** whooping would do the trick. I would probably issue a lean against him and pay a collections specialist to get your money back.

The problem is that usually doesn't accomplish anything. You burn up a lot of time and court costs to get a judgement against a guy who's likely never going to pay a dime of it. You're usually better off finding some sort of leverage to use to get the work done, and money is the best leverage there is... aside from a good ole fashion *** kicking.

 

[steve from staten island]

That's my problem. I can't afford a 15000 paint job. Every shop I went to quoted me 12000 min. I understand it's a lot of overhead at these shops. That's how blue collar guys like myself get into these situations. I just can't a afford top shelf paint job.

Neither could i afford that kind of money. It sounds from what you said he's almost done with the car he is working on. Did he say he is going to take your car next? Flashing money in someones face to get them to do your car is not to smart, making threats or acting like your a tough guy can get you hurt,sued or in jail.

 

[Rocketman]

The problem is that usually doesn't accomplish anything. You burn up a lot of time and court costs to get a judgement against a guy who's likely never going to pay a dime of it. You're usually better off finding some sort of leverage to use to get the work done, and money is the best leverage there is... aside from a good ole fashion *** kicking.

You misunderstood me I think, I used to do collections back in the 90's where I would either go in a buy bad debts for 20 cents on the dollar or simply hire out for 20% on larger sums. I can already tell this guy is someone that wouldn't want too much attention from the police because of his poor management of money which usually indicates a habit, either drug use, gambling, or sex fiend. NONE of those types want police attention and generally will not call them if you pressure them as a rule of thumb.

I wouldn't even consider letting this guy work on my car if I knew my money paid was already gone but he would pay it back.

 

[steve from staten island]

You guys obviously know more about this than i do. But what if any legal recourse do you have when you paid the guy cash and shook hands. That would be enough for most of us but thats us not others. Thanks i appreciate the opinions

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I had a company owe me twenty thousand dollars with a signed contract and it still took three years in the court system to get it back. Half of it went to the lawyers. I would think an verbal agreement will be voided in the legal system.

 

[hotrod]

Rocketman,I really don't want to start anything here,but I disagree with your statement about poor money management,although you can be right sometimes I think most of the time the...habits...are,phone bill,gas bill,mortgage and insurance premiums...a one man band operation has to turn alot of dollars to keep up now days. Again,no disrespect to you,but this is how I see it

 

[greenmachine]

Ok guys update. Went to see him today. He was finishing up the cut and buff after flat boarding with 1200. I understand time consuming. He stated "I want this pos out of here by Monday so we can start on your car". I explained my frustration and he was very open to discussion. I'm feeling better about the situation. Thanks for the input guys!

 

[steve from staten island]

Good! Im happy for you Mr. Green. Keep us up to date on how things go

 

[mmissile]

Oldest rule in the book........

Cheap, fast, good......pick 2.

 

[eldubb440]

Oldest rule in the book........

Cheap, fast, good......pick 1.

fixed it for ya :icon_mrgreen:

 

[idrivemopar]

That's my problem. I can't afford a 15000 paint job. Every shop I went to quoted me 12000 min. I understand it's a lot of overhead at these shops. That's how blue collar guys like myself get into these situations. I just can't a afford top shelf paint job.

Just one comment here, and I don't know the status of your car, if its stripped and ready to go to paint or if you are doing body work as well, but, there are cars that people do spend that much on and more for just a paint job, however, if you get the right person that knows what he is doing, a very nice paint job can be had for 5k to 7k.

I had a painter that screwed me on my paint, 5k, ended up taking it to another shop that was professional and has a great painter on staff, and they were able to sand and repaint the entire car properly, except the underside, for just over 5k and it looks like a 10K job! Well, it actually is because of the 5k the other guy took from me, but that's my point, you don't have to spend tons of money to get a nice paint job, especially if the body work is done and its ready for prime and paint.

 

[Coronet 14]

Alot of places quote a very high dollar figure because they don't want to do the job. They think you will go elsewhere.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

The shop owner that did my car told me he makes very little money on restorations. All the money is in collision work.

 

[dieseldazzle]

There is two years from your last payment on an oral contract in Oregon small claims. Make a small payment to get it current if it's been more than two years and then go to small claims but even then if you get a judgement you have to collect it or sell it at a fraction to a collection company and being self employed he may be able to claim head of household in which case he doesn't legally have to pay ( that's the law in Florida as an example)