I sent my car to a resto shop in a nearby town to get done. I thought I had done my homework on the place and got a reasonable price. Anyhow it is almost two years later and the car isn't even close to being done. He said two years on the restoration and it is really isn't getting close. I really am getting fed up with the whole situation and am about ready to tell him to shove it! I guess the question is should I threaten on getting an attorney or what? Right now I just don't know what to.

Where are you on the money? Do you owe him money, or are you paid up/paid in advance?

I'd get square on the money for whatever work and parts have been supplied so far, and I'd go get my car.

I paid half up. One cut was to be at the paint and one at the finish.

I'd try to get as much money back as you think you need to be square with whatever work he has done so far. If (when) he refuses, go to small claims court. I think the limit here on small claims is $5000. If you get a lawyer, you'll spend all of your money on legal fees.

Only thing I might hire a lawyer to do is to write a nasty letter. That shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred dollars :rolleyes:

I would go talk to the guy and explain that he stated two years. I wouldn't get mad, nor yell, and nor swear at the guy. I would keep it friendly as possible, but explain that I want it by early summer. If he knows you are going to hold him to the time frame, he will try to work it in. He is trying to make a living doing this and I'm sure he doesn't want to lose any money. He also has a rep to hold on to and most likely doesnh't want to get bad mouthed. Most of all, I would be as nice as possible, as he's the one that not only has the car, but is going to work on the car. If he said two years, then that is when I expect the car back. Maybe he doesn't even know how long he has had it, time does slip away on these guys.
So, my suggestion to you, just go talk to the guy and explain your needs and expectations. Agree to a timeline and that he can hold to and write down what date he gives you and the current date you talked. Then ask what if he can't meet the date, what will he do for you. If you work all the details out now, it will save a big headache later. Remember, this guy has feeling too, and try to be as nice and friendly as possible.

Fred.

I would go talk to the guy and explain that he stated two years. I wouldn't get mad, nor yell, and nor swear at the guy. I would keep it friendly as possible, but explain that I want it by early summer. If he knows you are going to hold him to the time frame, he will try to work it in. He is trying to make a living doing this and I'm sure he doesn't want to lose any money. He also has a rep to hold on to and most likely doesnh't want to get bad mouthed. Most of all, I would be as nice as possible, as he's the one that not only has the car, but is going to work on the car. If he said two years, then that is when I expect the car back. Maybe he doesn't even know how long he has had it, time does slip away on these guys.
So, my suggestion to you, just go talk to the guy and explain your needs and expectations. Agree to a timeline and that he can hold to and write down what date he gives you and the current date you talked. Then ask what if he can't meet the date, what will he do for you. If you work all the details out now, it will save a big headache later. Remember, this guy has feeling too, and try to be as nice and friendly as possible.

Fred.
I agree, you'll catch more fly's with honey ;) .. But also be assertive, just in a nice fashion.. You don't want to loose the guys respect if he's still going to work on your car..

Scott

I ran through the same scenario with my machine shop. Just have to remember your not his only customer. That's why I made it a point to stop by a couple times a week just to make sure he didn't forget about my engine. Always do my best tp start a conversation with him... Cuse nobody wants to do bust there a$$ for a jerk.

Always do my best tp start a conversation with him... Cuse nobody wants to do bust there a$$ for a jerk.
Ditto

I guess what upsets me the most is that he has taken on other projects and just lets my car sit. There are at least two cars there now that he has taken in the last year that he has worked on alot more than mine. It just seems to me that having pulled the engine, tranny, stripping the interior and removing the glass is unacceptable for having the car for two years. Am I wrong?

Have you thought about paying him for the work done and having someone else finish or start the work rather?

Dk, I don't think you're wrong, but I would try the nice but concerned route first. Explain to him that you're upset that your car is just sitting and other cars are moving ahead of yours. Just remember to use "I" when you talk to him. "It upsets me that my car is sitting. I see you working on other cars, but not mine. Is there somthing wrong? Can I help you with anything?..." or somthing like that. When you start saying "you this and you that" he'll get defensive and won't want to admit he's the problem.

Be understanding, but be firm. You're right to be upset if he said two years and it's still two years away from being done. Ask him if it was maybe too much for him to do. This way if you part ways it will be on good terms. Sueing him and threatening him aren't the best ways to get your car and all it's parts.... Only take that route if you can't get it resolved the other way.

If you both agree on having him finish the car make sure he's positive that it will be done in the time frame you agree on.

Good luck,

David

I guess what upsets me the most is that he has taken on other projects and just lets my car sit. There are at least two cars there now that he has taken in the last year that he has worked on alot more than mine.
Guess who's been coming around on a regular basis and nicely holding his feet to the fire. I agree with the nice but firm approach, works both ways in my business. You can always get hasty and sue later. Come to a agreement on timeframe and penalties (since he's missed the deadline, only work completed will be paid for, etc. ) then check regulary on progress. If he balks then get your car and parts back, and money if owed, then move on to the next shop with better understanding of what to negociate in writing from the start.

Do you have a contract, If not your out of luck, Is he really good? Do you know of any cars he has done? See how long he took on other cars, Sounds like its gonna be atleast another year, its worth the wait if he is good make him garranty the next finish date...nicole