Hello, I have written a few times about my troubling quarter panel job. I am returning the car next week for fit & finish. I know some of you out there can do some great body work. So I am asking if anybody has some nice shots of their work to show my bodyman - perhaps before paint.
I would like if available:
Door Jam alignment, wheel well alignment, rear bumper to quarter alignment, deck and deck filler alignment. Quarter window alignment (where vertical seam meets horizontal) and all other seams like inside the trunk rear window channel, and inside the door jam. I REALLY appreciate any help.

Also, just in case, has anybody had to pursue their body shop legally? and what is the best advice should they butcher the car? Thanks Dan

If you think they are going to butch it up, pull it out. Or stop them. Dont let them hack it.

If you think they are going to butch it up, pull it out. Or stop them. Dont let them hack it.

I agree. It almost sounds as if you don't trust the guy to begin with.

Really think twice.....you might be better pulling it out and taking it somewhere else....if you go to court and tell the judge you had felt he was not talented enough to do the job correctly after he botched it initially........he might just tell you that you should have just listened to that little voice and carried it elsewhere....could be tough putting a price on what it would cost to fix shi--y work and judge just thinks it's an old car....he may not get it.......we get it........you got it.....good......Good Luck!

Give him a chance to make it right. If he butchers it up then you have a case. Even judge Judy will ask " did you gave him a chance to fix it ". Gary

If you have to show him or explain to him any of the above and he doesn't have readily available photo book that is literally worn out from people looking through it you need to think about if it is worth it to potentially create more cost to fix your car and gamble on the legal system to help you out. It looks as if you are heading down a path were more damage will be done and it will take more work to correct/un-do what he will have done. It'll be a painful road to have him mess it up and then sue him to cover the costs to have it done right. It would be great if you had some written agreement to the level he claims he can perform the body work. If he agrees to do "professional" work then he subjects himself to professional standards and you can get three or so other reputable body shops to critique his work and offer a "qualified" opinion if it is to a professional level - then its up to the judge as in a civil case their opinion is what ultimately counts. Certainly you should have plenty of pictures of other work and if possible a factory car stripped down if you do need to go to court. Normally a contractor has a right to make minor issues right before they are at full fault/breech - however if the level of work is beyond exceptible you should start the process now.
http://www.jenjacs.com/cars/47/more/index.php
http://www.jenjacs.com/cars/37/more/index.php

I really appreciate everyones input. I have actually done a few chevelles before and never really had these issues. I have also painted and done the body work on my old 70 as well as a few other cars. I happened to be in a position where I did not have the facility or time to do myself. I did however have a little extra cash, so I thought a local reputable shop would be able to do it. I dropped the car off with the body shops owner. He had tons of top quality cars in the shop and in his album. He was behind - so I made the critical mistake of telling him "I was not in a hurry" hoping that would transpire into a reduced rate since the understanding was to work on when time allowed. So the car sat for months. I spoke ot the owner on several occasions, and the plan was to get it started. Next thing I know, I get a call from the shop asking what was going on with this car? Apparently since the last time we spoke, the shop owner sold the shop to an adjacent repair shop. I had already given $1,500 as a deposit. The new owners were not going to refund the deposit, but said they would complete the car for the original estimated amount ($3600). I was stuck. The body shop assured me of their competency. The owner himself had a few GM classics (not done), but at least an interest in old cars. I agreed, so that I would not be out the original 1.5K The original owner skipped town with my money and apparently a bunch of others money. The new owner "should have" done his due dilligence and investigated the cars left on the premisce before purchase. I think the price was too good to pass up since the lost is prime real estate. None the less, I picked up the car a few months ago to put in the new engine and detail the engine compartment and undercarriage. I wanted to have the car painted with the front clip off to get a better job. The shop still has the front clip and I owe a balance of $300. He is supposed to fit and finish the car upon return. Based off of what was done so far I am hesitant. He has to put on the front clip anyways, so I am going to have him try to fix what has been done to the car already. I really need some photos of the deck filler, quarter panels, etc (listed in original blog) so That I can explain to him my expectations when I finally pick up the car. I want a driver, and not a frame off show car. So any help would be great. I am also starting to photograph and identify the error on paper. I will - once they have finished the car - get second and third "professional" opinions so should I have to pursue the shop have professional input. :confused:

Dan-
I am coming to Tampa on Vacation in two weeks. I have done a dozen of these cars, and if you want someone to look at the car and tell you what they think, we could probably get together. I am an ASE certified Master Collision tech as well, so I know how these are supposed to go together and look.
What part of Tampa are you in? We're staying in St Pete.
PM me if you're interested.

Dave, That is a very generous offer. The car goes in to the shop on Tuesday. I dont think they will appreciate anybody coming by the shop sharp shooting their work. I would like it, but I probably should approach them with my expectations and less aggresive approach first. If the car is completed by then and not to my expectations, I might give you shout. I would hate to bother you on your vacation though. By the way where are you staying in St. Pete - the beach? My dad has a place over there at Sunset Beach. Thanks again fo the offer! - Dan

We're staying at the Miramar on the beach. Nice little mom and pop place that's clean. It's about 2 blocks north of the Don Cesar and about 1/4 the price. :)
Always glad to help.
Do you know of a guy in the area that is big into Olds? I can't remember his name or where his place is, it's down around the area we're staying. He had a pepper green 70 GTO judge for sale about 10 years ago. He was a friend of Martin Krupkin's, if that name rings a bell.