Mad as hell

[Wild Hare]

Got the car back from the body shop today. Overcast skies and rain when I picked her up.

So I got her home in my garage... the paint job has debris everywhere in the re-paint/replaced panels... I ran my hand across every inch of the body and windows and they have overspray as well. They painted my L.R. door that had no damage whatsoever!!!

When I dropped it off I explained my passion in the car and how I wanted it perfect.

I'm ready to explode tomorrow when I take it back. I'd like to meet the painter and his opinion of what he thinks.:mad0259:

I have been a detailer since '77 and worked for two dealerships and ran a detail shop for M-Benz for 3 yrs and have never seen shit like this in all my professional life!

I am so fucking pissed... this is totally unacceptable - PERIOD!:paddle:

Who do I scream at when I go in tomorrow?!

[MKV Aaron]

Stick the dobie on them!!

That sucks man, sorry to hear it. Hope it all gets sorted out.

[Blackmagicfast]

sorry to hear that! if it happened to me i would do exactly what im hoping you do tomorrow!:fighting0030: :paddle:

[335 Trojan]

sucks dude

[angrybaker]

x2

just wondering, who chose the body shop you went to?

[mose6161]

whatever you do don't go out to the car and get your gun. that never solves anything.

[doctorgonzo]

I would be looking to talk to the owner (like, RIGHT NOW, and get him in if he isn't there) and the paint shop guys. They should fix everything for free, or offer to pay for another (better) paint shop to fix their f-up.

Don't take any shit, whatever you do. If it's substandard work you have an obvious right to be pissed.

Chris

[Wild Hare]

10-4... going for the big cheese!

[JhnR]

make sure you call him a douche

actually tell him John from so cal said so.

[absoluteczech]

wet sand?

[RenegadeLatino]

10-4... going for the big cheese!

get 'em! we'll be there in spirit amigo.

[itsYANO]

dude.. body shops can be a fucking nightmare... i picked up my car after it got stolen.. and the dumbfucks put two lugnuts on each wheel.. thank god i saw it before i drove away..

seriously tho sorry to hear it.. just take it back in and demand they fix it.. you/your insurance forked out good money to have your car back like new.. should get what you payed for.

[streetbob57]

Don't fell to bad I am on my 5th trip back to body shop to have them fix stupid stuff that should have been right before I left.

[doctorgonzo]

I think it could be said that we all love our cars.

In this vein, I think many of us return to a repair shop with a "Just give me the damn keys back already" mentality.

I think it prudent to take a moment to inspect the work carefully, BEFORE the keys/car is returned.

Repair shops aren't perfect and are often lazy bastids, so cover your ass and complain before you pay the bill!

My "inspired" $.02

Chris

Tarded in Shanghai

[bcze1]

In this vein, I think many of us return to a repair shop with a "Just give me the damn keys back already" mentality.

I think it prudent to take a moment to inspect the work carefully, BEFORE the keys/car is returned.


x2...spend 10 minutes to inspect your car when picking it up from a BS. It will save you time and trouble almost everytime.

When you go back, talk (NOT SCREAM) to the owner or GM. Explain (again) that your passionate about your car, but don't be emotional. Even though you're mad walking in and screaming like an idiot will get you nowhere. Rationally explain the problem and what you expect to happen to fix it (within reason of course...they aren't going to repaint your entire car, etc).

[salukiwildcat]

x2...spend 10 minutes to inspect your car when picking it up from a BS. It will save you time and trouble almost everytime.

When you go back, talk (NOT SCREAM) to the owner or GM. Explain (again) that your passionate about your car, but don't be emotional. Even though you're mad walking in and screaming like an idiot will get you nowhere. Rationally explain the problem and what you expect to happen to fix it (within reason of course...they aren't going to repaint your entire car, etc).

But, I can completely understand your sentiment - let them HAVE it. You're right, it's completely unprofessional for an established business to treat their customers like dirt, cut corners, and do lazy, sh*tty work just because the customer isn't paying for it and they think they can get away with it. That is complete and utter bullsh*t, and you have every right to go in there and let them know just how pissed off you are at their laziness.

Before you go, ,find out if there is a "higher authority" - perhaps a regional office if it is a chain of body shops - and have that information in hand, should the body shop deny you the respray.

Before you go in with guns blazing, make sure you are holding all of the trump cards. Just my $.02.

[jamdub]

Hope you get your problem worked out. Remember, no matter how angry we may get at something like this, it is best to stay calm, polite, yet assertive when dealing with businesses. At least, that seems to work best for me.

Your topic title reminded me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dib2-HBsF08

[MC.R]

that sucks man.. why the hell would they paint a panel that wasn't even damaged at all? sounds retarded to me... and overspray on your windows, definetly not acceptable.. a body shop of all things should not have overspray on your windows, wtf!

good luck to you!!!

[Neon Guy]

Did you sign the paperwork saying the work was acceptable when you picked up the car?

[07GTI-2.0T]

even halfway decent body shops offer some kind of warranty on their work. overspray on the windows is just rediculous. when possible never bring your good wheels into the body shop because they virtually always end up with overspray.

[doctorgonzo]

Probably in the effing fine print

[bcze1]

But, I can completely understand your sentiment - let them HAVE it. You're right, it's completely unprofessional for an established business to treat their customers like dirt, cut corners, and do lazy, sh*tty work just because the customer isn't paying for it and they think they can get away with it. That is complete and utter bullsh*t, and you have every right to go in there and let them know just how pissed off you are at their laziness.

Before you go, ,find out if there is a "higher authority" - perhaps a regional office if it is a chain of body shops - and have that information in hand, should the body shop deny you the respray.

Before you go in with guns blazing, make sure you are holding all of the trump cards. Just my $.02.

Of course he has the right to be pissed off, but that does not give you the right to come in "guns a blazing" and acting like an asshole. That will get you one of 2 places...nowhere, or with hidden damage cuz they hate you. Just like when you insult a a guy at McDonalds...you can be damn sure there's a looch in your burger.

Calm, cool, and rational, but firm will get you a lot better results.

[found]

A buddy told me this once- always take a video camera with you when you drop off your car at a bodyshop. Video the mileage and damage to the car and make sure that you tell them specifically that you only want damaged areas painted and if they can't do the job without blending into doors ect that you want them to call you first.

I have had several bad experiences with bodyshops. The thing I hate the most is picking up my car with 100's of extra miles on it and empty cans of beer under the seats.

[MC.R]

A buddy told me this once- always take a video camera with you when you drop off your car at a bodyshop. Video the mileage and damage to the car and make sure that you tell them specifically that you only want damaged areas painted and if they can't do the job without blending into doors ect that you want them to call you first.

I have had several bad experiences with bodyshops. The thing I hate the most is picking up my car with 100's of extra miles on it and empty cans of beer under the seats.

if that ever happened to me i'd blow up.... a shop once did work on my old old civic and i got it back 1/2 mile tank empty later and 240 miles more on it... it was there to replace a coolant hose and an o2 sensor... ass wipes.. it had a lot of mods so it was relatively quick thats why i think they took it out... i got some money off after biotching at the manager for a while

[Th Stig]

The last time I had a car repaired, it came home (then wife picked it up) with the radiator painted the same color as the outside of the car, blue tape hiding in the nooks & crannies ... and a nice set of Snap-On screwdriver/torx drivers under the seat.

I took it apart, painted the rad / support black again and kept the damned tools!

It would be nice to have folks actually do their jobs ... correctly the first time ... just don't hold your breath.

KAA

[doctorgonzo]

Wow yeah I'd flip too...I have a thing for remembering numbers so I'd def notice if the Odometer was a bit too "advanced" for my liking.

You don't take a car in for a repaint and expect them to have to do a "test drive" to see if all's well...fo sho-

"hey is that clear coat dry yet dood?"

"Hell I dunno...fuckit you wanna go grab a burger and smoke the tires some more?"

Fockers

Chris

[salukiwildcat]

Of course he has the right to be pissed off, but that does not give you the right to come in "guns a blazing" and acting like an asshole. That will get you one of 2 places...nowhere, or with hidden damage cuz they hate you. Just like when you insult a a guy at McDonalds...you can be damn sure there's a looch in your burger.

Calm, cool, and rational, but firm will get you a lot better results.

People that treat you like shit, deserve to be treated like shit, plain and simple.

[bcze1]

People that treat you like shit, deserve to be treated like shit, plain and simple.

maybe, but you're much more likely to have your car repaired properly the second time if you're not a total prick. They still have your car and could do countless things to it that you could never prove. I've seen it done.

[crabpot]

Sorry to hear that Wild Hare, I hope you get everything sorted out.

[bluethunder]

JUST MAKE SURE U COOOOOOOL OFF B 4 U GO...
REMEMBER THE OBJECT IS TO GET WHAT U WANT !!!!

[Wild Hare]

I did exam the car when I picked it up... it was overcast and gray clouds. I should have been less trusting I guess. Yet,when someone promises to your face it will be perfect and like brand new, I take them at their word.

The paperwork I signed as I left also said the work came with a lifetime guarantee... so what wasn't done correctly IS COVERED.

So...

She went back this A.M.

I was pretty proud of myself... I was level headed to the point, not profane, yet upset (not prickly) and re-shared that this is my baby and I have a passion for these cars. And that this is MY (not my wife's or our new car) second new car ever since 1983 (my Red GTI)... and you wait a long time to get these from Germany.

I said to them: "Big Picture, Bottom Line... 3 things are important to me in my life: my wife, my dog and my GTI! You really let me down and broke your promise."

No excuses where made on their part... the Manager and the Estimator apologized and promised it would be done right this time.

At the end I asked a simple question: "how did this happen?"

The Manager said "we didn't take our time and do the job right and busted through it."

I pointed everything out that was wrong and requested that when it's finished that everyone their go over it with a fine tooth comb and that when I pick it up next time it is to be kept in the shop for my arrival and will not leave until we go over it together.

So we will see. It's supposed to be done Tuesday next week and they will update me Monday as to the status. As I left the shop my car was brought in and started on.

End of story... time for a cup of coffee!

[angrybaker]

I said to them: "Big Picture, Bottom Line... 3 things are important to me in my life: my wife, my dog and my GTI! You really let me down and broke your promise."

you really said this?

[HoldDaMayo]

Good work, you handled it well and I'm sure you'll get a better result this second time.

I think the attitude of you got treated like shit so treat them like shit is wrong. I'm glad you took the high road.

[Wild Hare]

I said to them: "Big Picture, Bottom Line... 3 things are important to me in my life: my wife, my dog and my GTI! You really let me down and broke your promise."

you really said this?

Yes, I did.

[Wild Hare]

Good work, you handled it well and I'm sure you'll get a better result this second time.

I think the attitude of you got treated like shit so treat them like shit is wrong. I'm glad you took the high road.

Yeah, thanks!

I just needed a moment to vent last night. Weird thing is my bestest dog in the whole world died from cancer a short while back. She new when Dad was having challenges and was there to take me out of it.

Since her passing her brother (my boy Dobe) assumed her state of mind (he was never like this while she was alive... he was always a loaner)... so he gets real playful and bugs me until I break my bad state that I'm in.

Wife gets to busy at work (her passion) and it's me and the dog(s) majority of the time. I truly believe God set pets on this earth for a reason.
Man's (Woman's) best friend... be it dog, cat, mouse, ferret, etc.

[TheMachV]

I agree with everything that has been said about acting calm. I've dealt with body shops numerous times in the past, and a couple of them fell short of my expectations. I've found that being calm, collected and clear about the problem always gets a better reaction.

Sorry to hear that your paint got botched, but at least you got the answer you deserved. Hopefully you won't have to go back again. Also, keep record of the mileage when you get it back. I always watch that and my Defi boost gauge's max peak record when picking the car up. A body shop shouldn't be doing any driving short of a couple feet and should NOT be in boost with any vehicle capable.

Good luck.

[bcze1]

Well done, and good luck. Let us know what happens next week.

[Wild Hare]

Absolutely.:smile:

[found]

if that ever happened to me i'd blow up.... a shop once did work on my old old civic and i got it back 1/2 mile tank empty later and 240 miles more on it... it was there to replace a coolant hose and an o2 sensor... ass wipes.. it had a lot of mods so it was relatively quick thats why i think they took it out... i got some money off after biotching at the manager for a while

Every bodyman I have dealt with drives a POS and because they do, they like to drive their customers car to run shop errands. They figure they'll just fix it if they damage it and that all cars are repairable. Like I said before I have never had a good experience at a bodyshop.

Good luck to the OP.

[Wild Hare]

Got the car back Tuesday. Looked at it and the paint looks better and they cleaned up the mess in the inside as well. Found that whomever clay bared my entire car of that overspray... reefed on the paint and created a lot of noticeable scratches on all painted panels --- Fuck! Da, buff out the scratches!:iono:

I decided to detail the entire body myself (once we have warm weather again). It will take all day and they will come out. It's just one more thing to deal with! Thank God I have detailed all my life since High School ('77) and ran a Detail Shop for M-Benz.

Such is life.:cool:

[MKvUltra]

wow man, glad to hear it is pretty much resolved

[Roca]

dont scream, hold it in let them re-do the work, then explode at the owner or manager and never go back!

[natypes]

They paint more panels than are damaged to blend. You really can't just paint a dented fender and call it a day. It usually doesn't match and is not the way it's done. I'm not making an exuse for them at all just wanted to let you guys know how its done and why.

Collision shops will NOT take their time on your car most of the time. They get reduced rates to do insurance work and it's very busy doing insurance repair business. You get what your insurance company pays for.

[chunkisagoonie]

Any reputable body shop should make things right.

When my GTI got hit a few months back, my body shop did pretty good work on the car and there were only a couple of minor things that had to be redone (like a door molding replacement and a door realignment - things I didn't immediately notice when I signed off for the car). My experience was pretty good.

But needless to say, any body shop should stand behind its work with a warranty. It's also important to know what body shops your insurance company normally contract to before you buy a policy. This is often overlooked, because a lot of people tend to buy the cheapest policy they can get. NOT ALL COVERAGE IS THE SAME! The point here is that the best price isn't always the best deal.

[DrtyNinja]

wowo.....that stuff sucks.. but i would have told them to buff it...

[conom06d]

Got the car back Tuesday. Looked at it and the paint looks better and they cleaned up the mess in the inside as well. Found that whomever clay bared my entire car of that overspray... reefed on the paint and created a lot of noticeable scratches on all painted panels --- Fuck! Da, buff out the scratches!:iono:

I decided to detail the entire body myself (once we have warm weather again). It will take all day and they will come out. It's just one more thing to deal with! Thank God I have detailed all my life since High School ('77) and ran a Detail Shop for M-Benz.

Such is life.:cool:

Yeah man sorry you had to go through this. I did too when I got hit by that shopping cart if you remember that. They really fucked up my side but i didn;t settle. Still not 100% but no one else can recognise it other than me. Then even tried to steal my sunglasses cuz i forgot them in the car. When i brought that up they said they took them out so they didnt get lost. lol they were in the sunglass holder....i responded..."Yeah because they fall out of that compartment all the time when I drive it" then i chuckled in sarcasm. I feel your frustration tho wild hare.

[Bad hare]

glad it was a good outcome!

[Wild Hare]

wowo.....that stuff sucks.. but i would have told them to buff it...
Wife said: "why take it back and have them mess something else up?"

She's right. Besides, being without a ride for two weeks and waiting for the wife to get back in the evening to drive her SUV wasn't all that great if you know what I mean. And I'm not taking my '83 GTI out in this nasty weather.

I'll buff it out and it will look great once again. :smile: