I'm getting screwed!

[FM3V6M]

Yea, give us all the name and # of this POS!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Ed,

 That stinkeroo's.  I guess they found out what a 71 Cuda is worth. 


  Mike

[Total BS]

Thanks Guys & Gals,

I have listened closely to all of your comments and advice.  I contacted a lawyer today and should have a meeting with him tomorrow.  Unfortunately my car is already painted so there is no cease and desist at this point. Once I have my rights explained to me, I will contact the resto shop to set up a meeting to discuss it as gentlemen..If that doesn't work then I will explain the legal repercussions that face them as calmly ask them..."How do you want to do this"  

I have talked to 10 different people today and they all said without a signed consent form it is basically illegal for them to work on my car without putting their butts on the line.  I am feeling pretty good despite all of this "Total BS"  Maybe this is an omen when I chose this screen name..lol  I will keep up informed of any progress as it occurs.

71Fish !!!  got the number of your brothers lawyer in case I need a backup?  

[bluecuda360]

After reading about this sad situation,I finally realized why my car is still not done after 16 yrs.You never know when, or who is going to try to screw you.I guess thats why I am considering doing the paint myself.I could buy a lot of paint, equipment and supplies for 24k.Seems like you cant trust anybody anymore.How do these people sleep at night?I sure hope it works out in your favor,and I hope this guy gets whats coming to him,legally or otherwise.Good luck.

[vinb]

Total BS , I can't believe that a shop would do that. I could see a little more for extra fabrication and materials , but man you could have done two cars for that kind of labor. What was his hourly labor rate?, I'm guessing it would be somewhere in the area of $60-$70 hour. Most body shop labor rates for collision damages are approx. $45-$48 hr. I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope you make out OK....I'm just a couple towns north of you. I know you can't say what shop it is , but maybe we could get together for a cup of coffee and talk about it.
Good Luck.....Vin....

[Total BS]

Vinb,

Their normal hourly rate is $75 but in the beginning I negotiated with them to do it at $50/hour although they keep reminding me of what a great deal I am getting....lol 

Vinb, Where are you located?

[kudakidd]

a mechanic's lien trumps all (including lawyers) Sorry.

[71fish]

"a mechanic's lien trumps all (including lawyers) Sorry."

Yes, as far as where the car resides until litgation resolves the situation. A judge can also use discretion around those circumstances. IN NJ, if the automotive shop cannot produce a written quote or estimate or signed estimates of additional parts-n-labor, he DOES NOT have a leg to stand on. That's part of NJ Fraud statutes.

..read up on it through the NJ fraud laws. A mechanics lien is great if the shop has the estimate.. not an after the fact invoice. However, fraud laws may be different in other states.

-71fish

[71fish]

Think about it this way.. If there were no fraud laws requiring a shop to provide an estimate for parts & labor.. Toyota could charge 3 grand for changing a timing belt..justify it through an invoice after labor/parts.

This is exactly why the law requires such documentation (quotes) before the fact. problem is.. most do not understand the laws and rights.. and these bastages take advantage knowing they can take temporary hostage of assets until payment is made. That bullying will only work until prices are so exagerated that the consumer seek out help to understand the law & their rights.

-71fish

[Rev-It-Up]

We might have to have a run-off between Oldschool and 71Fish for President in '08! 

[71fish]

BS - get really familiar with these...

http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/ocp/ocplaw.pdf

[4Cruizn]

We might have to have a run-off between Oldschool and 71Fish for President in '08! 

I'll be the treasurer!!   I love money!!   

[Total BS]

71Fish,

Thanks for the info.  I did find that same document searching around yesterday. I really didn't see anything in there that was applicable to my situation but then again I just skimmed through it quickly.

I am very greatful for all of your advice albeit through the misfortunes of your brother's situtation but hopefully this will also work in my favor.  If you don't mind could you please email me with the lawyers phone number that your brother used..

THanks,  Ed

[bb71challenger]

This story is just plain SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Oldschool]

We might have to have a run-off between Oldschool and 71Fish for President in '08! 

How's this for a ticket?


Oldschool--------President
Rev-It-Up-------Vice President
71Fish----------Attorney General
MEK------------Speaker Of The House
Crcarch---------Architect on the new 30 bay Mopar Garage out back of the White House
Alaska T/A------Documentation and Official Archives Currator

Looks like a pretty good start to me....               

Oh-----BTW....  I am gonna be running in the newly formed, soon to be announced,     MOPAR PARTY!!!