What a fool I was. Thats it for me.

[Cuda Cody]

Yes, really nice paint jobs.  3 Gallons of really good PPG paint with 2021 clear set me back nearly $3,000 alone.   When I say without bodywork, I'm just talking metal work.    It took me nearly 6 months to paint my car to a show car level doing all the prep and sanding.

Really?!? 

 I didn't realize paint jobs have become so expensive. Are you talking jaw-dropping show car kind of paint job?
My car was last painted 15 years ago, guess I'm outta touch. Way out.

[brads70]

I understand your frustration, ya for that kinda money you should get a running driveable car. I have dealt with Gary before and always had no issues. Who did the engine work? Looks like they dropped the ball ? That's kinda sloppy, first thought that came to mind is what else was done sloppy engine wise?
I'm sure Gary is feeling kinda  " off" to say the least as I'm sure he has read this post.
The other members might have a point in that expectations might have been too high for the money/labour spent?    I hate to hear of this sort of thing... no body is happy or wins? 

[wunderless]

sorry about that it is tough to get good work done.
I have 3 ground up builds. 2 hotrods and a 1973 restomod challenger. Both shops did an awesome job with little to no issues. I'm in Ontario too. If you need help try www.oddballkustoms.com or unique rides and customs in orillia. If you want to see my cars first I'm in Newmarket.

Dude... You're the guy on GTA Motorcycle, too right?  I've seen some of your rides and they are nice.
I did not put 2 and 2 together on that!  Ha!
Cool!

To the OP,
As the general sentiment goes here, bummer you went through that.  So did I.  The dude I left my baby with stole parts off of it and openly admitted it to me as I was pulling my car out of there!  Needless to say it took a bit for me to not turn him into a mess.
I now will do as much as I can myself, when I get a proper place to do the work.  I'll learn how to weld, or screw up trying.  I'll learn to paint or ruin it trying.  I will do whatever i can myself and have no one to blame but me.

Revisit your car after the winter when you have a fresh perspective.  There really is no other feeling than driving the car of your dreams... no matter how much crap it has put you through, it's not her fault, dont be mad at her.

*edit*
I'm 2 hours north of Toronto in a place called Meaford.  I would offer help, but trust me, the guys that have offered help know WAY WAY WAY more than I do.  I would trust them before me!  I have a lot to learn.  Hang in!!!

[Cdnchallenger]

Don't get me wrong, I never expected to be receiving a show car with the amount of money I was spending. I was buying parts that I was told that I needed to buy.  I expected a good looking paint job because I was getting a new paint job, and for the most part the paint is very nice. Its the 5 % of the paint job that is not the best that I am unhappy with.
I was told it was a recently rebuilt motor. I bought a new fuel pump, water pump,rad,carb, distributor, etc. and the car doesn't run. Should I be satisfied with that? I don't think so.
Were my expectations to high? I don't think so.

I was told the car was finished, so I had it shipped. I was 1500 miles away so I could not visually expect the car or roadtest it before I brought it home.

I expected a turn key driver and did not get one. I never said build me a "Barrett Jackson" car for $33,000.   

[IMNCARN82]

Eh... That sux dude!!   But that's why I do it all myself. Sanded on the charger for 2 yrs. Straight.  It's not that difficult,Just takes a long time to get nice. Stories like yours let me know I could have done worse with the Cuda. And better... It's always like that though. Now I have as much $ into the sus./brakes,ect... Than I paid for her!  But that's what I really wanted. After learning for yrs, getting more tools,A shop w/booth. It gets in your blood. And you can't do just one!  It's a way of life.    There's lots of help and advice around here.  I'd cut/buff it just to do it...  Got a soft spot for the E's... 

Hang in there !!

[brads70]

Don't get me wrong, I never expected to be receiving a show car with the amount of money I was spending. I was buying parts that I was told that I needed to buy.  I expected a good looking paint job because I was getting a new paint job, and for the most part the paint is very nice. Its the 5 % of the paint job that is not the best that I am unhappy with.
I was told it was a recently rebuilt motor. I bought a new fuel pump, water pump,rad,carb, distributor, etc. and the car doesn't run. Should I be satisfied with that? I don't think so.
Were my expectations to high? I don't think so.

I was told the car was finished, so I had it shipped. I was 1500 miles away so I could not visually expect the car or roadtest it before I brought it home.

I expected a turn key driver and did not get one. I never said build me a "Barrett Jackson" car for $33,000.   

Ya I understand, and agree with ya ( for what ever that's worth?  )    sounds reasonable to me too.
Me... I hate buying a rebuilt "anything" to some that means they painted the outside ( engine rebuild),
If you need anything post up what you need parts wise! Maybe I can help out somehow!

[Sonnythebull]

Really?!? 

 I didn't realize paint jobs have become so expensive. Are you talking jaw-dropping show car kind of paint job?
My car was
 painted 15 years ago, guess I'm outta touch. Way out.

20 k with no bodywork is excessive. I'm assuming at least seal the seams skim coat block sand and high speed polish then maybe close to 20

[torredcuda]

I can get a really nice paint job for $5k or less.$33k is a lot of money for a non-running car with all those issues.Gary is still around but not responding to this post I guess. 

[72cudamaan]

.Gary is still around but not responding to this post I guess. 

I would think it's best for these two to settle this "off the air". Probably too much
has been said already. I did notice that the OP did go out of his way to
not mention names.

[Sonnythebull]

 

Dude... You're the guy on GTA Motorcycle, too right?  I've seen some of your rides and they are nice.
I did not put 2 and 2 together on that!  Ha!
Cool!

That's me.

[brads70]

Cdnchallenger... I was thinking if you find your in need of an engine, I'll be taking out my running 440 this winter ( I'm building a 451") If you need it I'll make you a sweet deal on it ( just $ for a few  parts I've installed on it, intake/carb) and a good 440 block and it's yours if it helps you get your car on the road. I drove the car to Carlisle this summer so it's not junk. I runs fine . You won't lift the front wheels off the ground with it but it runs just fine. Lots of oil pressure etc.. You can even come up and see it run if you get here before I pull it. I was only going to keep it for a spare just in case I had issues with my new engine.
Just thought I'd offer?

[Cdnchallenger]

Thanks Brad.

I will keep it in mind. Hopefully it won't come to that though.

Steve

[wunderless]

That's me.

Small world! 
So you did all the work on those rides?  Cool!  If I was closer I'd come by and drool in person.  Nice work sir!

*sorry for the hi-jack*

[Sonnythebull]

Small world! 
So you did all the work on those rides?  Cool!  If I was closer I'd come by and drool in person.  Nice work sir!

*sorry for the hi-jack*

No no. Oddball kustoms did the hot rods and unique rides and customs did the challenger

[_Russ_]

All I'll say is, don't give up on it.

Despite any disappointments, once you get them sorted simply get out and drive the living crap out of it. Believe me ... a few weekends of fine weather and a couple thousand miles under your belt, and these dramas will soon be forgotten.