Restoration shop won't return my calls

[EMCD]

I'm 90% through a restoration on my Cuda and the body shop owner refuses to take my calls and I'm not sure what do next. I have the contract which he is 7 month past his deadlines. All my checks paid installments have been cleared. Can I do I fill out a police report? I'm trying to make the most of really bad situation.

[moparman82]

I would go down there first, he may be embarrassed that he is so far behind, go down there and see your car, if he won't show it to u, then get the police involved

[Dr. Feelgood]

Any way you could go in person to check it out?

[tman]

First of all, is this shop close to home? Is it still in business?  If it is, why haven't you gone down there in person to see what is going on?  Calling the police will do no good unless you are there.  They do not take sides, they only keep the peace if the discussion is getting out of hand.  It is a civil situation unless you can show otherwise.  What is the shop owner going to say?  Are they demanding more money?  If its gone beyond your budget, they should have just released the car to you where it stood.  Did the car get stolen?   
The only remedy is to get a lawyer and sue.  Small claims court can take jurisdiction, but it only covers a maximum amount.  If its beyond that, than get a lawyer.  Sorry, this will cost you?
My advice is take the first step and talk to the owner in a peaceful manner and in person.  He/she has all the cards.  They can claim shop lien for unpaid time etc.  Its all about negotiating a peaceful outcome. 

[crocha617]

I assume you have documentation that the car is 90% complete. Progress photos etc... Is he close to you can you go for an unannounced visit?

[HP_Cuda]

This is precisely why you need to vet out any bodyshop just like you vet out a contractor who will work on your house.

Long on promises short on delivery, and they like taking $$$ upfront.

[Dr. Feelgood]

and they like taking $$$ upfront.

Most places run this way. Not much you can do other than research them out and talk to recently previous customers

[EMCD]

He is a 30+ year professional body an with a licensed and insured shop that he has on the side. He has done many other smaller side jobs on the Cuda over the years and has done an excellent job. We wrote out a contract for the work to be done and a payment structure that I have adhered by the letter. The resto was supposed to take 6 months and we're now 7 months past it's due. I'm ok with the date push. He's a small shop and a perfectionist. In the past month he won't take or return my calls. One time I did get through and I asked if I could pick up some parts, check on the car and offer him a part payment. I owe him less that 1.5k on a 8k total job. I went to the shop at the agreed to time and the door was locked and no one was there. I called him multiple times, no answer. I have seen his work and have had many friends that have restored car with him in the past with great results. I've photo documented the car or the past year and have evidence of the 90% completion.

[EMCD]

To ensure that I didn't get taken, I set up a 7x milestone payment plan and work progress as agreed in the contract. At the end of it, you contract out as best you can and even with the most tenured shops you take a risk. Since I haven't seen the car in weeks and all my attempts to see the car and speak to the shop owner have been denied, is there a claim to issue a stolen vehicle report? My insurance agent thinks this the the best route.

[brads70]

   What a crappy position to be in I feel for ya! 

[EMCD]

i've reached out to his son, who used to work in the shop. he's going to help out. i'm trying to make this a decent seperation, but think what this guy would be saying of all my checks bounced... he sieze the car, sell the parts, etc. All i'm asking for is a clear meathod of finishing and returning the car to me as agreed. heck, i'd settle for just the car as is now....

[anlauto]

Maybe he's dead ?

[brads70]

Maybe he's dead ?

Or will be soon? 

[EMCD]

no, his son said he's been busy and distracted. i get that he's busy, but call me back and show up when agreed to. i've explained to him that i'm "ok" with the slowness in completing the cuda.  but, i have a $30k asset that i don't know where it is or if it's still around!

[Challenger6pak]

First off, if the car is not titled to you, title it.  It may sound strange but I have seen many cars being restored and the current owner has an open title in someone elses name.  Next, if or when it is titled to you, go to the car, take pictures, and talk to the shop owner.  From there you will know if you need legal help or not.