Cruddy paintjob, Gettin sick of BS Options

[Justin]

Well, last summer someone backed into my car in a parking lot. I got 1900 in damages from their insurance company. One of my dads friends knows the owner of a local Fact-o-bake. So, I get my car fixed and and the whole thing painted for $1100. The first time the whole driver's rear 1/4 panel had runs all down the side as well as numerous other parts. Alot of the trim and the hood prop were white. We took it back about a month later and had them redo it. The car had trash in every single square inch of the paint and a month later the paint was stripping from the front bumper. We take it back again and they didnt even sand the front bumper. They just painted over the chips. You can still see them. There are also too many runs to count again, the trim has been cut up in several places and they painted the front bumper support bars also. I don't know what to do now. My dad wants to take it back again but I can't afford to not have a car to use again. Anyone got any advice?

[jgreening]

Take very detailed pictures and demand a new paint job and a loaner car in a letter enclosing the pics. If they say no, get an estimate to redo the car at another shop. Then, go to small claims court. An attorney is not required for a small claims case in most states.

[Supersprynt]

Thats probably your best bet. Unfortunately, you had the entire car repainted when (as far as I know from reading your story) it didnt need to be. Now you have a much bigger problem then maybe a dent, now you have a $3,000 problem.

Personally I would never take it back to that guy, he doesnt care about his reputation or the quality of his work. Most places do business through word of mouth and good rep, including high quality work. The guy I was going to have paint my car said it'd be perfect because if someone asks you where you got it done, and it looks like sh!t, they're not going to bring their car there.

Jay's right you maybe forced into a small claims lawsuit.

This post has been edited by Supersprynt: Feb 8, 2005 - 1:21 PM

[exxtractor]

You know the old saying if it "sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't". Getting a car painted for $1100, even if its a friend of your Dad's isn't going to be done properly. Obviosuly the guy doesn't care about his work. It also is questionable when the insurance co gives you $1900 and you pay $1100, so that's an $800 profit. See if they are registered with the BBB, or threaten small claims court, but you will probably need to get several assessments of the qulity of work done by another shop... not sure though. Also a reputable place will give you a loaner car while they do their work, at least they do where I live.