Miffed at the machine shop

[BlooDSMeaR]

Sorry for the rant but you guys are the only car guys I know....

I pulled my engine about 10 weeks ago for a roller cam up-grade. After I pulled it and took it to the machine shop, I have been getting all sorts of excuses as to why my engine is taking so long. "The cam is back ordered, Need custom made push rods, need to clearance the heads... got the wrong push rods...got the wrong push rods again..." so on and so forth.

Last week I went to the shop to find a new guy (the old owner of the shop) behind the counter.
I asked where is the "guy" to ask about my engine. He stated that it was his old shop but he retired, and the "guy" was leasing to own the shop. The old owner had a lot of people who was complaing about the work and turn around times. He came in to see that the shop was being completely miss managed, AND FIRED THE "GUY" on the spot. While talking to the owner come to find out, that the guy was scamming the till. The old owner had zero documentation on my engine and zero records of moneys paid. Fourtunalty for me I had my credit card statement, that showed $1200 of the $1600 I paid. Since I didn't get a receipt for the $400 cash I paid, it went into the "guy's" pocket, and I have to eat it.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to go in and talk to the owner again as he asked me to give him a week to get things sorted out, I am about ready to pick up all of my stuff, and do a credit card charge back, I have 120 days from the date of the transaction to put in a claim. Im burned up about the "lost" $400 in cash I paid. I am also burned up about the time I have missed at the track. the season is almost over....

 

[wyrmrider]

small claims court on the $400
story sells it
plus the vendors of the pushrods are most likely out if they were ever ordered- check
don't let the guy walk

 

[threewood]

Damn that sucks! You could likely get the fired guys info from the new owner and sue for the $400 in small claims court. Some people will say it isn't worth it but think of how all those small amounts make a large amount and windfall for the thief. Put the screws to him.

Definitely charge back the credit card amounts. Have you filed a police report?

I hope you get it worked out.

 

[Fran Blacker]

You might have more than 120 days to make a claim on credit card, check. I did one 6 months old, only time I did one.
I might give the guy a chance to make right but he has to be quick about it.

 

[wyrmrider]

most likely he is upside down but you might get the $400 on record
B nice and forget what you know about his termination- sorry it did not work out etc
but take no bs

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Geez....the "guy" was probably a crack-head (or other type of addict). DEFINITELY file a police report, give the owner a "chance" to build your motor....maybe 2 weeks & after that call the credit card company and file for the cash in small claims.

This sounds harsh, but your STOLEN money & lack of a rebuilt engine is your problem. A crack-head thief is the owner's problem & he is responsible...it's a business.

 

[GetX'd]

I think a week would be about my max patience level after all you’ve been thru. He gets the week and then you pick up the goods and charge back what you can. The rest ......

 

[Larrry B.]

I'd give the man now in charge one opportunity to make it right, hear him out.

If it's not to your liking get your money back.

 

[Johnpat]

I'm sure you have seen your engine since all this
happened??
If not, I'd want to see it

 

[BlooDSMeaR]

A bit of clarification,
The "Guy" was the one who built my engine to begin with. I didn't have any issues the first time. He was always sober when I spoke with him. He originally built it in about 3 weeks. He also built it about 100 HP more than expected. I was very impressed at his work and quality. This "guy" was far from a "crack head" believe me I know a tweeker when I see one.

The cam upgrade is where it all fell apart. The original build I had an estimate, a work order and a time table. When I dropped off the engine for the cam upgrade, It was done with a gentleman's hand shake. He told me it will be about $1600, so I paid that amount $1200 card and $400 cash. To call the police to file a report will do zero good as they will say its a civil matter, and they will say "take him to small claims court". I already asked the Owner for the "guys" info, and he will not give it to me.

I am meeting with the Owner, today at 12. I am going to give him one shot to make this right. If he does not give me the credit for the missing $400 cash, I will pick up my engine as it sits. (yes I have seen it on the stand every time I have been in) He has the cam and roller lifters installed and its only waiting for push rods. Then I'll do a charge back to the credit card minus the amount due past the $400 to pay for the cam and lifters. Ill let you guys know how it boils down after the meeting.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Good luck. No sarcasm intended .

 

[Johnpat]

Sounds like you got it under control, didn't want
a friend to get screwed.
Good luck

 

[moper]

I would advise you to work it out with him. You sound fair. Pissed, but understandably so. He sounds like he is working on fixing the situation so I'd say give him the opportunity.

 

[steve from staten island]

Forgive me is I'm not following your thread clearly. Question, you took your engine to a rebuilding shop, who did you deal with? The original owner who has worked for you in the past or this alleged "new Owner"?
I dont think leasing is the right word, it sounds like the original owner entered into a arrangement with this different person to run the business.
All i know is i think you need to see a attorney. To me, who ever you made the deal with to do your engine is responsible.

 

[ga66mopar]

I don't see how paying an attorney is going to help. The Attorney woud cost more then the money already spent.

 

[snakeyes]

 

[GetX'd]

Agree - an attorney would just take all the money and run - work it out as you are on your own

 

[Billccm]

Some attorneys will write a letter simply saying that the case was discussed and his client is considering legal action. Price my attorney would charge for this is $50 Or so.
It sometimes works, and sometimes ignored.
What's the limit of value for small claims in your area?

 

[steve from staten island]

I disagree'd because a consultation could at the least advise him how to proceed with his claims and what is rights are under the law. What he did was enter into a contract for services that were not rendered. What makes me suspicious is how the OP states the original owner "fired" the guy when he found out he was negligent to customers.

 

[steve from staten island]

Some attorneys will write a letter simply saying that the case was discussed and his client is considering legal action. Price my attorney would charge for this is $50 Or so.
It sometimes works, and sometimes ignored.
What's the limit of value for small claims in your area?

While fifty is a bargain at the very least you would be advised of the law and what actions needed in small claims. I still want to know who did the OP make the deal with