Oh this is going to be "one of those cars"....
I've written that I stopped payment on the final check - and I TOLD the shop that immediately - and also said that when the issues were resolved I would release funds just as immediately. I have lots of problems - but one of them isn't paying.
So after a couple of emails -- my listing what I wanted REPAIRED - and what I wanted DONE (and willing to pay for - no issues there at all)... I took the car back to the shop as they agreed to repair the issues -- and frankly they should be happy to do more billable work as well... they knew at this time that the stop payment was in.
This morning I drop the car off -- the rear end turns out to be broken and I have cut and pasted the email -- edited, from Steve regarding the rear end.
QUOTE:
The reason your Roadster will not move is because the spline has twisted
and the shaft has snapped in the stub axle. That must have been one serious
burn out. Both stub axle assemblies will be sent back to Kugel, examined and
repaired and reassembled there and then returned to us. At this point that
failure appears to have had nothing to do with the throw out bearing.
END QUOTE:
There was NO BURNOUT.... that would have been much more fun I can assure you of that.
I have no issues with this -- my response is that if they think I broke the rear end - just get it fixed and I'll be happy to pay for that - that I didn't want that to hold up getting the car done.
MY RESPONSE via EMAIL
QUOTE:
If you think I broke the rear end - I will pay for any and all charges for it's repair.
I don't want that to hang up the repairs of the car.
The Throwout bearing is another matter. That's been wrong from the get go.
END QUOTE:
But here's the kicker....
He wants me to pay for 16K of the 19K final bill BEFORE he starts work -- or, in a threatening manner, he says they're not starting to work on the car.
Can I tell ya something? <my infamous line to Cris Gonzo>
The very last thing a business wants to do is to threaten me. As I explained it nicely in my response. If you'd like to start a pissing contest - let me know I'll forward the name of my attorney. As I also stated - I have other hot rods to drive - I have more money than god - and I am "willing". Well... that, and I'm pissed off, and stubborn too...
So here's my response - verbatim:
QUOTE:
Instead of trying threatening tactics with me. You're far far ahead just getting the work done and getting paid.
Sometimes you just have to park you're ego. I have other hot rods to drive and more money than god. The only guy that will win this battle us<SIC> me. I have time I have cash I am willing.
Just fix it - fix it RIGHT and wash your hands of it. You'll sleep better.
If the throw out bearing problem is discovered. I can wire 15k In the morning... It's up to you.
END QUOTE:
Then I added this in another email because it came to me that this is probably part of some of the issues the shop may be having... if they're having issues at all -- just sayin'...
QUOTE from another emailed response:
BTW - you're pissed off at the CUSTOMER for refusing to accept defective work. Maybe you should be pissed off at your shop that did the work?? I don't remember building the car. I did PAY someone to do that. So far it's been on two tow trucks and I've had to fix several different issues.
So kudos on your customer service. It explains why you're down to 5 or 6 guys.
END QUOTE:
Now == there is no denying that I'm a certified bungholio... but you also have to know me -- and know that when I'm saying many things on here as well as these kinds of emails -- that I have a HUGE smile on my face. Yes they have a name for guys like me - I'm the first one to tell you that I'm a big one (I don't have a big one but act like I am a big one!)... So I'm just trying to set the picture here.
Anyway -- we'll see what happens. Two guys with big egos fighting over their toys -- not a happy ending. Someone wins - someone looses. Either way I'm fine with jumping in. Some guys are just like that.
I pay faster than anyone on the planet - I make up my mind - I'm extremely "decisive" so I'm never the hang up.... but with that comes a price - that price is "you have to deliver". The product has to be as stated, or as agreed, if not, we have a problem. I'll kiss a guy in broad daylight and sing his praises publicly... or not.
So this could end with a whimper -- or it could end sometime about 2 years from now. It's up to them. They have the car... I have my check book. I'm still out cruising around.
BTW -- I never once mentioned anything about them reimbursing me for the tow truck or any parts or ANYTHING from the Santa Barbara trip - that ain't how I roll.... I just suck it up - and go on about my biz.... so I'm not that crappy customer. Dude! Nobody is easier to get along with than me. But ya gotta do it RIGHT and you gotta do what you say you're going to do - because that how I do my end of things. I expect the same in return.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA