Not funny, Not laughing: Rubbish Standards

[2Munkys]

First thing: don't bother asking/guessing to whom I refer here, you won't receive an answer and I don't want to get kicked off the site for infringing rules I signed up to. I don't want the post to be binned either because I want your thoughts.

Second thing: Yes I've written a letter of complaint and received an appology. Would you be satisfied? If I'm accepting of that then perhaps I'm doing myself a disservice . . . . and you also.

My Griff isn't the most valuable car in the world; it's not the fastest, it's not the quickest and it isn't the best handling either. Non-the-less, for me, there's little with four wheels that could replace it, it's special and it is my P & J. For this reason I do the best I can to keep it in fine order. If I do any work to it then I do a good job; I apply high engineering standards and enjoy doing so. If I entrust my P & J to someone to carry out work beyond my capability then I expect the same . . . . minimum.

So, recently I took receipt of the car after work which involved body removal (not a minor undertaking). I was, shall we say, more than a little dissapointed to see maximum nincompoopery / incompetence / couldn't give a toss / dangerous standards of bungling something back together. The forecast for the work was three weeks; it took twelve. I guess I could really say that it was nine because three of those weeks were spent awaiting the return of the ECU from Omex after it was fried: st happens, it was paid for. Anyway, here's a list of MY dissatisfaction for your perusal and comment:

1. Exhaust manifolds blowing on cylinders 5, 6, 7 and 8 (40 thou' gap on 6 and 8).
2. the spigots / machined recesses of the 'Y' piece / manifolds were not engaged (both sides). You should have heard this.
3. The 'Nordlocks' which secure the manifold bolts require BOTH halves to be effective.
4. The two wires that power the fuel pump had been cut and short pieces of red wire spliced-in. These were then bound to the lower wish-bone with packing tape. Female spades crimped over forked connectors?? See photos.
5. The 'U' tube upstream of the fuel pump was positioned so that movement of the lower wish-bone caused its displacement; how long before failure?
6. Fuel tank purge line not routed through the hole in the rear wheel arch but between the rear of the tub and lower wishbone (where it was chafing) then up through the most convenient of the three holes under the body (see photo).
7. The four lower bolts that secure the fan panels to the radiator:- Missing.
8. The wing-nut and penny washer securing the dash to the the binacle:- Missing.
9. Bolt and spacers securing the front of the exhaust system to the block:- Missing.
10. 'T' bolt that secures the lights buttons strip to the dash:- Missing. An attempt to remedy this was to use a mastic. This wasn't successful but it did bond very well to the Leven indicator stalks.
11. The securing tabs for the head-unit frame were not bent into position to prevent it from ejecting itself . . . which it did.
12. Marks, scuffs and nicks to the gear-knob, hand brake button and steering wheel boss because they had not been protected when the dash was removed.
13. Stitching around the dash binacle leather frayed and severed from the dash removal (this will require professional attention).
14. My bonnet badge was gold inlayed . . . . . WAS! (awaiting receipt of this).
15. Magnacor King lead replaced with something else? (awaiting receipt of this).
16. Someones cutlery left in the boot?
17. Carpet in the battery compartment detatched (I wish I'd taken a shot of the mess in here).
18. Engine oil over-filled (1/4" on dipstick).
19. Both pipelines at the purge-tank severed (tank venting into the engine bay and the plenum drawing in additional air (See photo).
20. A random selection of bolt lengths and inadequate sized washers to spread load over the GFRP tub

There's stuff I won't mention because I can't be 100% about but there'll be more of which I am; I'll come across it, I just know!

To this point I've spent the last three weekends rectifying that which shouldn't require my attention. If it weren't for the fact that this 'Specialist' is 330 miles away and my trust in a 'regarded' name has now been lost, it would go back.











Two sides to a story? I'm willing to accept that; you're gonna have to try 'kin hard to convince me though.

[HRG.]

That work was done by a 'professional'? I'm bloody glad I did my own body raise!

[D14 AYS]

Jesus Bruce that is shocking workmanship It is cases like this were name and shame should not apply! That mob shouldn't be let lose on Meccano let alone your pride and joy, there is no defence for the mess they made of that! Hope you haven't paid? If you have get a refund

See you at the Growl mate.

[Boosted LS1]

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

[HRG.]

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Ever know customer to expect twisted and taped wiring?

[Tavan]

Sh*t, that is appalling. Makes me feel ill just reading the catalogue of errors failures. So incompetent and bl**dy unprofessional. I suspect you've checked all the safety componenets and systems - wheel nuts, CV and brake caliper bolts etc. Doubtless you won't want them anywhere near your car again but surely they should be putting (or paying you ) to put this right? A truly awful experience.

[2Munkys]

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Some of it is pretty minor in my opinion too; it's the multitude of it. Some of it isn't minor. 'Mechanic', forgive me Mike, but that's a title I've taken pride in for most of my working life. If I'm surrendering something of my doing to a customer then I take pride in knowing it was a good job. I did invite comment here but what 'improvements' do you refer to? It's shoddy and I'd overload the PH server if I were to dump all the shots onto it. It's rubbish!

[Boosted LS1]

HRG. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Ever know customer to expect twisted and taped wiring?

Depends on if he paid for it. If the wiring was shot in some way the mechanic may have done the rather crude repair FOC. If it was invoiced for then that's wrong but if foc then no cause for complaint if it's better then it was.

Problem with these situations is always about contract and expectation. If you expect perfection then it'll cost accordingly. I have no idea what was agreed or what it cost or if anything was foc.

[HRG.]

Boosted LS1 said:

HRG. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Ever know customer to expect twisted and taped wiring?

Depends on if he paid for it. If the wiring was shot in some way the mechanic may have done the rather crude repair FOC. If it was invoiced for then that's wrong but if foc then no cause for complaint if it's better then it was.

Problem with these situations is always about contract and expectation. If you expect perfection then it'll cost accordingly. I have no idea what was agreed or what it cost or if anything was foc.

The problem for me is the mentality of anyone who would even consider not using the right electrical connectors in a potentially fuel soaked area. Oh, and tape. Connectors and tywraps cost pence, if that when bought at trade prices.

I think everyone's expectations would be to use electrical connectors and ties to make electrical connections.

[D14 AYS]

Boosted LS1 said:

HRG. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Ever know customer to expect twisted and taped wiring?

Depends on if he paid for it. If the wiring was shot in some way the mechanic may have done the rather crude repair FOC. If it was invoiced for then that's wrong but if foc then no cause for complaint if it's better then it was.

Problem with these situations is always about contract and expectation. If you expect perfection then it'll cost accordingly. I have no idea what was agreed or what it cost or if anything was foc.

I really cant understand where your coming from mate

[Boosted LS1]

2Munkys said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Some of it is pretty minor in my opinion too; it's the multitude of it. Some of it isn't minor. 'Mechanic', forgive me Mike, but that's a title I've taken pride in for most of my working life. If I'm surrendering something of my doing to a customer then I take pride in knowing it was a good job. I did invite comment here but what 'improvements' do you refer to? It's shoddy and I'd overload the PH server if I were to dump all the shots onto it. It's rubbish!

Well I don't know the state of your car before the work but I'm being open minded about all of this. The king lead may have been replaced because it was duff. The fuel pump leads may have been extended or replaced for some reason otherwise why do it? Exhaust gaskets may have needed tightening a bit more after a long run out in the car. As for the rest of the stuff, I guess only you know so I can't comment about that. I guess the main thing is if you achieve a resolution with the garage.

[daz the plumber]

Boosted is at it again !

[HRG.]

Boosted LS1 said:

2Munkys said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Some of it is pretty minor in my opinion too; it's the multitude of it. Some of it isn't minor. 'Mechanic', forgive me Mike, but that's a title I've taken pride in for most of my working life. If I'm surrendering something of my doing to a customer then I take pride in knowing it was a good job. I did invite comment here but what 'improvements' do you refer to? It's shoddy and I'd overload the PH server if I were to dump all the shots onto it. It's rubbish!

Well I don't know the state of your car before the work but I'm being open minded about all of this. The king lead may have been replaced because it was duff. The fuel pump leads may have been extended or replaced for some reason otherwise why do it? Exhaust gaskets may have needed tightening a bit more after a long run out in the car. As for the rest of the stuff, I guess only you know so I can't comment about that. I guess the main thing is if you achieve a resolution with the garage.

There's no excuse for not using a spade connector, end of.

[Boosted LS1]

D14 AYS said:

Boosted LS1 said:

HRG. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

Some of that list is pretty minor IMO and may have not been noticeable at the time, some looks like the mechanic was trying to make simple improvements probably FOC and I agree that some looks a tad careless.

I guess the 'contract' when the car was sent there has some relevance as does the invoice -v- customer expectations.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 22:21

Ever know customer to expect twisted and taped wiring?

Depends on if he paid for it. If the wiring was shot in some way the mechanic may have done the rather crude repair FOC. If it was invoiced for then that's wrong but if foc then no cause for complaint if it's better then it was.

Problem with these situations is always about contract and expectation. If you expect perfection then it'll cost accordingly. I have no idea what was agreed or what it cost or if anything was foc.

I really cant understand where your coming from mate

Once upon a time I did an awful lot of work for a customer who subsequently blew his engine up, it was his fault imo. I think he expected bmw reliability from a pretty old car and it cost him peanuts. A lot of the work was free and goodwill based but I still got a slating from him on here afterwards even though I wasn't to blame but how can the mechanic reply, he can't? Lots of people will chip in and make comment even though they weren't party to agreements at the time. So now I'm very choosy who I'll work for. I certainly won't do those little freebies that could blow up in my face later on without 'photographing them' and agreeing it with the customer. This was my experience so I won't do slipshod repairs. I'll do proper repairs but will charge accordingly.

The OP had his own agreement and expectations, whether he was let down depends on what they were.

[Boosted LS1]

daz the plumber said:

Boosted is at it again !

I'm not brown nosing v8d am I? Good, I can sleep easy.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 26th July 23:13

[grahamw48]

It looks like shoddy work to me too, and I'd be VERY angry.

What irritates me in this sort of situation (it's happened to me too) is the sheer lack of respect for another person's property, knowing also that it is the customer's pride and joy. I refer to the marks on and damage to interior fittings.

Over the years I've had so many bad experiences with garage workmanship that I'm really loathe to go anywhere near them.

Only this last weekend my local TVR specialist pointed out the serious shortcomings of the last 'specialist's handiwork.

These days I just don't have time to check every nut and bolt, or I'd still be doing it PROPERLY myself.

[Tavan]

Agree there's always two sides and all that but taking what 2munkys has reported here and whilst some of the items are relatively minor, by my standards and expectations it adds up to slipshod work. Rushed and bodged comes to mind. I know I would be seriously pissed if it was my car. Boosted has a point about photos - worth taking pics of areas likely to be tackled by a garage although impractical to photograph every nut and bolt on the car.

Edited by Tavan on Sunday 26th July 23:22

[Boosted LS1]

Yes, I'd have used cable ties and proper conectors etc and I'd have agreed all work before hand with the customer. I usually photograph my work if only to provide a customer with something for the build manual. It also offers some evidence should a dispute happen in the future especially electrical work.

[sportmotive]

..... wouldn't normally get involved in commenting on stories like this but as Bruce has previously mentioned on another thread that he was bringing his car to us, can everyone please note HE DID NOT! and while I sympathise with the situation, this is what happens when someone offers to do a body off chassis restoration for £1000, how can anybody do a proper job for that price and make any money doing it?...... we quote £4000, thats 100 hours, it takes that amount of time to do it properly.

[spend]

Mike, taping up unsleeved poorly made wiring is bad enough, but even an idiot would fix it to the static chassis, I cant believe anyone would be daft enough to fix it to the moving wishbone?

The purge hose detaches at the plenum, and the breather hose can be removed, or cut and a joint inserted at a convenient point. Most of us with rudimentary knowledge of the layout of the cars components are well aware of these 'snags', professionals should be at least as capable surely. Just cutting pipes and leaving them like that is unacceptable.

Mixing up bolts, losing washers is maybe forgivable but some of those items are indefensible as they really smack of not just carelessness but also ineptitude IMHO.

You're pretty stuck though Bruce, and I guess you won't trust them to fix the things having seen their standards of work, so just have to put everything right yourself? I'd ask them to pay for reasonable materials to rectify & replace what they have messed up / broken and DIY. Big problem is that once you lose confidence in a car you just wont be happy while you suspect there are hidden faults until you have discovered/uncovered them all, and nobody is going to rectify or compensate you for that?

PS chassis looks crap for a body off job