Ok, I admit it, I am a dummy

"ImmoralMinority" (araimondo)
07/13/2017 at 21:41 • Filed to: None

So I had to take the Sunchaser back to Nikon. There were some drips showing on the trunk that I could not see until it was sunny, and the thing was leaking coolant (he re-did the radiator, thermostat, and cooling).

I was supposed to have it at noon...then 5:30...now maybe 9 pm. I have had it. This guy will never touch another car of mine again.

He lost the prop rod for my hood, so I have to go junkyarding for a replacement. He broke one of my windows, and fucked up the install of the replacement. He lost another intetior trim piece, but I found a replacement on eBay. I am trying to not get enraged about this.

I was willing to give him another chance, but I have had enough after his inability to deliver today. Too bad, I actually really liked him and hoped he would be the guy to help me with these cars. Back to the drawing board.

20 years ago I would have been kicking his door in. I guess I have matured...or something.

DISCUSSION (7)

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > ImmoralMinority
07/13/2017 at 22:21

That really sucks, you’re rally is coming up soon, no?

Losing parts is a big no-no. It happens, I’ve personally lost dozens of bits and bobs over the years, and seen more skilled and experienced techs than I do the same. You shouldn’t be sourcing the replacements, though. That burden should be on the shop. I’ve “eaten” thousands of dollars of parts over the years

Breaking windows unfortunately happens too, and the aftermarket replacements can be a pain in the ass. Aligning frameless door glass can also be a bit of a nightmare, but it honestly should’ve been right by the time you got it back.

The runs (drips in paint) should’ve been seen before it left. They’re an unfortunate part of painting, especially in warmer temperatures, but they’re easily corrected.

I guess the only “legit” comeback item is the coolant leak, pending the cause. After a few heat cycles of expanding and contracting, new stuff can kind of “settle” into place. Unless it’s been leaking since you got it, in which case, yeah, they should’ve caught that, too.

Everything up to the coolant leak should reasonably be completed in a couple hours. Wetsand and buff the runs, remove the door trim panel and adjust what’s necessary to resolve the glass sealing and/or operation issue (I’m assuming it’s one of the two, and also not a urethane set window now that I consider it).

I hope he gets everything sorted and the car back to you before the rally.

shop-teacher > ImmoralMinority
07/13/2017 at 22:27

That sucks!

Wagon Guy drives a Boostang > ImmoralMinority
07/13/2017 at 22:29

Sucks. Time to find a new go-to guy.

RallyWrench > ImmoralMinority
07/13/2017 at 23:23

Shit. I was worried about this for you, based on your prior experience and the habit of unjustifiable delays. The only defense I can think of is that the car was originally released to you without enough time to fettle it, so to speak. But that’s his damn fault for taking so long and running down to and past the wire the first time, so that’s no defense at all. On a project of that magnitude (the original paint & mechanical work), it’s standard to test and check the car extensively before release to the owner. It’s just basic quality control, you don’t just ship it when the paint is dry. Sorry again, first I hope you get the car back tonight and have a safe and successful rally, second I hope you find a new place to trust.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ImmoralMinority
07/14/2017 at 02:39

This guy sounds like a piece of work. All the delays caused you should have resulted in the car being properly restored, vs poorly.

Still not sure what’s up with your lingering cooling issues... I’ve owned 3 R motors and never had issues like you have. And I demanded much of them

pip bip - choose Corrour > ImmoralMinority
07/14/2017 at 08:03

that sucks.

CaptDale - is secretly British > ImmoralMinority
07/14/2017 at 16:15

Ugg that is super annoying. I am sorry to hear that. You need a new guy badly.