Shop has screwed up my car

[SVT Jesse]

So I took my car to a shop on Friday to get a idler and upper pulley swap, as I didn't have the time, space, or tools to do it myself. They claimed that afternoon that the pulley was too large, they'd need to hold onto my car to shave it down just a hair and install it. No biggie, I thought. So Saturday rolls around, they don't touch it. At all. Sunday comes around and the guy claims that he got it machined, but didn't have time to do it. So today he texts me this morning, saying he broke the pulley trying to install it, the idler was the wrong size (it isn't) and that he ruined the stock upper pulley getting it off. So I'm out of two pullies, my only means of transportation and had to order new ones from VMP to even get my car moving
2 day delivery is not cheap from Florida to California! I'll also have to pay to have the car towed 40 miles back to my place, and then towed again to a different shop, or do it myself. Legally, who is responsible for all these extra charges?

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[SVT Jesse]

So I took my car to a shop on Friday to get a idler and upper pulley swap, as I didn't have the time, space, or tools to do it myself. They claimed that afternoon that the pulley was too large, they'd need to hold onto my car to shave it down just a hair and install it. No biggie, I thought. So Saturday rolls around, they don't touch it. At all. Sunday comes around and the guy claims that he got it machined, but didn't have time to do it. So today he texts me this morning, saying he broke the pulley trying to install it, the idler was the wrong size (it isn't) and that he ruined the stock upper pulley getting it off. So I'm out of two pullies, my only means of transportation and had to order new ones from VMP to even get my car moving
2 day delivery is not cheap from Florida to California! I'll also have to pay to have the car towed 40 miles back to my place, and then towed again to a different shop, or do it myself. Legally, who is responsible for all these extra charges?

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He might have ruined the snout on my Supercharger as well

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[Revvv]

So I took my car to a shop on Friday to get a idler and upper pulley swap, as I didn't have the time, space, or tools to do it myself. They claimed that afternoon that the pulley was too large, they'd need to hold onto my car to shave it down just a hair and install it. No biggie, I thought. So Saturday rolls around, they don't touch it. At all. Sunday comes around and the guy claims that he got it machined, but didn't have time to do it. So today he texts me this morning, saying he broke the pulley trying to install it, the idler was the wrong size (it isn't) and that he ruined the stock upper pulley getting it off. So I'm out of two pullies, my only means of transportation and had to order new ones from VMP to even get my car moving
2 day delivery is not cheap from Florida to California! I'll also have to pay to have the car towed 40 miles back to my place, and then towed again to a different shop, or do it myself. Legally, who is responsible for all these extra charges?

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Did you sign anything?

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[SVT Jesse]

Did you sign anything?

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No

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[Revvv]

No

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Depending on the laws of CA, and the city, the shop owner may be responsible for all charges.

Read as much as possible in regard to case law and other people's experiences. I do not know whether or not an attorney would be cost effective at the moment, but that may be an option if need be.

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[SVT Jesse]

Thanks for the advice. So i have documentation of what i asked to be done, what we agreed he would do, and when I've repeatedly requested that he stop trying to modify the car and return it to stock. I ordered the pulley removal kit with the tool, 2.5 upper and idler from VMP and will be having the car towed first thing tomorrow morning wether he likes it or not. This has caused me a ridiculous amount of time and money, and I believe I will be consulting a lawyer tomorrow after I have the car in my possession again

 

[2000GTSTANG]

This is why I never let any random shop work on my cars. Can't trust them when you know you've purchased the proper parts to install.

 

[SVT Jesse]

I'm new to the state and area in general, I got some bad advice

 

[StrayBullitt]

I feel like this would be a small claims situation and you would have to prove negligence on his part. I have heard it is difficult.

I'll have my stock blower available here any day now.. with a 2.6 upper on it already, can go cheap if you need it.

 

[gt347mustang]

Good learning lesson right there.

Next time do it yourself and save some headache.

 

[Pribilof]

A Consumer's Guide To Automotive Repair In California

1. Don't pay them for anything. If they didnt give you a detailed estimate and you didn't sign anything, they can't collect jack.
2. Maybe an AAA membership will be cheaper than a tow, maybe not but it can be worth it in the long run.
3. I too have learned this lesson the hard way. I'm sorry you have too. On the bright side, I have a tool chest full of tools now and a great hobby. Pretty much nobody other than me works on my cars anymore except warranty repairs.
4. Make a complaint to the CA BAR. At minimum it's a headache for them as payment for them screwing up your ride.

Also, I don't know what the stock snout on the eaton looks like but it's probably OK. Check this video, skip to about 4:14 or so for a shot of the bare snout.

 

[UncleSAm]

What shop?

 

[MG0h3]

I suspect you'll be throwing good money after bad if you hire a lawyer. Unless maybe they did ruin the blower.

 

[1Kona_Venom]

I'm new to the state and area in general, I got some bad advice

I moved to California, shady car work took place for me to. Bad info, it happens. What shop was it and location?

If you are near Downey, Ca than RET or GTR in Rancho Cuccamunga are great options, I used both. If your further north AED

 

[DaleM]

Thanks for the advice. So i have documentation of what i asked to be done, what we agreed he would do, and when I've repeatedly requested that he stop trying to modify the car and return it to stock. I ordered the pulley removal kit with the tool, 2.5 upper and idler from VMP and will be having the car towed first thing tomorrow morning wether he likes it or not. This has caused me a ridiculous amount of time and money, and I believe I will be consulting a lawyer tomorrow after I have the car in my possession again

Small claims court.