I took my 1960 T-Bird in so the mechanic could tighten the exhaust manifolds. Some how they misaligned my hood and scraped the paint off my car. The hood hits at points around the front of the hood onto the fender. I was so mad that I could not talk to them. They had the nerve to accept payment. I think the front of my car will have to be repainted again. (had it painted in june) the car was perfect. I tell you, you have to watch these people all the time. I dropped the car off. This was a big mistake. I am not good at spot repair however I have left over paint. The problem is the hood needs to be realigned I pull it up as far as it will go but it still hits slightly. what other adjustment can I do? thanks in advance. Rodney
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Sad day, T-Bird damaged
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Rodney - really hate to hear that. If you have your paint fixed I would send them the bill - all they can say is no - maybe you'll get lucky and they will agree to at least pay half.
So far I haven't had the hood off my car but replacing the motor soon so I'll be interested in the adjustment advice. Going to try and measure mine before hand and mark it - hopefully it will go back on the same.
Man - that's the pits. Hey - at least it was sort of minor and you're not looking for a new hood, windshield, or fender. Now you know where not to take your car. (I know that's not much help........)
Eric
registry 5347Comment
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Rodney sorry to hear about your mishap. If they are a reputable company they should stand behind the mistake and make it right. That's what their insurance is for and why should you pay for it?? I take pictures now, when I take either squarebird into anyone's shop even my buddies.Dano Calgary,Alberta Canada
Thunderbird Registry
58HT #33317
60 HT (Sold )Comment
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I know that feeling. It goes to the pit of your gut. DK is right, things could be a lot worse. I'm sure you know what to do next time.
Not to one-up the situation, but I was at my friendly Ford dealership when a van FELL OFF the hoist, straight ON TO a mechanic. He lived.
The panel van fell sideways, and made a perfect indentation of the guy on the side panel. It belonged to a plumbing & heating company. When the tow trucks flipped the van upright, it sounded just like a bucket of bolts, with all the fittings rattling around inside.
Two wrongs don't make a right, and I don't mean to say these idiots should be forgiven for the damages, but put in perspective, it could be worse.
If they don't honor your repair bill, have your lawyer submit it with rumblings about a complaint. They may have a change of heart. Take pictures, and save your receipts.
Seems to me, the expert mechanics accepted responsibility for the whole job before the process started and in good faith, you paid in full. Now that damage is done, compensation is in order. I would NOT split the bill since you did nothing to cause the damage. Hoods are frequently removed and replaced without incident by competent mechanics. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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B A R (Bureau of Automotive Repair)
Three letters that put fear into the hearts of shop owners.
Even an un settled complaint puts a black mark by their name.
Threaten them with that !!!! For body shops it means ins companies see that and won't send them work. It causes all kinds of termoil for em.
Sorry that happened to you.Comment
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Member, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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A little sleep eases the pain....somewhat
Thanks for all the suggestions. This mechanic has been working on my car for a very long time. He has gotten old and can hardly see anymore. He knows his stuff however I can't let him work on the T-bird anymore. The omly reason I did was it needed a lift to get to the lower manifold bolts.I am usually there to watch him. I had to leave the car this time. They did not reomve the hood. I think they had the light cord laying across the car and raised the or lowered the car on the lift and the cord got caught. I touched it up last night and tried to adjust it so I will see this morning if it took.
I had the hood off when I rebuilt my motor(3 years ago) no problem putting it back on and adjusting it, I don't know it's a hard luck life....sometimesComment
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Touched up the bird
I touched up the bird and will buff out the area todat I think I got it passable. I will always wonder what happened to it as they will not tell me the truth. My father once told me that when you have a car like this there are folks that just can't accept it's beautyComment
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I love that car. Have it framed in my garageComment
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Rodney she IS a real beauty and the chrome trim on the rear tailight sections are becoming more and more popular with our members.Dano Calgary,Alberta Canada
Thunderbird Registry
58HT #33317
60 HT (Sold )Comment
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As I said, I love that car. But isnīt it a bit too much white on those tires? This looks more ī40 than ī50.Comment
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