Post Covid Vehicle (truck) repair expectations?

[greglepore]

Have a 6.0 ford that while drivable needs a head gasket. Not a trivial job, cab off, etc.

We have one shop in town with a reputation for this sort of work. Emailed in July, was given a rough idea of cost and was told that "we're currently scheduling this sort of job 3 weeks out". Made appointment for Aug 1.

Called the Friday before, and they asked if I could push it back as they were backlogged with work that had been sitting waiting for unobtainable parts that were now coming in. Asked what was reasonable and we agreed on 8/22.

Drove by today, 8 days later, and truck sits where I parked it, untouched.

I get that they're slammed. I don't "need" the truck, but its the only vehicle I have that's capable of hauling my horse trailer, and we have travel plans late Sept thru October.

Would I be unreasonable to call and ask why its sitting? For those of you in the biz, what is the approach that is most likely to get them to move on it? I get that there are "work trucks" in theory in the line ahead, but I'd have shopped elsewhere had they not given me an "appointment".

[javadog]

That does not sound like a well run shop. I would call them up, tell them you have firm plans for using the truck, ask when will you get it back? I would want it back at least a week or 10 days before you leave on the trip, do you want to shake it down thoroughly before you leave.

[aigel]

That my friend is why new trucks are selling over MSRP.

Seriously, I wouldn't fault the shop. They are probably totally swamped and if it is a small operation, it isn't that they can go call you with a new ETA. I'd stick it out and just go by in person and check, being nice and understanding, explaining your conundrum. That usually gets you more than pushing hard. But for your trip, just make alternative plans, such as a rental.

I'd seriously consider DIY if it is at all within your abilities.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by aigel

I'd seriously consider DIY if it is at all within your abilities.

I would, but its not. First, disconnect everything and remove cab. That requires a 4 post lift. And that's just the start. Its a turbodiesel, so its like 10 hrs shop time just to get all the crap off of the motor. It would literally take me months and probably not be right.

[RANDY P]

Parts availability- They probably have so many cars in your situation they have to push you back.

Times are tough right now- If they are truly a good shop and one of the few in town that historically does good work, I'd leave them alone. If you make them mad, where will you go next time?

[recycled sixtie]

I think that because they have not started it or taken it apart then there is no obligation on your part to leave it there. It sounds like they have a good reputation but that does not help you if you want the truck done now.

I would scout around for another repair place especially if you want the truck ready for your holidays. You might have to get it towed to a new fix it place but ensure they have a good reputation. Or else just leave it where it is and take your chances on it being ready or not for your holidays.

Cheers, Guy

[javadog]

I’ve run several dealer service departments and I can promise you that we never took a vehicle in and waited even so much as a day to work on it, much less a week.

There may be good mechanics at the shop but whoever is running it has his head up his ass.

Don’t call, stop in in person and get the story of why they told you to bring it in over a week ago and haven’t touched it yet. Then make a judgment as to whether you can trust them to actually get the damn job done on time.

Personally, I’d already be looking for another shop that’s better organized.

[gacook]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

Parts availability- They probably have so many cars in your situation they have to push you back.

Times are tough right now- If they are truly a good shop and one of the few in town that historically does good work, I'd leave them alone. If you make them mad, where will you go next time?

This. The supply chain is severely broken--still.

It took over 4 months to get my wife's (new) car back from the shop for a bumper repair. They screwed something up and couldn't get it to start after finally getting the parts in after 2 months. Finally took threats of lemon law at KIA corporate office and magically car was done next day.

[SCadaddle]

I'll play the Devil's Advocate here. Another shop could have your truck all apart and then give you the run around.
Glad it's your truck and not my truck.
This time.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by greglepore

.....
Would I be unreasonable to call and ask why its sitting? For those of you in the biz, what is the approach that is most likely to get them to move on it?.....

I would ask them nicely about progress(not sitting), and confirm it will be ready to tow in a few weeks. Probably via email, so you have a record.

Then a follow up email based on the reply next week.

With the holiday weekend, and the extent of work, I would be very concerned.

[Scott Douglas]

From the timeline sounds of it, if it were me, I'd be looking hard at alternative means to haul your horse trailer.
Is this a pickup truck or something else altogether?

[911 Rod]

Call them or drop in. Squeaky wheel.
I'm my worst enemy when I drop off a car and say no rush as I have other cars. Gets put on the backburner sometimes.