What would you do in this situation? (Mechanic)

[Jgordon]

I found a shop and visited them for a set of shocks and some other work. While there, the tech pointed out that my bushings are all worn. We set up a full suspension rebuild. Ordered the parts to his shop, he said he'd look through them and let me know if I had everything, then I could drop the car off.

That was in October. All parts were delivered on November 3. He's been swamped with employees out and general covid, but this is going on four months. I've called a number of times, and I'm told that he'll call me back, but I haven't received a call. I just want to know whether all the parts he needs for the job are in, and whether he has the capacity to do this work.

What would you do at this point? Should I just pull the parts? Not sure why it's so difficult to find a good shop in this area.

Let me know if this isn't the correct forum.

[mikesarge]

By now, I'd probably arrange to pick up the parts, assuming you're the one who paid for them.

[creaturecat]

drop by - ask for a firm date. get a feel for what's going on.
it's been a tough go, all around - a special case scenario.
not satisfied/in a hurry? go elsewhere.

[75 911s]

Pick everything up today.

[rxtrom]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Pick everything up today.

+1

Plenty of shops in NY/CT that would treat you much better.

[Glenfield]

Went through something similar. Has he begun disassembling the car? If he has, then it’s more nuanced and you’re partnering him through it. Would help to stop by in person and agree a timeline with several milestones you can hold him accountable to. The mini-milestones will keep the pressure on simmer and also help you realize just how off track you are.

If he’s not calling you back and not being communicative, and the car is still driveable, I wouldn’t go further. He may be having a tough time, but ought to let his customers know (in the hope they support him through it). Collect the parts and find another shop.

[shadowjack1]

For the last four months he has been doing work on other cars, not yours. Would pi$$ me off. You were put on the back burner. I would see if I could get my car/stuff back. Then bad mouth the $hit out of his business. But that's just me.

[Jgordon]

To clarify, the car is in my possession. I would not have left it with him for four months. I ordered the parts from pelican to his shop, per his request. Something like $3k worth of suspension components.

I had wanted him to do the work as I'd heard good things. I'd have been fine if he'd simply called me back, told me he was still swamped, apologized for the delay, and told me he needed more time. I wasn't in a rush at the time, and communicated as much to him. But I've called every other week for a few months now, and I haven't gotten so much as a return call. My schedule is tightening and I have no idea whether he has all the correct parts, or even whether he's capable of doing the work. I guess the answer to the second question is clearly no.

Agreed - time to pick up the parts. This sucks.

[Jgordon]

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by rxtrom

+1

Plenty of shops in NY/CT that would treat you much better.

[rxtrom]

Daniel Jacobs LLC in southbury CT
Musante Motorsports, South Windsor, CT
Speedsport in Danbury CT ( no direct experience but I have seen them mentioned by others)

Most of these places will pick up and drop off your car in trailer (if needed).

[dg567]

Clear your pm and I’ll send you some local places

[Jgordon]

Cleared. Thanks.

Originally Posted by dg567

Clear your pm and I’ll send you some local places

[LIRS6]

Originally Posted by dg567

Clear your pm and I’ll send you some local places

dg567 - can you share your thoughts, or send me a pm?

Thanks,
Jason

[Noah930]

Good luck getting your parts back. Not saying it won't happen, but if I left stuff sitting around in just my own garage for 4 months, I might not be able to find it. Someone else's garage who's been too busy to even call you back?

[dg567]

Originally Posted by LIRS6

dg567 - can you share your thoughts, or send me a pm?

Thanks,
Jason

Locally, there's 2 places I trust. Speedwerk in Nyack, and Gaspare in Mahwah. Which is what I told, Jared. The places rxtrom recommended are great too, just a bit of a hike for me. Wish I was closer, Danny Jacobs is one of the best.

[lateapex911]

Originally Posted by rxtrom

Daniel Jacobs LLC in southbury CT
Musante Motorsports, South Windsor, CT
Speedsport in Danbury CT ( no direct experience but I have seen them mentioned by others)

Most of these places will pick up and drop off your car in trailer (if needed).

All solid choices.

Is Jim Newton still going in....Canton CT? (bit of a hike)
Rick DeMan up the Hudson in Blauvelt, NY has a solid reputation ...DemanMotorsports.com.

Fairfield County Motorsports in Fairfield CT is right next to the train station so it's easy in/out. About an hour up the rails from Grand Central
Fairfieldcountymotorsports.com

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Pick everything up today.

100% this...............

[famoroso]

Sometimes, we can't see the Black Forrest for the pine trees.

I do believe the shop's nonresponse rings as the loudest answer to your questions...

"I just want to know whether all the parts he needs for the job are in, and whether he has the capacity to do this work."

TBD on the parts, but totally clear he does not have the capacity.

I'm a patient guy and all. In fact, I often tell my service / repair partners that A) I'm not in a rush, and B) as a result, I value the quality of the work / repair over the turnaround time, but C) I have very high standards so don't accept the job if you can't fulfill my requirements in a reasonable time frame.

Regarding completeness of your parts, post the list up here. You'll know within minutes what you may be missing.

[Jgordon]

That's a growing fear. I have a parts list from Pelican and a delivery confirmation, and I doubt he's even opened the boxes. But who knows. I'll head up on Friday to pick it all up. It's a shame. Hoping to line up another shop so that I can just drive the stuff from his shop to the new tech, and I'm not spending days transporting stuff back and forth. I really do not have time for this ****.

Originally Posted by Noah930

Good luck getting your parts back. Not saying it won't happen, but if I left stuff sitting around in just my own garage for 4 months, I might not be able to find it. Someone else's garage who's been too busy to even call you back?

[dmaddox]

If it were spring and not the arctic outside, I'd say swing by on a Saturday with a six pack at my place, I have all of the tools to do the job. Looking forward to hearing the solution. I agree, get your gear and find a reputable shop that wants your business.