Advice on Viper Repair

[SquadXX]

Good afternoon,
To make a long story short, the snout on the crank of my viper broke off in May 2011 (yes 2011) and I had it taken to a repair shop in Sept 2011. Paid the shop the same month in full (it was an insurance check) and to date, the shop is still working on my car (yes 4 plus years later). I have spoken with the shop owner every two to three weeks for statuses and its the same thing.....ill have it done this week or im trying to get other cars out so I can focus on your. At this point the shop has left me with no choice but to take legal action. I guess my question is, should I inform the shop owner that im about to take legal action or just move forward with legal action without informing the shop first as I don't want to blind side them? I don't want to put all the details in this thread but that's a summary.

 

[Free2go]

"I don't want to blind side them." Where do you guys come from?

 

[SquadXX]

I know the shop and therefore dont want to hit them with a lawsuit out the blue. Id rather not live by the motto of just because someone F'ed you over mean you have to do the same. So I m trying to give some respect here.

 

[ViperJeff]

Go to the shop and pick up your Viper, once it's on the trailer, ask for whatever's in the lawsuit, if he gives it to you, no longer a problem, if he gives you excuses or crap. Calmly get in your vehicle and take your Viper home an file you lawsuit.... Warning was given when he refused to successfully comply with your request

 

[Free2go]

Four years for a busted crank snout. And you're worried about blind siding someone. I'd be back in prison.

 

[SquadXX]

Thanks Viper Jeff, that's what I was looking for.

 

[broomrider]

Are you certain he still has your Viper? Have you checked in on it from time to time to make sure it's ok? Also, it's a great policy to check your mileage going in
and picking up just verify that no one has been cruising your car. I agree with Jeff, warning given when there is no compliance. Enough is enough. I would still
Consult with an attorney to know before you go. They can give you ammo and keep you out of $hit. Mine mostly does the latter. Hehehe.

 

[TexasTorred]

I think ViperJeff said it best. After the time you've waited, I wouldn't worry too much about blind siding them....I'd be more concerned like Jeff said on 'getting your Viper' back in your possession FIRST, then you can update them / serve them with a lawsuit (if you can't come to a reasonable solution. Sounds like you were heading toward a lawsuit a LONG time ago. Also, hopefully you noted your mileage 'in' and its the same 'out.' Best of luck.

 

[SquadXX]

yeah I have checked on it and half the engine is with another shop that I have contacted. So Im going to contact an attorney this evening or tomorrow to see if there is an statute of limitation and what I need on my end to resolve this. its been sitting there so long, I literally forget about it months at a time until I see a nice sports car going down the road and remember I have one as well. Just wanted to reach out first to see if anyone had gone through this and how they proceeded. Thanks everyone as I d rather not go to jail over a car as things can escalate quickly and I dont it to be a his word against mine, especially not at their shop.

 

[SquadXX]

Yep miles were noted....and yes, the lawsuit was something I had planned some time ago but other things had precedents, work, new house, etc.

 

[TexasTorred]

yeah I have checked on it and half the engine is with another shop that I have contacted. So Im going to contact an attorney this evening or tomorrow to see if there is an statue of limitation and what I need on my end to resolve this. its been sitting there so long, I literally forget about it months at a time until I see a nice sports car going down the road and remember I have one as well. Just wanted to reach out first to see if anyone had gone through this and how they proceeded. Thanks everyone as I d rather not go to jail over a car as things can escalate quickly and I dont it to be a his word against mine, especially not at their shop.

You're a better person than me. I'm 'freakin' out' over having a Dealer do the AirBag Recall (now a 2nd Airbag Recall) and the car will be 'out of my hands' so to speak. You're kindness/patience and consideration unfortunately 'enabled' this shop to take so long. Think most of us would be there with lawyer standing next to us after a few months of 'lack of progress.' I feel for you when you say "you see other Vipers" and know you have one, but not in your possession. So sorry for you and I sincerely hope your legal action(s) get your car back to you in one piece and you back on the road with it. Again, best of luck! On the positive side, I hope you / your family are all 'healthy' and remember ---you're living in 'the' best country in the world! Hope this helps!

 

[Free2go]

Statute of limitations depends on the state you live in. Would it be fair to assume you live in Texas? And for the record, I've never been to prison...or jail for that matter.

 

[SquadXX]

Free2go, no im on the east coast. Also wasn't imply you been to jail, Id just rather go about this legally. Thanks again everyone for the advice.

 

[Free2go]

YOU are on the east coast. But your CAR is in Texas....correct?

 

[Free2go]

Rocket, I see you lurking down there. Your car is the poster child for nefarious Viper shops. You should be able to give some good advice here.

 

[Allan]

Wow............................is this for real?

 

[Free2go]

I'd be willing to bet the OP's car is parted out, with many parts in a garage in the Burleson area.

 

[SquadXX]

No my cars on the east coast as well, about 40 mins from me, near the Washington dc area. I spoke with a lawyer last night and he gave the same advice Viper Jeff and others have stated; hit with lawsuit and give two weeks and if shop doesn't adhere to the lawsuit then its off to court. Last time I was at the shop, the hood was off as was the transmission out so now I have to find a way to get that heavy ass trans and engine block loaded and unloaded at my house. When I called around this summer to shops inquiring if they would put the engine and trans, supercharger etc. back in the car, all of them said they did not want to deal with that (and I dont blame them on trying to piece a car back together) however the engine shop where half the motor is currently at said they would assemble the engine (for 1500) if I got all the parts to them (block, pistons, etc as the engine shop has the top half of the engine)

 

[VPRPWRD]

No my cars on the east coast as well, about 40 mins from me, near the Washington dc area. I spoke with a lawyer last night and he gave the same advice Viper Jeff and others have stated; hit with lawsuit and give two weeks and if shop doesn't adhere to the lawsuit then its off to court. Last time I was at the shop, the hood was off as was the transmission out so now I have to find a way to get that heavy ass trans and engine block loaded and unloaded at my house. When I called around this summer to shops inquiring if they would put the engine and trans, supercharger etc. back in the car, all of them said they did not want to deal with that (and I dont blame them on trying to piece a car back together) however the engine shop where half the motor is currently at said they would assemble the engine (for 1500) if I got all the parts to them (block, pistons, etc as the engine shop has the top half of the engine)

I am not near the DC area, but do have a lot of Viper experience and would be willing to lend you a hand any way possible. This is quite ridiculous that it has taken this long.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

With everyone here, this makes no sense, since even a year is completely irresponsible. Can't imagine how they stay in business if they do things like this? Never heard of anyone , anywhere , taking this long to repair a vehicle.

 

[AZTVR]

When I called around this summer to shops inquiring if they would put the engine and trans, supercharger etc. back in the car, all of them said they did not want to deal with that (and I dont blame them on trying to piece a car back together) however the engine shop where half the motor is currently at said they would assemble the engine (for 1500) if I got all the parts to them (block, pistons, etc as the engine shop has the top half of the engine)

Well, although he is not real close to you, I'd recommend getting in touch with Chuck Tator and inquiring if he would do it. At least you would know you are going to someone with a great reputation backed up with tears of experience with Vipers.

 

[gb66gth]

You're a better man than I! I would have sued him back to the stoneage after six months.

 

[Sybil TF]

Pay your attorney to send them a letter with legal action if car isn't completed by (you pick the date) if nice is the way you must go. If car hasn't been touched you should get it back with a full refund plus your attorney expenses. This is why you never pay in full for anything up front on a job like this. I would go as far as to say I wouldn't pay anything on stuff like this until the job is completed. Custom TT builds etc. is a different story but repairs should be easy. If a shop can't afford to do a job with no money down on a repair they **** lol

If the threat of legal action doesn't get this shop in gear you are s.o.l anyway. Scumbags like this sense a pushover easily and you are probably not the first they have done this to. Time to get tough. Good luck!

 

[plumcrazy]

squad, good to see you here but not under these circumstances. sorry to hear it

 

[SquadXX]

I was trying to give the shop owner the benefit of the doubt since I know he had some issues with the machine shop he used for the machining work, the first year and after that I just lost track of the car as far as following up like I should have and with other things in life happening, etc. but yeah I gave the shop until mid feb and the owner agreed, so we'll see but otherwise its to the courts for sure if its not done.

Hey Plum,
Yeah, I ve haven't been commenting at all but reading the forums from time to time. Plan to be more active now. I also checked out the site you emailed, thanks.