BEWARE! Very unhappy with Dan Cole(Dansauto)

[SNAKE BITE]

I just want to make everyone aware of my experience with Dan Cole(Dansauto on here)
Let me first say I have ALL e-mails between Dan and I if anyone would like to see them I would be happy to post or e-mail them to you. I also have pics if someone can post them for me as I can't figure out how to.
I needed my side sills repaired and had offers from a couple people here and ultimately went with Dan because he said he had done lots of these and had posted his process which sounded like the right way to do it.
I contacted Dan via e-mail and asked if he could repair my sill to "factory condition" and I included pics. He replied he could with a price.
I shipped the sills from IL to him in PA and when I received them back they were done very poorly.
Here is copy and paste from 2 of Dans posts of his process:
"Yes, but you must tig weld al back in the holes, body putty will lift, bubble and flake off. The best process is to strip the whole pc, grind out all the oxidation, tig weld the holes, sand, prime using self etching primer, seal using expoxy sealer then refinsih. I seal the inside and out to stop future corrosion."

Another:The sills need to be stripped and the bad spots ground out and spray tig welded with clean al. Make sure your painter does this or the bubbles will be back in a month. I have been charging $500-1000 per set to strip, repair and refinish."

Let me tell you what Dan did with my sills.
Did NOT strip anything, didn't even remove the insulation
Repaired a tear I had and did use body filler(which he states is a no no)
Re-painted directly over the 3m chip film that was on the sills.
Did NOT fix many smaller dents/dings in the sills
Where the gloss and flat black meet their is a 1/2" offset/zigzag where it was masked off VERY POORLY
A smear of gloss paint on the flat in another place.

Everything I have said is 100% true and I can prove all of it. I also will be at the ILL VCA meeting this Wed. if anyone would like to see the sills in person before I have them redone correctly.

PS I do have to say Dan offered to fix them if I would re-ship them to him.
After what I received the first time I will not spend the shipping $, and will just take the loss.

 

[viper GTS-R]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Was only a matter of time...

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

That *****, but personally, I wouldve given him one more chance to get it right.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

You should have really given him a second chance. Dan has always been an upstanding member and has fixed my sills without issues. Remember it was your choice to not send them back for the redo.

 

[ViperJohn]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

I can understand why you are unhappy with the work, based on your description. But I cannot agree with you stating he ripped you off. He offered to redo them, you have decided to have them redone elsewhere.

Perhaps it would have been a better choice to say you in your post that you were unhappy with his work, not that he ripped you off.

And for the record...I do not know Dan or had any dealings with him.

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

If you see the sills and the obvious things that were done wrong, I would be a fool to send them back and spend the shipping money again on a chance they may get done right. It costs a total of about $200 for shipping and insurance.


Any way you look at it I get ripped off because even if I gave him a chance to fix them again I lose out on the shipping $.

 

[Camfab]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

I don't know Dan or why he did what he did, but if someone tells you they are going to do a specific job in detail, then does a half@#$ job it's over.

 

[LETHAL GTS]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Should have given him another chance?
What's wrong with simply doin the job correctly in the first place.
Now I don't know Dan and I'm not saying he's good or bad, but why is it that people are always telling others that get sh!tty work done to give the vendor another chance.
Let me ask you guys this. If some chic said she was going to give you a kiss and kicked you right square in the balls. Would you give her another chance if she said that she'd kiss you this time instead or nailin you in the nards? I didn't think so!

 

[99 R/T 10]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

This is hardly a "kick in the balls". Bad analogy Lethal, my $.02

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Like I've stated in the first post, I will take the sills with me to the club meeting on wednesday and show everyone. I doubt any will suggest I send them back after seeing them.

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Here is EXACTLY why you shouldn't send them back.

if someone tells you they are going to do a specific job in detail, then does a half@#$ job it's over.

Whether or not all of this is true.....the above statement is how it should be. There shouldn't be a need for a "second chance".

 

[twinturbo3150]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Here is EXACTLY why you shouldn't send them back.

if someone tells you they are going to do a specific job in detail, then does a half@#$ job it's over.

Whether or not all of this is true.....the above statement is how it should be. There shouldn't be a need for a "second chance".

I agree also to a point, snake bite took the time to take the sills off and ship them off, which I imagine wasnt cheap. To a person he trusted and was probably was recommended by someone else. But everyone makes mistakes, and should have the chance to fix there mistake, But SnakeBite should not have to pay for the shipping!!!! It was Dans mistake and if he is upstanding as everyone says he is. He should send a call tag for the side sills and fix them and send them back free of charge. If SnakeBite refuses that kind of offer, then the bad cloud if lifted off of Dan, and the matter would be closed .02

 

[twinturbo3150]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

But of course if Dansauto refuses to pay for the shipping there and back, and fix his shoddy workmanship. Then I would do the same thing you are doing now. By not recommending him to anyone!!!!

 

[dansauto]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

I was not to even respond to this thread, but afer reading some comments I feel the need to set the record straight. The orginal quote was $1000 per set to strip and refinish. His sills did not show much corrision so I sent him an email back saying I could do them for $500. I did not say that I was going to strip them both for that price. I ground out about 5 spots that needed tig welding back up, then I tig welded a tear that he did not tell me about by one of the openings. Yes there is some body fill, these were repaired once before. I refinishing with PPG DBC base clear and buffed the exposed front side. This took about 20 hrs to complete. They looked fine to me, but if he was unhappy I offerd to address any issues he might have with them if he could cleary point them out and send them back. Instead he is ranting. I did not solicate his business, he came to me. I have plenty to do with out working for $20/hr. After a couple of emails I told him I would fit them in. Typicaly I send them back to people then ask them to pay me. I never had one complaint until now. I also advised him to pull the insulation out to save on shipping costs. He insured these for $4000 (?) and left the insulation in. I could have had these sent for less than $100.

 

[dansauto]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

my offer is this...I will send him $100 to send them to me. I will then completely stip and refinish for and add'l $500 which he can pay after he receives them back. However, I will not be able to do this for another month as I have others jobs I have to get done this month.

 

[twinturbo3150]

Re-painted directly over the 3m chip film that was on the sills.

All I really want to know is, if this is true? sounds like SnakeBite has the proof. SnakeBite you should post the pic's of the sills, Im interested in what they look like.

 

[DEVILDOG]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Here is EXACTLY why you shouldn't send them back.

if someone tells you they are going to do a specific job in detail, then does a half@#$ job it's over.

Whether or not all of this is true.....the above statement is how it should be. There shouldn't be a need for a "second chance".

I agree also to a point, snake bite took the time to take the sills off and ship them off, which I imagine wasnt cheap. To a person he trusted and was probably was recommended by someone else. But everyone makes mistakes, and should have the chance to fix there mistake, But SnakeBite should not have to pay for the shipping!!!! It was Dans mistake and if he is upstanding as everyone says he is. He should send a call tag for the side sills and fix them and send them back free of charge. If SnakeBite refuses that kind of offer, then the bad cloud if lifted off of Dan, and the matter would be closed .02

I agree. Dan should pay for the shipping and fix the sills correctly. I can understand SnakeBite not agreeing to pay shipping and send them back. I don't know Dan, however, it sounds like he represented that he knows how to do the job...he just did not do it. Why? Sometimes people take advantage and think they can get away with it. Apparently not. Good luck with your repairs SnakeBite. IMO you should get the job done locally with a proper warranty at a good body/paint shop. Check with your dealer/Viper Tech.

 

[RedEnuf93]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Not only is Dan right now doing a +$30.000 repair on my Viper, but he has also painted my wifes laser red Expedition twice (fender benders) and he has painted ALL my spoilers etc on my -93 Viper.
Dan has also repaired my side sills 2 years ago, you can see the pictures in my gallery. There were over 20 holes on them and it was a large job. To this day there is no bubbling, peeling or anything else wrong with them.

I have known Dan as long as I have been a member in PA club (5 years), he has always done the work to my full satisfaction.

This is the reason several VCA members (like you and RT RT10) have contacted me regarding the side sills repairs and I have recommended Dan. I am wondering if there is more into this than the eye sees?

Yes, the work should have been done right at the first place and he should have charged you a simple $1000 for the repair. He did a 500 dollar repair.

I dont understand one thing, my rear spoiler estimate (not Dan) for simple red paint was $650. And you tell us that Dan agreed to do "to factory condition" for 500, including stripping, welding, prepwork, paint and 3M protection strips? For BOTH?? Just does not seem to add up.

How much are your guys estimates on simple side sill paint ONLY? For 1 side sill only? (not to mention 2 sills and repair)

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

I was not to even respond to this thread, but afer reading some comments I feel the need to set the record straight. The orginal quote was $1000 per set to strip and refinish.

THIS IS A 100% LIE. I have ALL the e-mails, PLEASE show me when you ever quoted me $1000. The original and only quote you gave me was $500.

His sills did not show much corrision so I sent him an email back saying I could do them for $500.

ANOTHER LIE, Dan gave me original and only quote of $500 on 2/23. He didn't even receive the sill until 3/31. It is impossible to see my sills didn't show much corrosion before you even got them.

I did not say that I was going to strip them both for that price. I ground out about 5 spots that needed tig welding back up, then I tig welded a tear that he did not tell me about by one of the openings.

ANOTHER LIE, My first e-mail specifically stated I had damaged the passenger side sill while loading it onto a trailer and I also included pictures of the tear in the e-mail.

Yes there is some body fill, these were repaired once before.

Dan added the body filler next to the exhaust hole.

I refinishing with PPG DBC base clear and buffed the exposed front side. This took about 20 hrs to complete. They looked fine to me, but if he was unhappy I offerd to address any issues he might have with them if he could cleary point them out and send them back. Instead he is ranting. I did not solicate his business, he came to me. I have plenty to do with out working for $20/hr. After a couple of emails I told him I would fit them in. Typicaly I send them back to people then ask them to pay me. I never had one complaint until now. I also advised him to pull the insulation out to save on shipping costs. He insured these for $4000 (?) and left the insulation in. I could have had these sent for less than $100.

I insured them for $4000 because they would cost that to replace, even more if they got damaged or lost in shipping. Also weight didn't matter on shipping price as long as they stayed under 70lb.

Again I will say everything i've stated is 100% true and what Dan has just told you is TOTAL LIES. I have and can show more proof via all original e-mails.

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re-painted directly over the 3m chip film that was on the sills.

All I really want to know is, if this is true? sounds like SnakeBite has the proof. SnakeBite you should post the pic's of the sills, Im interested in what they look like.

I really would love Dan to answer this one for everyone to hear.

PS As hard as it is to believe...it is true. I'm gonna take them to VCA club meeting Wednesday and show all who wish to see.

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Not only is Dan right now doing a +$30.000 repair on my Viper, but he has also painted my wifes laser red Expedition twice (fender benders) and he has painted ALL my spoilers etc on my -93 Viper.
Dan has also repaired my side sills 2 years ago, you can see the pictures in my gallery. There were over 20 holes on them and it was a large job. To this day there is no bubbling, peeling or anything else wrong with them..

I don't doubt he can do excellent work but he obviously chose not to in this case, maybe because i'm not local. who knows

I have known Dan as long as I have been a member in PA club (5 years), he has always done the work to my full satisfaction.

This is the reason several VCA members (like you and RT RT10) have contacted me regarding the side sills repairs and I have recommended Dan. I am wondering if there is more into this than the eye sees?

Everything you see is at face value, nothing hidden with me and I agree with you that the posts i've read about sills Dan has done is why I chose to send mine from IL to PA instead of using someone local.

Yes, the work should have been done right at the first place and he should have charged you a simple $1000 for the repair. He did a 500 dollar repair.

I didn't ask for the $500 repair, I asked for a quote to return the sills to facotry condition and he quoted $500. I'm not driving a YUGO it's a viper and I wanted it done correctly.

 

[Mccarlin]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Hey snake bite,

Im local here in IL also and looking to get my sills done. Maybe we can find a local place and get some kind of discount
i'll be at the VCA meeting on wednesday, we can talk.

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Hey snake bite,

Im local here in IL also and looking to get my sills done. Maybe we can find a local place and get some kind of discount
i'll be at the VCA meeting on wednesday, we can talk.

I look forward to meeting you.

 

[viperdrummer]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Re-painted over the 3M chip film??I apologize, but I laughed out loud over this part. If this is true, anything he says seems to lose all credibility.

 

[plumcrazy]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

i hate to say it but i agree. painting over the 3m stuff is UNacceptable and scary to me

 

[CitySnake]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

They looked fine to me, but .... if he was unhappy I offerd to address any issues he might have with them if he could cleary point them out and send them back.

Being absolutely none of my business (and knowing only what is represented in this thread), but to a small extent part of my area of concern, THIS is the statement that concerns me the most.

Why would any reputable Viper vendor suggest that he would settle for less than a client? I'm hoping that I've misunderstood.

I hate to read about this kind of disagreement amongst us.

 

[Casey]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

1st of all, $1000 to repaint side sills! Holy Moly!

2nd I agree with City Snake, "They Looked fine to me" not what I want to hear when I get back something that is NOT what I agreed too. If there's paint over 3m tape, it can't possibly look fine.

3rd, if $500 was the original cost, how can you ask for another $500 to fix the problem?

Finally, based on what I've read here, the only solution IMO to fix this problem is for DansAuto to have them shipped back, fix them correctly on his dime. JMO
If I was a customer, that's what I'd expect.

I hope both Snake Bite and DansAuto can work this out and get back to Vipering soon!

 

[SNAKE BITE]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

I will be viperless at the meeting Wednesday but will have the sills with me for show and tell.

I will let this thread go now and get back to more enjoyable things to talk about.(unless of course my credibility is put into question)

It's just unfortunate things like this happen and all too often no one knows about it. Where I come from a man is only as good as his word, and I live by that.

Happy vipering to all!

 

[Anaconda]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

a +$30.000 repair on my Viper

Wow. Did you drive your car into the side of a cement building or something?

 

[ACELLR8]

Re: BEWARE! I got ripped off by Dan Cole(Dansauto)

Dan has done work for me. Every time I was more than satisfied with price and quality.

He repaired the hood cracks on my Gen I hood, even after Dodge repaired it they came back. When he repaired mine they still look good. Did my side sills as well and they were very good.

I understand the frustration when something is not perfect on your car. Maybe it just slipped through the cracks somehow. At least he is willing to fix it. At this point that is his only option other than send the money back.