Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2018 14:14:49 -0600
Reply-To: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Subject: Re: Friday: Repair Dispute in Albuquerque
In-Reply-To: <20180420132101.da66d99fdfb56d8d5c292590@5by9.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
Very sorry to hear this, Michael.
To the consternation of the Vanagon crowd who thinks our suppliers are doing us a favor in allowing us to help pay their mortgages, I for one am sick and tired of issues such as yours. I've had far too many in our 57 months on the road and am dead sick of enriching such people.
Here's a starting point:
https://www.nmag.gov/consumer-complaint-instructions.aspx
If the mechanic is dependent on online referrals the web can be your friend…
I will add that a client and friend of mine since 1980 runs a high-end restoration shop just south of Denver. I hesitate recommending them for your work ONLY as they're a Pebble Beach-winning level concours shop and expensive (though as good as it gets!), BUT, a player in the shop owns an Isetta and would be a great resource!
Email me at EW@EricWunrow.com if you want more info, or call at the number below.
And, GOOD LUCK!!!
Eric
Eric Wunrow Pictures
303. 988. 8717
VW@EricWunrow.com (for this list's emails)
EW@EricWunrow.com (for private messages)
On Apr 20, 2018, at 2:21 PM, Michael A. Radtke <wa7zpu@5BY9.NET> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> It's Friday, so I think that I'm allowed some leeway in posting.
>
> I am in Phoenix. I contracted with an automobile restorer in
> Albuquerque, to restore my 1958 BMW Isetta. This is a large expense,
> around $25,000. After a year he said it was completed and I trailered
> the car home behind my Vanagon. However, shortly after I got home I
> discovered a number of mechanical problems such as significant oil
> leaks and binding in the steering. When the brakes suddenly and
> totally failed, I decided to return the car to Albuquerque for repair.
> That's where it is now, as well as my money.
>
> I have tried to work with the guy, but I have been disappointed that his
> approach is to come up with a "work arounds" for problems, rather than
> actual fixes. For example the steering problem was two parts that are
> not supposed to be in contact galling one another. Instead of fixing
> the displaced shaft, the restorer elected to insert a washer between
> the galling parts.
>
> While I have treated him with respect, the restorer has become abusive
> toward me and has refused to do any further repairs. He's now given me
> until May 1 before charging for storage. And, he has refused to
> communicate with me further. A side effect of that is that I cannot
> even make arrangements to retrieve the car. I could drive over 400
> miles and find that he isn't available, and then have no recourse
> except to drive 400 miles back home without the car.
>
> So, do you folks have some advice? I think that someone local, or some
> local agency might be best, but I don't know anyone in Albuquerque.
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
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