Frustration setting in.. my Charger has been in the shop almost 3 months now

[russg]

Havn't posted in awhile cause my 73 is still in the body shop, getting a bit frustrated and maybe losing a little interest in the car as all this free time has me looking around at others.  Took it to a one / two man operation with a real good reputation.  After stripping all the paint they of course found more hidden bondo and what not so they are taking their time removing any hint of rust, welding in metal repairs here and there and i know they are doing it right but 3 months now and I'm losing patience as I watch everyone around here having fun in the Summer with there mucle cars.

By russg at 2010-05-21

[BrianShaughnessy]

Only 3 months            The real world isn't Overhauled.   

[russg]

To make clear, I'm not angry at the shop, just my lack of patience setting in

[CB]

well...I wish my car only sat for 3 months
it's +1 year now and still no fun.

hang in there!

[jb666]

Trust me, 3 months is nothing... I know it sucks... Believe me I do...

My car was in for 19 months.. What started as an easy thing turned into a nightmare. I lost 1/2 of 2008 and ALL of 2009 while everyone else was out enjoying their cars... Luckily, 2010 has been an amazing year.. As will yours once your car is done.

Be glad it's being done right and that the paint job will LAST. They could have done a "quickee" but you know what? You get what you pay for and it would all be coming back a year from now.

 

[twodko]

I can fully appreciate where you're at. We bought our 69 2 years ago.........waited for a guy who shot our Chevelle to paint the Charger. He got into a bind and months dragged by. Finally talked with the shop owner where he has his day job and struck a deal for 4 months to paint the car. We've watched as a couple very large car shows came and went around here and were bummed we had no car to show. Well, I just approved the paint match spray out panel and its being painted next week. 4+ months for our car is nothing compared to many here on the forum so just keep in mind your guys are being very thorough and the car will be stunning. Hand tight bro!

Tom

[dpm68]

Geez, I've had my customer's ride in my shop since late October...

[chargd72]

Geez, I've had my customer's ride in my shop since late October...

Maybe it's time to get offline and get to work  

J/k  

[elacruze]

2 years and counting.

I'm at the boat. 

[NGC414]

I learned to take the estimated time they give you and triple it, then multiply that number by 2 and then add 30 more days. At that point they have begun work on your car.

[Rolling_Thunder]

6 years for my project...    I just turned 24...    means I haven't driven my car since I was 18...    patience man...   

[Daytona R/T SE]

14 Months in the body shop and counting.

My guy is an absolute artist, it will be worth the wait.

[Silver R/T]

Only 3 months? I have been working on my project for years now. You've been watching way too much tv bud. I say go there and give them a hand. Whining doesn't get things done any faster.

[NGC414]

I am at just over one year. Dropped it off at the paint shop about amonth ago for final paint ( I don't have a booth). I imagine once I get it back I should have it back together and running by next summer.

[Back N Black]

My charger was in the bodyshop for 2 years and it took me total of five years to get her on the road. 

[MoparManJim]

6 years for my project...    I just turned 24...    means I haven't driven my car since I was 18...    patience man...   

8 years here.   

[Tilar]

I bought my 68 back in 1986 and have never driven it. My brother in law drove it home when I bought it but I was in front pulling it.  

[6pkrunner]

Told my bodyman, "Take your time, do it when you feel like it."

3 1/2 years to do the body of the runner.

[69*F5*SE]

Don't sweat it. 3 months is nothing. Your car isn't priority to them most likely.  Takes a lot of time to do things right.  It's all in the prep stages right now.  Check in on it from time to time to see what is happening.  But, be patient. 

[charger01]

Just hit 3 years for mine.  Everytime I feel like pulling it out, a little more work gets done.  Sucks, your right

[Wicked72]

looks like they got quite a bit done in that amount of time. I am taking my car completely apart for my build I hope to just get close to putting something together by next year! But I know exactly how you feel. I want to cry every time I go to a car show or see someone in their car enjoying it...... just hang in there, it doesnt look like there is much more to do before they start blasting the paint on. get some more pics!

[hemi-hampton]

3 Months, thats moving pretty quick, I've heard of cars sitting in Body Shops for 5+ years.

[b5blue]

I waited 4 months just to get my block reworked by the right guys! Just keep checking (in person) with them every week for some face to face time on progress. Keep it short but to the point by checking progress. 

[russg]

Only 3 months? I have been working on my project for years now. You've been watching way too much tv bud. I say go there and give them a hand. Whining doesn't get things done any faster.

I've done all the interior, suspension and engine work myself over the last year or so.  I completely suck at bodywork and paint so i know when to delegate and definately won't be giving him a hand with that.  Will just keep busy upgrading the 07 Charger in the meantime.  Thanks all for putting my project in perspective!

[Johnnys70SRT]

Russ,
I know just how you feel. My 70 charger took 20 years (YES 20 freakin' years) just to get it painted. My friends?? took the car apart stating we could have it painted in 1 year. After 4-5 months they deserted me. Not to mention all the deadbeat bodyshops I had to deal with over the years who took my money and did not do much to my car. Early in 2009 I was very frustrated with the whole situation and was prepared to sell my car, but thanks to the guys here at the forum, they advised me I would never be able to replace the solid California car I had.
So, after my many discussions with them, I became determined to get my car painted. I found another body shop (#5) that said they would complete the car. I took it there in May 2009 and got it back the week before Christmas 2009. So, It still took the final body shop 7 months to do the car. After all was said and done I lost over 20 years of cruising time and spent over $22,000.00 to get my Charger painted. Mind you that this was a solid car that needed NO sheetmetal work whatsoever. Only little annoying door dings and a few dents that needed to be filled. Car looks great now, but I can assure you of one thing- I WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN!!! Next time I will pay the money up front on a car that was done correctly. Turn the key and enjoy it.
Good luck with your project. Keep on the body shop and get EVERYTHING in writing!!!!