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Started by MikeD, May 12, 2011, 11:48:17 AM

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MikeD

May 12, 2011, 11:48:17 AM
Rated 5onononononononononon Losses and Lessons: Restoration shop or chop shop? Hagerty

April 28, 2011

Always do your homework when it comes to selecting a restoration shop. View larger images
VEHICLE COVERED: 1970 Dodge Charger 383/290 500

WHAT WENT WRONG: The Charger had been in the family since new and still had many of its original parts and options, including a pistol-grip shifter and bench seats. It had been sitting in the family's garage for nearly 10 years when it was taken to a shop for a frame-off restoration. The vehicle owner selected the shop based on a phonebook advertisement and a 20-minute discussion with the shop owner. He dropped the vehicle off in April 2009 and was promised it would be finished in "6-8 months." When the owner of the vehicle called the shop in December to inquire about his car, the phone had been disconnected. He drove to the shop, where he found a police notice on the door asking for information about the owner. He was informed that his vehicle was one of 11 that had been completely stripped and the parts sold. The shop owner has since been indicted on federal charges.

DAMAGE/LOSS: The car was a total loss. Hagerty paid the client $50,000 – the Guaranteed Value of the vehicle.

LESSON: Do your homework. Always make sure you're dealing with a reputable outfit. For starters, Google the shop, contact the Better Business Bureau and ask for a list of clients who have used the shop and/or contact Hagerty and ask for information about the shop/owner. What shops are recommended by your fellow collectors? When you select a shop, discuss a specific timeframe with the shop owner and sign a contact if needed. Stay up to date on the process and visit the shop periodically to make sure the expected restoration work is being done.


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Patronus

#1
May 12, 2011, 12:25:17 PM
...or you could do all the work yourself..
'73 Cuda 340 5spd RMS
'69 Charger 383 "Luci"
'08 CRF 450r
'12.5 450SX FE

Dino

#2
May 12, 2011, 01:33:19 PM
The sad truth is that you are never sure.  Do your homework beforehand but stay in charge of the project, when red flags pop up, you pull out.  I have heard too many stories of so called reputable shop owners that came highly recommended, and one day they get a visit from Darth Vader and turn to the dark side or something...

I feel really bad for the owner but cannot help but wonder why he left that car there without checking the progress on a regular basis.  I don't want to point fingers though and I hope the $50K eased his pain. 

Doing the work yourself is always the best thing to do, but for many it is near impossible. 

Very sad....
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

gtx6970

#3
May 12, 2011, 01:48:34 PM
No disrespect, but April to Dec and not ck'ing on it was wrong on both parties sides

MikeD

#4
May 12, 2011, 03:44:47 PM
Quote from: gtx6970 on May 12, 2011, 01:48:34 PM
No disrespect, but April to Dec and not ck'ing on it was wrong on both parties sides

I don't about that but if I was having a car done I would be visiting once a week maybe more.

RECHRGD

#5
May 12, 2011, 04:22:46 PM
Why would Hagerty agree to a 50K value on an unrestored '70 500 383 car?  That's price is WAY out of line.  Maybe the owner was in collusion with the shop.  There I go with my negative thinking again.  Bob
13.53 @ 105.32

lexxman

#6
May 12, 2011, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: MikeD on May 12, 2011, 03:44:47 PM
Quote from: gtx6970 on May 12, 2011, 01:48:34 PM
No disrespect, but April to Dec and not ck'ing on it was wrong on both parties sides

I don't about that but if I was having a car done I would be visiting once a week maybe more.

Hell ya.When my car goes to paint,I will be there at least once a week. And I have been talk to the guy alot and I even know that he just lives down the road from me. The only thing about him is that he is a ford guy. :shruggy:

1969chargerrtse

#7
May 12, 2011, 08:27:45 PM
Quote from: RECHRGD on May 12, 2011, 04:22:46 PM
Why would Hagerty agree to a 50K value on an unrestored '70 500 383 car?  That's price is WAY out of line.  Maybe the owner was in collusion with the shop.  There I go with my negative thinking again.  Bob
I was thinking the same thing? 50K for something in a shop?  Mine is out of the shop and looks great and it's not valued at that.
This car was sold many years ago to somebody in Wisconsin. I now am retired and living in Florida.

PocketThunder

#8
May 12, 2011, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: 1969chargerrtse on May 12, 2011, 08:27:45 PM
Quote from: RECHRGD on May 12, 2011, 04:22:46 PM
Why would Hagerty agree to a 50K value on an unrestored '70 500 383 car?  That's price is WAY out of line.  Maybe the owner was in collusion with the shop.  There I go with my negative thinking again.  Bob
I was thinking the same thing? 50K for something in a shop?  Mine is out of the shop and looks great and it's not valued at that.

Maybe we need to call Hagerty and up the Coverage....  I'm not even close to 50k...   :scratchchin:
"Liberalism is a disease that attacks one's ability to understand logic. Extreme manifestations include the willingness to continue down a path of self destruction, based solely on a delusional belief in a failed ideology."
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