Anyone ever sue a painter? - Page 2

User Name · 06-03-08, 04:18

pbfoots,

A few more things... I think it is pretty clear you should give them at least one more chance. Just remember to take pictures of the car today and again when it is "fixed".

The lack of a written contract is NOT fatal, not even close (I just wanted to see if we had any aces your hand). You have an oral agreement for services, for which the shop/guy was justly compensated. The amount of $$$ you paid is NOT an issue (contrary to what someone posted). If you paid $2000, surely can't expect a $40,000 paint job but you can expect that which (and these are the key words) "a reasonable person would deem acceptable".

To me, it sounds like you are being VERY reasonable and my guess is the car looks very sub-par. If that is the case, you'll have recourse against this guy. Hopefully you can avoid litigation (and I don't think you need an attorney for this), just plain old common sense. Keep your canceled checks and your pics because you might need them.

bwalker25 · 06-03-08, 04:35

I say get a good detailer to give you some estimates and see if the painter will compensate you for a correct detail. Court Sucks, and plus if you do go to court you have to take it back to him so he in GOOD FAITH can try to fix it (learned that from the Peoples Court)

kerrinjeff · 06-03-08, 05:58

Going to court sucks, and in my experience the "good guy" only wins half of the time. The time, trouble, risk, and stress of going to court just aren't worth $800 IMHO.

What we need here is a kind hearted, experienced autopian in the OP's area to step up to the plate and help this gentleman out with a discounted paint correction job. Every now and then someone has to stand up for the guy that gets shafted! Any takers??

If the OP is from Arizona I'd be happy to contribute my time, equipment, and products, to help a more experienced detailer do the job

Imatk · 06-03-08, 06:18

Man, Really sorry about this. I agree with what others say. I would probably just eat it and pay to have it buffed by a pro.

I was in the same position you are in. The paint job was actually very very good, but there were swirls and buffer trails all over the car. I mean BAD.

This was before I had enough experience to handle the job myself so I paid 400 bucks and had it done. I wasn't thrilled by having to pay the extra, but in the end my time and sanity were worth a hellava lot more than 400 bucks.

I live in Houston and I'd be willing to help out as well. I also have a PTG so we could check and see how much we had to work with.

pb_foots · 06-03-08, 07:45

Thanks gentlemen, I truly do appreciate the support, (and the lack of pointing out my stupidity

)

LOL, thanks kerrinjeff, I appreciate the sentiment, but not necessary. I really don't mind spending money when I need to, but I hate getting shafted. This car has paid for itself many times over, and has earned the cost of a great paint job at least once in it's life, (God knows GM didn't do it any favors!). Just FYI since it's been asked, the paint cost me 3K, and took 5 weeks. There are no drips, sags, or nibs visible so I really do think that he knows how to paint, he just has exceedingly bad taste in subcontractors.

I'm in the orange County/Inland Empire area, and would love to have a reputable detailer give me an estimate so I've got more info. At least that will help me make this decision with more facts in my possession. Any suggestions on who to contact?

User Name · 06-03-08, 07:48

Let us know what happens.

NSXTASY · 06-03-08, 07:58

IF the paint quality is good, and the only problem is getting the car compounded and polished, I would certainly go that route. Though, if you were to polish it out, only to discover, drips, sags, fisheyes, and overspray, your door to litigation may be closed by then.

Make sure you evaluate the paint quality before you go ahead and buff it out. You should be able to find an autopian in your area with the skills to make it acceptable again. It looks like a price would fall between $400-800 for a decent job.

GL

advs1 · 06-03-08, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by pb_foots

Thanks gentlemen, I truly do appreciate the support, (and the lack of pointing out my stupidity

)

LOL, thanks kerrinjeff, I appreciate the sentiment, but not necessary. I really don't mind spending money when I need to, but I hate getting shafted. This car has paid for itself many times over, and has earned the cost of a great paint job at least once in it's life, (God knows GM didn't do it any favors!). Just FYI since it's been asked, the paint cost me 3K, and took 5 weeks. There are no drips, sags, or nibs visible so I really do think that he knows how to paint, he just has exceedingly bad taste in subcontractors.

I'm in the orange County/Inland Empire area, and would love to have a reputable detailer give me an estimate so I've got more info. At least that will help me make this decision with more facts in my possession. Any suggestions on who to contact?

bring it down on a saturday to a meet we're trying to get going. if there are a few detailers there maybe someone can give it a shot in a small panel and if it corrects you know not all is lost. if it doesnt, proceed with legal recourse?? check this thread:Any Autopians in Southern California

gto78 · 06-03-08, 05:38

I'd love to see more pics, and maybe more importantly- how straight did the body work come out? If the body is straight, no dings dents etc, and looks good on black paint, I'd consider that a minor victory in itself and move on to the final step of polishing out those wet sanding scratches. I know I'd be pissed off about the painter skimping out on the last important finishing detail, but eventually I'd want to get the paint polished out and then attempt to recover the money. Even if he doesn't pay for the detail job at least that whole project is finished and behind you. If the polishing estimate is some crazy amount like $1000 or something I wouldn't do it, make him arrange the whole job so the care, custody, and control of your car is through his shop. And then he'll most likely get a lower bill than you, which you can then argue the cost down even more.

pb_foots · 06-04-08, 05:58

I took a few more pics with m crappy point and shoot, the boss has not yet returned from Hong Kong with his SLR. Hope these come out a little better.

gto, the bodywork is great, but it wasn't that bad to begin with. I am pretty freakish about door dings, and have stayed on top of maintenance since I bought the car. If the clear coat wasn't failing, I wouldn't have needed to paint it, but thanks to GM and 12 years of commuting, it was sorely in need of a respray.

I have spoken to a recommended detailer, (thanks to all the guys who responded to my Pms, BTW), and he is coming over Friday to look at it. If it looks like it can be corrected without too much risk to the clear, I'm just going to eat it.

I talked to the painter, and we worked out a deal for when my Miata needs paint, he's going to discount the cost to fix this. If it can't be fixed, he's going to respray. We also agreed that he sprays, I decide who cuts and buffs. He was very sincere and apologetic, and I respect that. If he had been a jerk about it I would have taken a harder line.

Anyway, here's some pics that are a little clearer. not 'click and brag' material, LOL

Here's the car. From 20 feet with no sun, it looks fantastic. I'm really happy with the purple stripes, (hard to see here), although my wife thinks I'm nuts.

However, here's what it really looks like:

michakaveli · 06-04-08, 06:05

Nice Toy!

BigJimZ28 · 06-04-08, 06:08

the Rally stripe look great
hope it polishes out OK