Just went to look at my GTA. It was in the shop to repair the vandalized steering column.

The lock cylinder, the turn signal stalk, and the horn button they used in the repair LOOK LIKE CRAP. Argh. The original ones looked much nicer. I am very unhappy about this.

What can I do? I want them to make it right. Who should I talk to first? Help!

 

well this might not work...but ask some of the guys here for pictures of their steering wheel and attachments....then take them to the shop managers and show them to him...and say something like i wanted it fixed so it looked factory, like this (show him pictures)..the way you guys fixed it isnt up to my standards. fix it right!
just and idea
Snuffit

 

Clean up the car before you take it in. If it's dirty and in bad shape they just assume you want it functional rather than asthetic.

And try to stay cool and easy going without being a dork at the same time (just look at it from his point of view: "What a cheezeball, or what an *******. Like I'm gonna do this right...")

Other than that, I'd just do it myself, but I'm the DIY from hell..

 

Did they get a used colum to make the repairs on your car? Is an insurance company involved? If it is, the body shop has little say in where the parts come from. If it's insurance and you don't like it, the body shop is your only allis for making a gripe to your ins. co.. The key words are "pre accident(vandal) condition". Try not to beat up the body shop, we work hard to earn your trust but we can only go as far as your insurance co. is willing to spend.

Good luck!

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Kenney
82 Trans Am WS7 notchback
83 Trans Am WS6 T-tops
Painter @ Chevy dealer
GM junkie

 

Thanks for the replies.

82 Trans Am: Yes, they did get a used column. Yes, Nationwide Ins. is covering the damage.

I did call the body shop back. I told him I was very pleased with the paint and body work (other vandal damage). I also said I was not happy with the condition of the repair parts on the column. I was respectful and polite about it.

Hopefully the bodyshop will be understanding and tell Nationwide they have to fork over the money to do it right. I really don't want to deal with a big pissing match.

 

Update: they fixed the lock cylinder and the horn button. The problem is they say they won't replace the turn signal stalk. It really pisses me off.

 

Just remember that it is your car and it was damaged outside your control. The insurance company has to repair it back to the before damaged condition. The body shop is probably doing the best they can with what the insurance company is allowing for repairs. If you are unhappy with the parts used, contact the insurance company yourself, speak up and demand that it be fixed correctly. The body shop is on your side. Just an example, I had an engine fire in my 69 Z28 last year. The insurance company said that the fire was caused by the carb leaking gas. The insurance co. replaces all parts damaged in a comp claim minus the component that caused the claim. In this case, the $650 Carb. The body shop fought for me and proved that the cause was a where the fuel line connects to the carb was egg shaped insted of round. I then had to pay the $5 for the fitting. A Lot better than $650 for the carb. The insurance wanted to replace the carb with a rebuilt and my body shop again fought it and said that a rebuilt could cause similar problems again that a new warrantied carb is the best. They approved it. You should argue with the insurance though, not the body shop.

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87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
93 Z28 Pace Car #494 of 645
My IROC Website
Northstar Camaro Club of Minnesota