coming home in pieces-- a rant

I hear ya.....but don't feel too bad. After a couple false starts, the resto shop that has my '57 Clipper promised to absolutely, positvely have it ready for the international meet.......the Packard International in Warren, 1999.

It's been almost done for years.......pretty sure the guy is hoping I'll die so he can put a lien on it and keep it for himself - or sell.

Now don't take offense to this reply, because it is just an opinion based on observation and experience... I have heard of literally a dozen examples of what you describe, and have had the dubious experience of having it happen to me, too... But.... In general... Studebaker people are such cheap bastards that they will cut off their own noses to get a cheap-ass'ed deal and save a buck. That's fine when the economy sucks and the people who actually provide the service need the work... But lately there is a rush of new money in the hobby with people willing to pay up front for the top shelf work. That leaves the cheap-ass'ed Stude guy sucking hind tit. So, if you want to play the big boy game... Step up and play with today's dollars... Otherwise, be prepared to do the labor rate exchange with a LOT of your own sweat (as compared to a few years ago). Hell... Nash Solanki selling that R-3 engine was a real wake up call... He got his price ( and we all groaned )... Did he deserve it? You friggin' betcha he did... Mad about it? No.... Don't be mad because you are jealous... And as far as poor performance on an agreed to deal? Well, a written contract is a whole lot better than a handshake in these litigious days... I really do feel for you, because I have walked the path you are on... Bitter? Nope...not me... Jeff (until the next time, that is ) Rice

"ceecab" wrote...

I learned a long time ago never to tell them "I'm in no hurry just work it in". I waited over three years for them to finish a 57 Golden Hawk. . It was a never ending battle just to keep telling them that I do need it finished. Since then I have relied on my brother and cousin who have a "Hobby" shop and do complete restorations..As long as they get paid at the end of two weeks it stays..Miss a payment and it is out the door and goes to the end of the line.(minimum three year wait) Good business practice. It keeps everyone happy. If you have to get a loan so be it. At least it will get finished. I've seen a friend of mine who took $5K up front to start on a Corvette never receive another cent from the guy the whole time he worked on it..then when it was done he didn't have the funds to pay. My friend tried to sue but lost on some technicality. He did get about .15 cents on a dollar. He since has changed to a pay as you go (weekly) or out it goes. BTW Even though they were my relatives I only got a $5 a hour discount and didn't expect that. But it was worth the professional work that I couldn't do. Dave B.

BTW, the guy that bought the R3 engine from Solanki is a radiologist and German car collector and has decided not to use the engine in his 4000 mile Avanti.

So it's gonna be what... A coffee table? ... Jeff (Stupid doctors with money...They need to be sued..) Rice

John Poulos wrote:

my wife swears I am salty & bitter (sailor issue? ), nobody can screw you better than friends or family.

Truer words were never spoken. Some people correctly understand those words to mean "I don't need this done for a couple months, so take care of the stuff the guy is screaming about first" but far too many interpret it as "I don't really ever need this done, in fact, I'm just giving you this car because it's cheaper than renting a storage locker." I made the mistake of uttering those fateful words to a chrome shop once; they had my (two small) parts for over a year!

nate

wasn't me.

No it sure wasn't. It wasn't anyone on this newsgroup actually, it was a local shop.

nate

(just thought I'd clear that up.)

That's a good thing. . . I got a box full of stuff coming up to you as soon as I get over to Lloyds to pick it up!

When does he need it? Yesterday! How much does he want to paid? What it isn't free!

Good, I got that out of the way. . .

Rick

If he wanted it yesterday, he should have brought it to me last Dec.

Did you douch his website, yet?

Bo