Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

I bought a accident damaged 1952 Chevy Belair from Texes . The car is running condition but need to replace 2 fenders and the front grill . I know a antique car garage in California where I live and show the owner the pictures of the damages . By looking at the pictures he gave me a rough estimate of $5,500 which also thought to be reasonable. So I transported the car to Mountain View California from Texes to that garage. Once the car arrived inspected the car advised that he has to get the fenders, front grill

Beforee he can start . Even at that time he advised me that repair cost will not exceed $5500. I gave him $1500 as advance. 7/8 months after he found only the left fender and the front grill but could not find right fender . The right fender had small dent so he fabricated the right fender and there was also some fabrication on the front bonnet which he did.

The left fender cost $350 , grill $825 and he did buy some other parts total costed apx $2000. In January 2012 the all fabrications and installation was complete and we went the garage and started the car and the car running with the garage. At that point he suggested that we change the Motor as according to him the old motor one cylinder is seized . I have told I am not sure if sould put a new engine or motor , but later I have told him I will not have new motor. I requested him to paint the car only the repaired

and the replaced portions and make it road worthy so that I can take back the car.

Now all of a sudden he send me a bill $9,9201 less $1500 total $7701. That is also not included paints and fixing the front grill and

And other like head lights etc. There were no Mechnical work done . Now he does not reply my mails , do not answer my phone calls . I went to see him 5 days back and offered him $5500 plus the $1500 already gave him as advance with conditions that he paints the car and make it road worthy so that I can drive the home. First he agreed but on secong thought He said he will discuss with his wife who is Also his partner and let me know in 2/3 days.

Since then I can not reach him and can not contact him . He told me at A - 1 condition the car is worth $35,000.

Please advise what is my best option .

Thanks

Muzaffar Siddique

[email protected]

650 575 6274


Asked on 6/15/12, 9:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

There are so many things wrong with how this situation has been handled that I don't know where to begin to try to educate you about them. Suffice it to say that before getting involved in a major project you don't understand, seek advice from experienced people who have done these kinds of things.

Probably the best thing you can do now is filea formal complaint to California Automotive Repair Bureau asking for their help in solving your situation. If that doesn't work, you could file a small claims court suit and hope the judge will try to sort it out.

However, a comment: someone has greatly misled you about the market value of that car. Go on eBay or elsewhere and do your homework to determine how little it is actually worth in its current state. It took me less than 30 seconds to find several shiny restored cars selling for 8-12k.

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Answered on 6/16/12, 2:11 pm


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