Classic awful mechanic making it hard for the good ones

[davegonz]

Wow

Wow, I think I was the one that recommended Bearden to you in a post on MUD. I am in total disbelief about this due to the exceptional customer service that Jeff has shown me over the years. He has worked on my old FJ62 (Cummins diesel), Lexus ES300, FZJ80 and has done the timing belt job on my 100. All of those times, I was satisfied with the quality of his work and great customer service.

My one question to you is, have you contacted Jeff directly and talked to him about the problems with your rig? What was his response?

 

[Ruffin' It]

A couple people actually recommended them to me on Mud and the Lone Star Cruisers site so I am sure they can do good work.
If had just been an issue with them forgetting to put grease in the knuckles or something else the was easy to explain by an honest mistake, I would have called and tried to work something out. God knows that I am not eager to get involved in a lawsuit - especially so far away.
But, things like substituing the cone washer for a VW lugnut and installing grease seals with a screwdriver and hammer show borderline malice. I figured that having communication in writing would be better if this thing goes in front of a judge, so I wrote the intent to sue letter and explained the situation and that they have a chance to make it right without going to court. I am hoping it goes that route.

Wow, I think I was the one that recommended Bearden to you in a post on MUD. I am in total disbelief about this due to the exceptional customer service that Jeff has shown me over the years. He has worked on my old FJ62 (Cummins diesel), Lexus ES300, FZJ80 and has done the timing belt job on my 100. All of those times, I was satisfied with the quality of his work and great customer service.

My one question to you is, have you contacted Jeff directly and talked to him about the problems with your rig? What was his response?

 

[arcteryx]

If had just been an issue with them forgetting to put grease in the knuckles or something else the was easy to explain by an honest mistake, I would have called and tried to work something out. God knows that I am not eager to get involved in a lawsuit - especially so far away.

But, things like substituing the cone washer for a VW lugnut and installing grease seals with a screwdriver and hammer show borderline malice. I figured that having communication in writing would be better if this thing goes in front of a judge, so I wrote the intent to sue letter and explained the situation and that they have a chance to make it right without going to court. I am hoping it goes that route.

Let me first say I have never been to Bearden, so I have no ties to him. But, I know numerous local cruiser folks that swear by him.

To be clear, you never contacted them verbally first to ask for an explanation? This would seem to be the first step in resolution. Based on that, a letter may be warranted.

And, one thing that is lacking in this entire thread are pictures. If the work was that shoddy, where are the pics? Even if you pursue the legal route, pictures will be needed to support your case.

 

[Ruffin' It]

I totally agree if this was a misunderstanding, a phone call would be the correct first step. But I just don't see a misunderstanding in this case. I am sure the owner of Bearden had little to do with the actual repair process, but as the owner he gets stuck sorting out the mess when his employees screw up.

Luckily, TLC was almost as angry about this whole thing as I am and took photos while tearing it all apart and saved the parts for me. I have the parts and will get the photos from TLC if I have to go to court. The owner of TLC was also nice enough to volunteer to swear to all this in court if need be, which I'm sure will be helpful.
All that said, I don't know the owner of Bearden. Hopefully he is willingto be reasonable and sort this out without having to resort to that.

Let me first say I have never been to Bearden, so I have no ties to him. But, I know numerous local cruiser folks that swear by him.

To be clear, you never contacted them verbally first to ask for an explanation? This would seem to be the first step in resolution. Based on that, a letter may be warranted.

And, one thing that is lacking in this entire thread are pictures. If the work was that shoddy, where are the pics? Even if you pursue the legal route, pictures will be needed to support your case.