MY NIGHTMARE @ Don Barry Mustang Jax, FL
1/4/07, 11:18 PM
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MY NIGHTMARE @ Don Barry Mustang Jax, FL
Let me tell you a story...........
On June 20th I dropped my '69 stang off @ Don Barry Mustang in Jacksonville, Fl. for some major body work (full quarter panels, full floor pans both sides, taillight panel, trunk drop offs, outer wheel wells, radiator support, battery apron, etc.) and to install and gap the new fenders, doors, hood and new trunk lid. It arrived media blasted and on a rotisserie, ready to be worked on. In addition I brought approx $5,000.00 in new parts to be used in the restoration. I was told that due to their backlog we were looking at a completion time of 4 months. Two months of waiting in line then 2 months of actual repair time. This was acceptable to me.
Being the taskmaster that I am, I contacted them approx every 3 to 4 weeks after the 2 month wait time for an update (in person and by phone). I was told time and time again that they hadn't gotten to it yet and then later on that their best "metal guy" from Hungary was having trouble getting back into the U.S.. This was important because they were waiting on him before starting work on my car. I was promised time and time again that "he'll be here next month". Finally, in December I called and asked for an update and I was told "we'll start work on your car in a week and a half". I told them that I would call back in 3 weeks and if nothing had been done then I was coming up to pick up my Refund (the deposit of $4,400.00 +/-) my Mustang ($5,000.00) and my Parts($5,000.00 +/-).
Well, Tuesday was 1 day short of the 3 week time period. My wife and I drove 50 miles to Don Barry Mustang and spoke to the foreman (I guess thats who he was as the boss wasn't there). He essentially said No, we haven't started on your car yet, but you're on the list. I said that this was unacceptable. They'd had my car, my parts and my money since June 20th and it was now January 2nd. I had been more than patient and flexible with them and now it was time to sever any more dealings with them. I told the foreman that I would be back the next day to pick up my car/parts/refund. Tuesday evening I received a call from the manager. He gave all kinds of excuses as to why nothing had been done, but mainly that his "ace" metal guy was out of the country. ( I hardly believe that a restoration shop hasn't done any metal work in over 6 months?). I told him that if he wanted to make things right he could prime and block sand the car to get it ready for paint. His response was I don't need the business that bad. At the end of the call I told him I was sorry, but they had wasted enough of my time and that I was coming up on Wednesday. He said that was fine, to give him a call before I came up so he could have things ready.
Wednesday 9:30 AM I placed the courtesy call to Don Barry Mustang and said that I would be up there in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours (around noon). The Foreman guy answered and complained that he had 3 guys call in sick this morning and that they we very busy in the shop and that if I came up anytime before 4PM he would not let me have the car. I asked what do you mean I can't have my car and he said I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU to take your car until after 4PM. I explained that I had to drive over 50 miles with a hired tow truck that I had to schedule in advance, but to no avail. I told him that if he prevented me from collecting my rightful property that I had no qualms with involving Law Enforcement. His response was WHATEVER!
We arrived at Don Barry Mustang at around 12:30 PM. My car was outside the shop as well as some of my parts. We backed the rollback up to my car and started to load it when Foreman guy says I don't know that this is your car. Mind you this is 1 of only 2 people I have dealt with this entire 6 month or so period, so he knew darn well it was my car. He said you can't have this car till you show me the title. Well, being financed I don't have the title yet, so I'll get the next best thing, proof of insurance. I called my insurance company and they were prepared to fax Foreman guy my proof of insurance. At this point he said oh, our fax just stopped working, I guess you'll just have to drive back home to get proof of ownership. I informed my Insurance representative of what was going on and explained that there was no work performed on the car so there was no "mechanics lein", the agent then said if they refuse to give your vehicle back we consider that GRAND THEFT. I asked about my parts and Foreman guy says WHAT PARTS? I pointed to my parts and he says, prove they're yours. At this point I was so exasperated I could scream. I informed him of what my insurance company said and he still told me I couldn't have my car and told me there were no parts here that belonged to me. Foreman guy finally got the manager on the phone and He too said what parts? Prove it's your car. I told him if that was his position then I would call the Police.
I called the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in front of Foreman guy and explained my situation and how my insurance company considers this theft. They were courteous and professional and stated they would have someone on the way immediately. Now Foreman guy comes back outside and says You're Trespassing. You, your vehicle and the tow-truck have to leave our property.
After a short wait 2 JSO Officers arrived and I explained my situation. I gave them my tag number which they were able to run and get my VIN (proving ownership). I then showed them the Work Order for my vehicle which listed the work to be performed and the deposit paid. I then showed them my receipt from NPD listing the parts that were brought along with the car. The parts matched up exactly with the work to be performed.
The officers spoke with foreman guy for a bit, then came and got us (we were still off their property). We were told we could take the car, but said Foreman guy doesn't know what they were talking about when asked about the parts. The Parts that were outside "mysteriously" disappeared before the police arrived. I saw that they had hid the parts behind a rollup door and informed the officer. Foreman guy then says Oh those parts, those are our parts, you never brought any. I told the officers that my name was on the boxes and when they examined the boxes they found my name and shipping address from NPD.
At this point the officers felt lied to by Foreman guy and basically asked what kind of stunt he was trying to pull. They said that there Was enough evidence for an arrest on Grand Theft charges. I believe at this point the fire got too hot for foreman guy and he called the boss who finally made an appearance. After a verbal rundown of events from the officer the boss said everthing's his, he can take it. I got ALMOST EVERYTHING. You see, they used some of my parts on other cars that they were working on. I was cut a check for my refund, including credit for some parts that were missing, i found others missing when I got home so I'm still missing parts. I got my car loaded up on the Rollback and I got most of my parts.
I may have considered doing business with Don Barry Mustang in the future as everyone gets behind on occasion and all I had lost up until then was time and embarassment. I lost all respect for them when it took 2 armed police officers to return my rightfully owned property. I will never do business with them again and I will never recommend them to anyone!! There are many reputable shops out there, but following my NIGHTMARE , I DO NOT believe Don Barry Mustang is one of them!!
On June 20th I dropped my '69 stang off @ Don Barry Mustang in Jacksonville, Fl. for some major body work (full quarter panels, full floor pans both sides, taillight panel, trunk drop offs, outer wheel wells, radiator support, battery apron, etc.) and to install and gap the new fenders, doors, hood and new trunk lid. It arrived media blasted and on a rotisserie, ready to be worked on. In addition I brought approx $5,000.00 in new parts to be used in the restoration. I was told that due to their backlog we were looking at a completion time of 4 months. Two months of waiting in line then 2 months of actual repair time. This was acceptable to me.
Being the taskmaster that I am, I contacted them approx every 3 to 4 weeks after the 2 month wait time for an update (in person and by phone). I was told time and time again that they hadn't gotten to it yet and then later on that their best "metal guy" from Hungary was having trouble getting back into the U.S.. This was important because they were waiting on him before starting work on my car. I was promised time and time again that "he'll be here next month". Finally, in December I called and asked for an update and I was told "we'll start work on your car in a week and a half". I told them that I would call back in 3 weeks and if nothing had been done then I was coming up to pick up my Refund (the deposit of $4,400.00 +/-) my Mustang ($5,000.00) and my Parts($5,000.00 +/-).
Well, Tuesday was 1 day short of the 3 week time period. My wife and I drove 50 miles to Don Barry Mustang and spoke to the foreman (I guess thats who he was as the boss wasn't there). He essentially said No, we haven't started on your car yet, but you're on the list. I said that this was unacceptable. They'd had my car, my parts and my money since June 20th and it was now January 2nd. I had been more than patient and flexible with them and now it was time to sever any more dealings with them. I told the foreman that I would be back the next day to pick up my car/parts/refund. Tuesday evening I received a call from the manager. He gave all kinds of excuses as to why nothing had been done, but mainly that his "ace" metal guy was out of the country. ( I hardly believe that a restoration shop hasn't done any metal work in over 6 months?). I told him that if he wanted to make things right he could prime and block sand the car to get it ready for paint. His response was I don't need the business that bad. At the end of the call I told him I was sorry, but they had wasted enough of my time and that I was coming up on Wednesday. He said that was fine, to give him a call before I came up so he could have things ready.
Wednesday 9:30 AM I placed the courtesy call to Don Barry Mustang and said that I would be up there in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours (around noon). The Foreman guy answered and complained that he had 3 guys call in sick this morning and that they we very busy in the shop and that if I came up anytime before 4PM he would not let me have the car. I asked what do you mean I can't have my car and he said I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU to take your car until after 4PM. I explained that I had to drive over 50 miles with a hired tow truck that I had to schedule in advance, but to no avail. I told him that if he prevented me from collecting my rightful property that I had no qualms with involving Law Enforcement. His response was WHATEVER!
We arrived at Don Barry Mustang at around 12:30 PM. My car was outside the shop as well as some of my parts. We backed the rollback up to my car and started to load it when Foreman guy says I don't know that this is your car. Mind you this is 1 of only 2 people I have dealt with this entire 6 month or so period, so he knew darn well it was my car. He said you can't have this car till you show me the title. Well, being financed I don't have the title yet, so I'll get the next best thing, proof of insurance. I called my insurance company and they were prepared to fax Foreman guy my proof of insurance. At this point he said oh, our fax just stopped working, I guess you'll just have to drive back home to get proof of ownership. I informed my Insurance representative of what was going on and explained that there was no work performed on the car so there was no "mechanics lein", the agent then said if they refuse to give your vehicle back we consider that GRAND THEFT. I asked about my parts and Foreman guy says WHAT PARTS? I pointed to my parts and he says, prove they're yours. At this point I was so exasperated I could scream. I informed him of what my insurance company said and he still told me I couldn't have my car and told me there were no parts here that belonged to me. Foreman guy finally got the manager on the phone and He too said what parts? Prove it's your car. I told him if that was his position then I would call the Police.
I called the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in front of Foreman guy and explained my situation and how my insurance company considers this theft. They were courteous and professional and stated they would have someone on the way immediately. Now Foreman guy comes back outside and says You're Trespassing. You, your vehicle and the tow-truck have to leave our property.
After a short wait 2 JSO Officers arrived and I explained my situation. I gave them my tag number which they were able to run and get my VIN (proving ownership). I then showed them the Work Order for my vehicle which listed the work to be performed and the deposit paid. I then showed them my receipt from NPD listing the parts that were brought along with the car. The parts matched up exactly with the work to be performed.
The officers spoke with foreman guy for a bit, then came and got us (we were still off their property). We were told we could take the car, but said Foreman guy doesn't know what they were talking about when asked about the parts. The Parts that were outside "mysteriously" disappeared before the police arrived. I saw that they had hid the parts behind a rollup door and informed the officer. Foreman guy then says Oh those parts, those are our parts, you never brought any. I told the officers that my name was on the boxes and when they examined the boxes they found my name and shipping address from NPD.
At this point the officers felt lied to by Foreman guy and basically asked what kind of stunt he was trying to pull. They said that there Was enough evidence for an arrest on Grand Theft charges. I believe at this point the fire got too hot for foreman guy and he called the boss who finally made an appearance. After a verbal rundown of events from the officer the boss said everthing's his, he can take it. I got ALMOST EVERYTHING. You see, they used some of my parts on other cars that they were working on. I was cut a check for my refund, including credit for some parts that were missing, i found others missing when I got home so I'm still missing parts. I got my car loaded up on the Rollback and I got most of my parts.
I may have considered doing business with Don Barry Mustang in the future as everyone gets behind on occasion and all I had lost up until then was time and embarassment. I lost all respect for them when it took 2 armed police officers to return my rightfully owned property. I will never do business with them again and I will never recommend them to anyone!! There are many reputable shops out there, but following my NIGHTMARE , I DO NOT believe Don Barry Mustang is one of them!!
. I hope you can find a new shop and get your stang looking pretty nice and quick.
1/5/07, 05:53 AM
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i dont mean to laugh ( what a a@@ ) that was at don berry, the forman you talked to was his drugy son, i have warned everydbody on several sites about this guy, i guess you dident do a better buisness search?
if you still need the work done ( i dont do paint anymore for people ) but i still do metal work out of my house check out my web site and post if you like to talk to me heres a link to my cars http://public.fotki.com/qcodemachman/my_cars/
Customer Complaint DataThe company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 7
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 3Complaints Concerned: Selling Practices (1 complaints)1Company did not respond Service Issues (1 complaints)1Resolved Refund Practices (2 complaints)1Resolved1Company did not respond Repair Issues (3 complaints)1Unresolved2Company did not respond
if you still need the work done ( i dont do paint anymore for people ) but i still do metal work out of my house check out my web site and post if you like to talk to me heres a link to my cars http://public.fotki.com/qcodemachman/my_cars/
Customer Complaint DataThe company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 7
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 3Complaints Concerned: Selling Practices (1 complaints)1Company did not respond Service Issues (1 complaints)1Resolved Refund Practices (2 complaints)1Resolved1Company did not respond Repair Issues (3 complaints)1Unresolved2Company did not respond
1/5/07, 05:57 AM
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i dont mean to laugh ( what a a@@ ) that was at don berry, the forman you talked to was his drugy son, i have warned everydbody on several sites about this guy, i guess you dident do a better buisness search?
if you still need the work done ( i dont do paint anymore for people ) but i still do metal work out of my house check out my web site and post if you like to talk to me heres a link to my cars http://public.fotki.com/qcodemachman/my_cars/
Customer Complaint DataThe company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 7
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 3Complaints Concerned: Selling Practices (1 complaints)1Company did not respond Service Issues (1 complaints)1Resolved Refund Practices (2 complaints)1Resolved1Company did not respond Repair Issues (3 complaints)1Unresolved2Company did not respond
if you still need the work done ( i dont do paint anymore for people ) but i still do metal work out of my house check out my web site and post if you like to talk to me heres a link to my cars http://public.fotki.com/qcodemachman/my_cars/
Customer Complaint DataThe company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 7
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 3Complaints Concerned: Selling Practices (1 complaints)1Company did not respond Service Issues (1 complaints)1Resolved Refund Practices (2 complaints)1Resolved1Company did not respond Repair Issues (3 complaints)1Unresolved2Company did not respond
oh by the way heres your warnning AGAINST mustang masters also!
1/5/07, 07:30 AM
#5
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Wow, thanks for the warning. I've dropped by thier place a few times over the years but never engaged them. Let me know if you find someone you'd recommend to do the work...
Whats the problem with Freddy at Mustang Masters (other than insanely high prices?)
Whats the problem with Freddy at Mustang Masters (other than insanely high prices?)
1/5/07, 07:47 PM
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your kidding right? do you talk to mustang guys, FAST freddie is a real piece of work , goto a car show and talk to vendors, they will tell you all kinds of stuff about him! I have been told tons, and i also have personal experiance with him ( i bought ( well traded ) for a shaker assembaly ) and i bought a car from him, he screwed me both times, never again , but dont trust me ASK AROUND!
1/12/07, 09:07 PM
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Update...
Well, my new restoration shop has had my Mustang for a little over a week now and you won't believe the progress. Both floorpans (including toeboards) are in. (buttwelded per my request) ground smooth and seamsealed. Also the battery tray and radiator support have been removed and new pieces installed and welded.
WOW, more in 7 days than in 6 months.... Guess their business and reputation are more important to them than others...
WOW, more in 7 days than in 6 months.... Guess their business and reputation are more important to them than others...
1/13/07, 12:35 PM
#12
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Wow, that's insane the way you were treated at that other shop. Your temper is obviously a lot more even keeled than mine.
Glad to things hear things are on track at the new shop.
Glad to things hear things are on track at the new shop.
1/16/07, 09:34 AM
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I also had a nightmare with Don Barry Mustangs over some parts that I purchased a few years ago. Basically I ordered an intake, spacer, and rebuilt carb for my 65 Hipo from Barry. The intake was the wrong date code that I ordered and the carb took over 8 weeks to arrive despite them charging my credit card. Then I discovered that 6 months later they charged my card again for the total amount of my initial purchase. Had to dispute the issue with my credit card company and then cancel the card to avoid future charges.
Moral of the story: don't give them your credit card number either.
Moral of the story: don't give them your credit card number either.
1/16/07, 12:06 PM
#15
Woah
You know I can't believe a place that crooked even exsists. That guy is a total @$$ hole. I am glad you found a better place to deal with and I really look forward to seeing the final pics. Still you have the patience of a saint if it were me I would have missing parts alright, because I would have imbeded them into that foremans skull
. Keep us posted on the project and remember to post pics when it's done (it's important so I said it twice 
)
You know I can't believe a place that crooked even exsists. That guy is a total @$$ hole. I am glad you found a better place to deal with and I really look forward to seeing the final pics. Still you have the patience of a saint if it were me I would have missing parts alright, because I would have imbeded them into that foremans skull. Keep us posted on the project and remember to post pics when it's done (it's important so I said it twice )
2/2/07, 10:23 AM
#16
Mach 1 Member
Let me tell you a story...........
On June 20th I dropped my '69 stang off @ Don Barry Mustang in Jacksonville, Fl. for some major body work (full quarter panels, full floor pans both sides, taillight panel, trunk drop offs, outer wheel wells, radiator support, battery apron, etc.) and to install and gap the new fenders, doors, hood and new trunk lid. It arrived media blasted and on a rotisserie, ready to be worked on. In addition I brought approx $5,000.00 in new parts to be used in the restoration. I was told that due to their backlog we were looking at a completion time of 4 months. Two months of waiting in line then 2 months of actual repair time. This was acceptable to me.
Being the taskmaster that I am, I contacted them approx every 3 to 4 weeks after the 2 month wait time for an update (in person and by phone). I was told time and time again that they hadn't gotten to it yet and then later on that their best "metal guy" from Hungary was having trouble getting back into the U.S.. This was important because they were waiting on him before starting work on my car. I was promised time and time again that "he'll be here next month". Finally, in December I called and asked for an update and I was told "we'll start work on your car in a week and a half". I told them that I would call back in 3 weeks and if nothing had been done then I was coming up to pick up my Refund (the deposit of $4,400.00 +/-) my Mustang ($5,000.00) and my Parts($5,000.00 +/-).
Well, Tuesday was 1 day short of the 3 week time period. My wife and I drove 50 miles to Don Barry Mustang and spoke to the foreman (I guess thats who he was as the boss wasn't there). He essentially said No, we haven't started on your car yet, but you're on the list. I said that this was unacceptable. They'd had my car, my parts and my money since June 20th and it was now January 2nd. I had been more than patient and flexible with them and now it was time to sever any more dealings with them. I told the foreman that I would be back the next day to pick up my car/parts/refund. Tuesday evening I received a call from the manager. He gave all kinds of excuses as to why nothing had been done, but mainly that his "ace" metal guy was out of the country. ( I hardly believe that a restoration shop hasn't done any metal work in over 6 months?). I told him that if he wanted to make things right he could prime and block sand the car to get it ready for paint. His response was I don't need the business that bad. At the end of the call I told him I was sorry, but they had wasted enough of my time and that I was coming up on Wednesday. He said that was fine, to give him a call before I came up so he could have things ready.
Wednesday 9:30 AM I placed the courtesy call to Don Barry Mustang and said that I would be up there in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours (around noon). The Foreman guy answered and complained that he had 3 guys call in sick this morning and that they we very busy in the shop and that if I came up anytime before 4PM he would not let me have the car. I asked what do you mean I can't have my car and he said I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU to take your car until after 4PM. I explained that I had to drive over 50 miles with a hired tow truck that I had to schedule in advance, but to no avail. I told him that if he prevented me from collecting my rightful property that I had no qualms with involving Law Enforcement. His response was WHATEVER!
We arrived at Don Barry Mustang at around 12:30 PM. My car was outside the shop as well as some of my parts. We backed the rollback up to my car and started to load it when Foreman guy says I don't know that this is your car. Mind you this is 1 of only 2 people I have dealt with this entire 6 month or so period, so he knew darn well it was my car. He said you can't have this car till you show me the title. Well, being financed I don't have the title yet, so I'll get the next best thing, proof of insurance. I called my insurance company and they were prepared to fax Foreman guy my proof of insurance. At this point he said oh, our fax just stopped working, I guess you'll just have to drive back home to get proof of ownership. I informed my Insurance representative of what was going on and explained that there was no work performed on the car so there was no "mechanics lein", the agent then said if they refuse to give your vehicle back we consider that GRAND THEFT. I asked about my parts and Foreman guy says WHAT PARTS? I pointed to my parts and he says, prove they're yours. At this point I was so exasperated I could scream. I informed him of what my insurance company said and he still told me I couldn't have my car and told me there were no parts here that belonged to me. Foreman guy finally got the manager on the phone and He too said what parts? Prove it's your car. I told him if that was his position then I would call the Police.
I called the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in front of Foreman guy and explained my situation and how my insurance company considers this theft. They were courteous and professional and stated they would have someone on the way immediately. Now Foreman guy comes back outside and says You're Trespassing. You, your vehicle and the tow-truck have to leave our property.
After a short wait 2 JSO Officers arrived and I explained my situation. I gave them my tag number which they were able to run and get my VIN (proving ownership). I then showed them the Work Order for my vehicle which listed the work to be performed and the deposit paid. I then showed them my receipt from NPD listing the parts that were brought along with the car. The parts matched up exactly with the work to be performed.
The officers spoke with foreman guy for a bit, then came and got us (we were still off their property). We were told we could take the car, but said Foreman guy doesn't know what they were talking about when asked about the parts. The Parts that were outside "mysteriously" disappeared before the police arrived. I saw that they had hid the parts behind a rollup door and informed the officer. Foreman guy then says Oh those parts, those are our parts, you never brought any. I told the officers that my name was on the boxes and when they examined the boxes they found my name and shipping address from NPD.
At this point the officers felt lied to by Foreman guy and basically asked what kind of stunt he was trying to pull. They said that there Was enough evidence for an arrest on Grand Theft charges. I believe at this point the fire got too hot for foreman guy and he called the boss who finally made an appearance. After a verbal rundown of events from the officer the boss said everthing's his, he can take it. I got ALMOST EVERYTHING. You see, they used some of my parts on other cars that they were working on. I was cut a check for my refund, including credit for some parts that were missing, i found others missing when I got home so I'm still missing parts. I got my car loaded up on the Rollback and I got most of my parts.
I may have considered doing business with Don Barry Mustang in the future as everyone gets behind on occasion and all I had lost up until then was time and embarassment. I lost all respect for them when it took 2 armed police officers to return my rightfully owned property. I will never do business with them again and I will never recommend them to anyone!! There are many reputable shops out there, but following my NIGHTMARE , I DO NOT believe Don Barry Mustang is one of them!!
On June 20th I dropped my '69 stang off @ Don Barry Mustang in Jacksonville, Fl. for some major body work (full quarter panels, full floor pans both sides, taillight panel, trunk drop offs, outer wheel wells, radiator support, battery apron, etc.) and to install and gap the new fenders, doors, hood and new trunk lid. It arrived media blasted and on a rotisserie, ready to be worked on. In addition I brought approx $5,000.00 in new parts to be used in the restoration. I was told that due to their backlog we were looking at a completion time of 4 months. Two months of waiting in line then 2 months of actual repair time. This was acceptable to me.
Being the taskmaster that I am, I contacted them approx every 3 to 4 weeks after the 2 month wait time for an update (in person and by phone). I was told time and time again that they hadn't gotten to it yet and then later on that their best "metal guy" from Hungary was having trouble getting back into the U.S.. This was important because they were waiting on him before starting work on my car. I was promised time and time again that "he'll be here next month". Finally, in December I called and asked for an update and I was told "we'll start work on your car in a week and a half". I told them that I would call back in 3 weeks and if nothing had been done then I was coming up to pick up my Refund (the deposit of $4,400.00 +/-) my Mustang ($5,000.00) and my Parts($5,000.00 +/-).
Well, Tuesday was 1 day short of the 3 week time period. My wife and I drove 50 miles to Don Barry Mustang and spoke to the foreman (I guess thats who he was as the boss wasn't there). He essentially said No, we haven't started on your car yet, but you're on the list. I said that this was unacceptable. They'd had my car, my parts and my money since June 20th and it was now January 2nd. I had been more than patient and flexible with them and now it was time to sever any more dealings with them. I told the foreman that I would be back the next day to pick up my car/parts/refund. Tuesday evening I received a call from the manager. He gave all kinds of excuses as to why nothing had been done, but mainly that his "ace" metal guy was out of the country. ( I hardly believe that a restoration shop hasn't done any metal work in over 6 months?). I told him that if he wanted to make things right he could prime and block sand the car to get it ready for paint. His response was I don't need the business that bad. At the end of the call I told him I was sorry, but they had wasted enough of my time and that I was coming up on Wednesday. He said that was fine, to give him a call before I came up so he could have things ready.
Wednesday 9:30 AM I placed the courtesy call to Don Barry Mustang and said that I would be up there in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours (around noon). The Foreman guy answered and complained that he had 3 guys call in sick this morning and that they we very busy in the shop and that if I came up anytime before 4PM he would not let me have the car. I asked what do you mean I can't have my car and he said I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU to take your car until after 4PM. I explained that I had to drive over 50 miles with a hired tow truck that I had to schedule in advance, but to no avail. I told him that if he prevented me from collecting my rightful property that I had no qualms with involving Law Enforcement. His response was WHATEVER!
We arrived at Don Barry Mustang at around 12:30 PM. My car was outside the shop as well as some of my parts. We backed the rollback up to my car and started to load it when Foreman guy says I don't know that this is your car. Mind you this is 1 of only 2 people I have dealt with this entire 6 month or so period, so he knew darn well it was my car. He said you can't have this car till you show me the title. Well, being financed I don't have the title yet, so I'll get the next best thing, proof of insurance. I called my insurance company and they were prepared to fax Foreman guy my proof of insurance. At this point he said oh, our fax just stopped working, I guess you'll just have to drive back home to get proof of ownership. I informed my Insurance representative of what was going on and explained that there was no work performed on the car so there was no "mechanics lein", the agent then said if they refuse to give your vehicle back we consider that GRAND THEFT. I asked about my parts and Foreman guy says WHAT PARTS? I pointed to my parts and he says, prove they're yours. At this point I was so exasperated I could scream. I informed him of what my insurance company said and he still told me I couldn't have my car and told me there were no parts here that belonged to me. Foreman guy finally got the manager on the phone and He too said what parts? Prove it's your car. I told him if that was his position then I would call the Police.
I called the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in front of Foreman guy and explained my situation and how my insurance company considers this theft. They were courteous and professional and stated they would have someone on the way immediately. Now Foreman guy comes back outside and says You're Trespassing. You, your vehicle and the tow-truck have to leave our property.
After a short wait 2 JSO Officers arrived and I explained my situation. I gave them my tag number which they were able to run and get my VIN (proving ownership). I then showed them the Work Order for my vehicle which listed the work to be performed and the deposit paid. I then showed them my receipt from NPD listing the parts that were brought along with the car. The parts matched up exactly with the work to be performed.
The officers spoke with foreman guy for a bit, then came and got us (we were still off their property). We were told we could take the car, but said Foreman guy doesn't know what they were talking about when asked about the parts. The Parts that were outside "mysteriously" disappeared before the police arrived. I saw that they had hid the parts behind a rollup door and informed the officer. Foreman guy then says Oh those parts, those are our parts, you never brought any. I told the officers that my name was on the boxes and when they examined the boxes they found my name and shipping address from NPD.
At this point the officers felt lied to by Foreman guy and basically asked what kind of stunt he was trying to pull. They said that there Was enough evidence for an arrest on Grand Theft charges. I believe at this point the fire got too hot for foreman guy and he called the boss who finally made an appearance. After a verbal rundown of events from the officer the boss said everthing's his, he can take it. I got ALMOST EVERYTHING. You see, they used some of my parts on other cars that they were working on. I was cut a check for my refund, including credit for some parts that were missing, i found others missing when I got home so I'm still missing parts. I got my car loaded up on the Rollback and I got most of my parts.
I may have considered doing business with Don Barry Mustang in the future as everyone gets behind on occasion and all I had lost up until then was time and embarassment. I lost all respect for them when it took 2 armed police officers to return my rightfully owned property. I will never do business with them again and I will never recommend them to anyone!! There are many reputable shops out there, but following my NIGHTMARE , I DO NOT believe Don Barry Mustang is one of them!!
2/7/07, 05:44 PM
#17
Bullitt Member
Join Date: December 21, 2004
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I got ripped off in 2002 with a "numbers matching 1967 coupe that turned out to be a rust bucket. I also paid for a disc brake installation that was not done. I contacted the better business bureau and sued in small claims court. My neighbor got ripped off with his 66 convertible. That place is bad.
2/8/07, 08:57 AM
#18
Mach 1 Member
I agree with your comment on "your temper is abviously a lot more even keeled than mine". I would have used other resources, not to get even, but to get ahead.
2/9/07, 08:51 AM
#19
NTTAWWT
Yeah, there are some terrible places out there. Fortunately for me, I could do most of the work either by myself, or with help from my uncles...
8/18/10, 09:42 PM
#20
legacy Tms Member
thanks for sharing- hopefully might save someone else the same fate. Hate hearing tales like this, but have heard worse goings on out there...read about a guy (different shop)that *might* have lost his car- vin tag areas were cut out of his rustfree car, leading to wonder if his car was swapped...that guy got jailtime, but still, was probably little consolation to the owner...guess it pays to thoroughly check them out, no matter what they appear to be...
Last edited by ford4v429; 8/18/10 at 09:45 PM.