Getting Bike Painted - Problems

Message

doodlebug · #1 Unread post by **doodlebug** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:38 am

After a small accident, that left bike with a few minor scratches, I felt, that it would be cool to get the bike painted in a way I really liked
and this was a good oppurtunity.
I took it to a local guy that builds bikes, repairs and paints and said he would do it, no problem. Gave him the paint sample from Harley Davidson
and made a mistake of saying " It is January (being cold) and you can take your time"
Well it is almost April and the Bike is in his shop in the same spot I dropped it off on Jan. 3rd! I keep asking, when will it be done, I get.
" I'm real busy" blah, blah, blah. etc.

I don't want to be an A**h**e to the guy, but how long should I wait. Plus he never returns call and never seems to be in the shop. All I get from the other workers there is" Soon" or "your next".
I probably will just pick the bike up this weekend, and figure he just didn't really want the work. Anyone run into this? How to find good shops?
Thanks

Damian · #2 Unread post by **Damian** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 5:58 am

I don't think you're being an "O Ring" to expect a bike you dropped off in January to be at least started by late March. It should have been done by now.

Go pick up your bike. Don't accept any "we'll start on it tomorrow" BS. Go get the bike and take it elsewhere. Did you give him any money yet?

BeyondThePaint · Tue Mar 27, 2007 8:47 am

Hope you didn't give him any money yet. Go get your parts and take it to a reputable painter. He is more interested in doing the insurance/collision work. Its hard work keeping the insurance crooks happy. Thats why we don't do insurance work at our shop. We work stricktly for the customer, and we don't appreciate middlemen here.

Check around for someone who specializes in motorcycles. Their prices are usually higher, but they know what to expect, and you will get your parts back in a reasonable amount of time without the hidden charges that show up at completion of the job. Good luck

Shorts · #4 Unread post by **Shorts** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:19 am

Pick up your bike. Hopefully you've given him no money yet. If you have, get it back too.

As far as finding good shops, word of mouth and examples of work are great.

flynrider · Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:59 am

If he's too busy to do the work, go get your bike and start looking elsewhere. You've waited much more than a reasonable amount of time.

If the guy told you it'd be 4+ months when you brought it in, that would be one thing. This business of just putting you off indefinitely is just the sign of a disorganized shop. You'll probably be better off going elsewhere.

doodlebug · #6 Unread post by **doodlebug** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:23 am

No , I didn't give any money.
All it is , is a simple paint job
thanks

Meanie · #7 Unread post by **Meanie** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:32 am

I agree with the others...go get your bike or parts and do not fall for the "we'll start on it now". It took 3 months and they haven't touched it. That's poor service, IMO. Be polite and tell them you found someone who can have it done in a week. Thanks but no thanks.

canuckerjay · Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:31 pm

kind of fricken ridiculous. . .

BeyondThePaint · Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:16 am

This GSXR1000 came into my shop on march 9th. dropped on the right side. needed tank repair, front fairing repair, replace right mirror, replace right side panels (3 pieces) and exhaust. New parts from Ron Ayers Suzuki arrived on the 14th, Polished wheels came back on the 16th, and this rolled out on the 30th.

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It makes a difference if you deal with a shop that specializes in motorcycles. Good luck, and I hope you get back riding soon.

Thrash 'n Burn · Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:24 am

I'd pick it up, as it should've been completed by now. Hell, it should've been completed by February.