It sounds like a plan, but my experience in dealing with Consumer Affairs or Small Claims Tribunal etc, is that they will always like you to give the repairer the opportunity to right his wrong. Unless you are completely at logger heads with the repairer this may still be your better outcome, even though it sound like you have no confidence in the repairer hence your idea to get some money back. Of course he might refuse that, so that is why I would be trying to appeal to his better nature as a repairer to help you out. From a repairers point of view it wouldn't do his business any good to have bad mouthing customers, so there SHOULD be a common goal for him to try again for you. But I don't know him like you do I guess. If you are short on technical knowledge with regards to these types of repairs, it would maybe be better to visit him with someone that knows what they are talking about. This is what being a AROCA member is all about.

Just an update on this situation if anyone's interested.

I received a call today from Ed (the panel beater).  He was quick to agree to a 50 percent payout (5k), which I am pleased about.

One wonders though why he was so quick to agree, as it is a huge turn about face from a few weeks ago, when he was asking for more money.

I have given him a two week deadline anyway to cough up the money, so we will see...

Well the engine is pretty much finished and has been put back into the engine bay.

My plans are to get the tinting and shockies done, and maybe some new rims.  The interior I won't touch besides replacing a few knobs and buttons, and the door panels.  I would rather leave the bulk of the interior until the body is properly restored.

I'm starting my new job in two weeks time, so I will need the wheels for a while.  The next time I get the body done, I'm going the whole hog, in terms of giving it plenty of time (I will buy a cheap little car to drive in the meantime), and not going for the cheapest option.

I have just filled out the application form for AROCA (W.A. division) membership, so what I will do is hopefully turn up to the annual dinner, and let you look over it Ed and see what you think.

Sorry to hear the saga continues but it looks like you really do need to continue down your path to it's conclusion even if it takes longer.

anything you need, any help we can offer let us know, maybe a working bee over a pizza and an beer or 2 id need be.

Ed(the good one!)

Hi all

I am new to this forum, my first posting but a long term Alfa owner (past 20 +) years. I can feel for the likes of Ish and Ash re the topic of how much should you pay for a decent bodywork restoration, let alone the frustration when the quality doesnt match your expectations, and the cost seemed reasonable, at the time. However, when in your case Ish the crook covered up rust with bog that is not on !!  Especially if there are issues re the safety of your car, like engine or suspension mounting points.   So good on you for taking action against him.  He deserves all that comes his way.  Hope you get some money back so that you can have it repaired properly.

Having already restored both a few classic Fiats and Alfas over the years i also agree with some of the other sentiments posted re what you should always aim for. Since this in essance is the only way to explain to the restorer what your expectations are and therefore an indication of what you expect in return for your hard earned $$$. I have tried this approach in the past with mixed experience.  With a professional at least you have a chance.  With a backyarder, well good luck.  This regrettably was my experience with my current Giulia Super, I am restoring.  I stopped counting precisely what it cost to get the bodywork done and I will have to strip it all back and start again.  The only good thing I think is that at least the rust was cut out and replaced with new metal.  How well and how much bog he used I don't know yet.  I suspect though I roughly have lost $5-7,000.  Ouch, but my mistake since I didn't go to a professional with history or watched over the project more closely.  At least the leather interior and the gearbox etc have been correctly done.  The biggest problem over here in Tas is that professional bodyworks are not interested in restoration work. I have heard of a couple of specialists but am yet to follow up on the leads. I still have my 1750 GTV to restore yet.  $10K these days from my experience seems pretty reasonable.  I have heard for instance of costs as high as double that. At least my 156 sporwagon is perfect.  Cheers Dave

Hi Phil

Yes I have given some thought about that as a real option and may need to take it up, especially if I am unable to get someone to do what is needed here.  My brother in law had a 1750 GTV and ended up selling it as a project to someone else since he too couldn't find a panel shop willing to take it on. 

If I can find someone here to take on the projects I will thoroughly check out the work first and get firm quotes on the likely cost.  The last thing I want to experience again is shoddy work and unrealistic quotes. That in essance is what occurred first time around with the Super. 

I reckon someone like Rankin Panels or perhaps the 105 Factory would be both good options.  Does anyone have other suggestions re in Melbourne, since I would need to ship the Super across the Bass Straight, so other States probably would be too expensive re transport costs.  Must figure on how to upload photos of the collection.

Cheers
Dave

Bump

For what this kind of restoration is going to cost this is a very viable alternative

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/ALFA%20ROMEO/1750/Victoria/csn5859896.aspx

See threadss today on this page