Do I pay ?

Just a bit of advise really.  I don`t know if this is something we can talk about but, whilst my Clipper was having some retoration work done locally, the chap from the garage broke the windscreen and has added cost to final bill, as mentioned before some of us girls think wer`re being taken for a ride, though not sure if this is the case here, as have never had resto work done before, are breakages the norm ? Cheers C

In my experience if a mechanic has had to take a screen out he's said in advance he can't guarantee it will come out intact. I accepted his point and when it did crack I chose to invest in a new screen with top tint.

wetwetwet said

Just a bit of advise really.  I don`t know if this is something we can talk about but, whilst my Clipper was having some retoration work done locally, the chap from the garage broke the windscreen and has added cost to final bill, as mentioned before some of us girls think wer`re being taken for a ride, though not sure if this is the case here, as have never had resto work done before, are breakages the norm ? Cheers C

You can go to a cheap place and they'll break things and try add it to the bill. Or you can go to an expensive place and they're more skilled, etc, will sympathetically treat your car and not break anything.

It depends if they were working in the area of the screen, for example did they remove and replace it to work on the base of the A pillar, for instance? If they warned you it might break during removal (or even if they didn't), then an already tiny-bit-cracked screen could easily break in this instance. Talk it through with them (pleasently), ask what they were doing at the time, etc, and if it turns out it was through an accident of theirs, or they admit they aren't that good at taking screens out, then ask for it to come off the bill!

I've had the windscreen removed on both of my golfs a couple of times and the windscreen has broken each time.  But that was because a new one was being put in so it didn't matter what happened to the old one.
They can be pretty difficult to remove intact but your garage should have stated this before removing it.  
If he removed (for instance) a wing and knackered it, would you expect to pay for the damage?  Me neither.
You'll need to confront him.  If he comes out with a load of crap mention the words 'trading standards'

Good luck

I'd take the softly softly approach, they might talk on and on and admit it was their fault inadvertently. Then you can talk about a reduction in the price.

I've taken out untold screens and have only broken one - and that was cos I was careless.

Unless they specifically said it might break and they had to take it out - then imo you should foot the bill.   In any other circumstance they should pay.

Also check how much they have charged you - remember you can get your glass fixed for ?50 on your comprehensive insurance.

Cheers

Rich

Softly softly defo the better way.  I was getting a bit eager - having problems with suppliers at the mo and thats the next route for me.

Yeah, had to remove screen as had hole in bodywork at bottom left of windscreen, don`t know the lingo (A pillar ?) but wasn`t told that  it would be a problem.  He has admitted he broke it with no mention of previous cracks, charging ?90 for the new one    . Will try gentle approach.   Am looking forward to seeing the finished thing, re-spray (red, don`t know which)  no rust, no dents and NEW ROOF , can`t wait to collect    and have my own car back, she`s been away about 9 weeks so having to beg, steal (not quite) and borrow cars and or lifts.

I've removed my own screen a couple of time without breaking it - You just need to be careful.

My mate is a VW specialist and always advises a customer that they are prone to breaking and he will not be responsible for the replacement costs if it does break.
If your mechanic didn't tell you that, then he should be paying for the damage - His insurance may even cover it, so it possibly won't even come out of his pocket?!? :dontknow:

Thats outtrageous.. They break your property and charge you. I have had 7 cars have screens out and never a problem. Did he attempt it him self?:roll:
If he explained that it was chipped and not guarenteed then he probably just gave it a thump. True they are made of glass but I have taken a full set out of a car. I think its a case of being careful
 I would say that its unfair and as was pointed out windscreen cover is only ?50 on fully comp insurance.
stand up for your rights

crikey! yeah he is restoring your mk1 but if you took it to him in good condition i would expect it back in the same condition if not better.
I wouldnt be paying for it atall.
I would just say, hang on, you didnt tell me the screen could break, if you had of done i could of got another for ?20 down the scrappie you rip off merchant!
Refuse to pay, dont be down trodden just coz your female, they try it all the time!
Might be worth going ot citizens advice just to get the law behind it and know the legal lingo.
Good Luck.

Well folks, took your advice, have just called garage to (very nicely) ask how the windscreen broke and why he didin`t call  before forking out ?90 for a new one and why bill had grown by ?400.   The effect was quite shocking, he called me a liar (can`t get screen for ?20 - ?50) then hung up.  I called back to discuss further, he said too busy, pay bill in 7 days or he will sell the car then hung up again before I could speak.  I havn`t said I won`t pay, I was just querying a couple of points before doing so,  :cry: To say " I am a little upset" is an understatement.

OMG! well its time to involve trading standards and a good solicitor.

Sounds to me like he knows he is in the wrong and is trying bully boy tactics to scare you into paying.  Pretty sure he cant sell your car.  I guess either a trip to citizens advice or trading standards is in order.  Alternatively, pop down there and see him, accompanied by a couple of large friends to discuss the problems.

oh no  8O

Dont worry, they cant sell your car. I used to work for the police.

What you need to do is to ring the citizens advice and speak to them, being a civil matter you cant involve the police, could ask for advice tho.

You owe him money for services yes but he is charging you in excess of what was agreed and as you said did not call and tell you about the screen breaking to apologise and see if you had a spare, he just whacked it on your bill- totally out of order. Ask him for a reciept for the glass he bought and then get a quote in writing from a vw breakers and show him!

He cant legally sell your car on, he is not the owner of the vehicle and he does not have the logbook- i hope. If he did this it would become a police matter.

Ring your local station actually they can give you good advice.

If your not one for arguing your point then pay up and then take him to court for excess charges and threatening behaiviour- what a nasty bloke!

Whats he like? could you not take a big bloke down there with you?

it could be arranged easily,   :wink:

leedstown you say….

is it this one
Garage Name: Leedstown Garage
Telephone: 01736 850900
Address: 45 Praze Rd, Leedstown, Hayle, TR27 6DS

or this one
Garage Name: A & R Autocare
Telephone: 01736 850400
Address: Praze Rd, Leedstown, Hayle, TR27 6DS

Don`t really want to give address as its all turned a bit scary, will keep posting, have contacted Trading Standards but, as late on Friday, they will be getting back to me next week, but have got Case No…….

Have changed my mind, you`re right Cabriaulait,  Leedstown, how did you guess ? Havn`t got shares have you?

no,

if you would like some back up when you next go to see them i would be more than willing to help out.

pm me if you do.

storm81 on here has just set up a small specialist garage nr truro and i can recommend him for any future work you may need.

good luck,

Man- hope you get this sorted. There are some rip off merchants about. The main reason I do the work on my car myself, or have my trusted, long standing mechanic friend do it for me!

do you know this guy ? do you trust him with your baby ??
wont take project dragon to anyone other than andy whos been my familys mechanic for 15 yrs , and if theres stuff he cant do like the current welding job coz its soooo big i will only take it somewhere he recommends so off to pete she went yesterday morning and at 5 i got a phone call asking me to come down and inspect.
he talked me through what hed done and taken snaps on his digi to show me how much worse it really was as the bill was gonna be .. bit more
im happy to pay the extra as ive seen for myself whats being done .
You need to get a mechanic that you trust otherwise youll get well ripped off and yes it is because we are birds that this happens .
try and negociate a deal where obviously they werent supposed to smash the windscreen but as part of the work involved , removal was mentioned but no confirmed terms should they brake it . so split the bill .
next time be over specific about everything ..