Deadbeat Transmission builder has my money and parts

[smchop]

I need a little advice if you have a second to give it and read this through. I took a guy, transmission builder off of craigslist, had a shop, and plenty of work going, my nephews transmission and transfer case to rebuild. In the mean time I also order a torque converter for my truck through him. I'm now going on four months, $2500+ dollars, and have nothing to show for it. I've been hearing end of the week for pick up for about 2 months now and I've had it. He lost his shop in the middle of this and has since moved, says he is working out of a friends shop currently. Question is, what do I do? He stays in contact somewhat, if I send him a message he usually responds in a couple days, but basically I am getting a long slow screwing on this whole deal and don't know what to do about it. Whatever I do, I can't give him a reason to have a better "case" against me then I do against him, so as much as I'd like to pound him into mud its not an option. What do you guys think would be the next appropriate step, and a some details on to completing that next step? Thanks.

[sniper7]

Have you asked for your money back? Does he have the converter in stock? If so maybe get that at a minimum then ask for cash back for tranny and get the parts back from him and have another place do the work with the parts he ordered

[kwando]

I hope you have receipt for all the work and the torque converter. I'd tow the vehicle back and take him to small claims court. Pay for a rental and have him reimburse you for the rental and missed work (wages).

[smchop]

I do have receipts. Sniper, chances of getting money are slim, I can ask him but don't expect him to have it. Anyone ever taken someone to small claims court, I don't know the process and am curious as to what it costs to get started, or have him served with papers? Thanks guys

Happy Birthday Kwando!

[Mr Spooky]

I listen to Tom Martino on the radio while at work. I hear this problem a lot. You could call him. He could walk you through the process.

[Great-Kazoo]

I do have receipts. Sniper, chances of getting money are slim, I can ask him but don't expect him to have it. Anyone ever taken someone to small claims court, I don't know the process and am curious as to what it costs to get started, or have him served with papers? Thanks guys

Happy Birthday Kwando!

https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms...Category=Small

[Bailey Guns]

The hardest part of the smalls claims process (if you haven't done it before) is working up the nerve to try it yourself. It's really not difficult. Go to the court (some even offer a "starter kit" online) and get the paperwork. Fill it out and file it. It's actually pretty straightforward.

[Danimal]

Deleted

[cstone]

Meet him face to face. Tell him your concern and ask him to name a date when he will either have the work and parts ordered complete and ready to turn over or your money and parts returned to you. Once he has set that date, let him know that you will expect him to stand by his word and his work.

This is not personal. This is business. If he is late to fulfill his commitment, file the paperwork in the local court the next day.

You may want to audio record your conversation with him when you meet with him. The alternative would be to ask him to put the date of completion in writing. You could have that printed with a the date blank when you meet with him.

Good luck.

[smchop]

Cstone, I've tried this route except for asking for it in writing, it has come and gone. Danimal, I'm a reasonable person that has had a shop of my own and given him the benefit of the doubt for to long and now he's just taking advantage of that. Kazoo and Bailey, thanks for the info, I guess if things come to a total loss I'll have to go that route with the expectation of never getting anything in return. I guess I'll contact him and ask to meet him face to face, just gotta be able to keep my cool if it happens and not be an irrational idiot!