By anyone - I mean specifically shops -

I have noticed this trend of half @$$ work quality increasing over the years, but it seems in the last year my experience with auto repair places, stereo shops, etc has gone from not that great to totally unacceptable.

I am not sure why it is like this, but I really have to say as I go through and upgrade my rides that if I can do it, I will. I think that I let my own fear of screwing things up stop me from attempting to fix or repair things, even know I may have instructions or support from this form. What I have learned is that shops always screw something up so, I am thinking that it is always in our (my) best interest to try to DYI first.

Case in point -

This past weekend I took my car to a somewhat reputable stereo shop in Hayward. These folks are pretty big compared to some of the other shops around. My request was pretty simple I thought, install a new head unit and rear speakers (that I supplied) new front speakers (purchased from them) and rewire the system to bypass the fader switch on the console. I also made sure to let them know that I wanted the power antenna to work either when the stereo was on, or if that couldn’t be done than at least make it so the antenna switch on the dash was functional.

First thing I noticed when I picked it up was a non op antenna. Great – now I have to schedule a repair appointment.

Next thing I noticed was that the rear speakers sounded like crap. They basically sound like they are under a couple inches of mud. When I removed the speaker cover I could see that they mis-drilled the holes so in the event it was the speakers that are the culprit for the poor sound quality (I bet not the case), returning them is now out of the question.

And finally the real kicker they totally f---ed up my console window switch for the drivers side window. I noticed this lovely surprise when I was coming into work this morning. The switch basically fell apart on me while I was driving. Fortunately I only had the rear window down – so I was able to use the switch on the door to get it up.

Not only am I ticked off at having to go through the hassle of bringing it back to these hacks, I have to wonder if they will take ownership for their errors and fix the window switch… The other question is will they even know how to do it?

What I am wondering is if this is repairable or if it is shot and a new switch needed. If a new switch is needed who ends up eating the cost for this? I mean they broke it – there is no question about it, but can I prove it? No – I suppose not.

As for the fate of my existing switch – basically the silver trim piece has come loose and the buttons are just kind of floating around in there not making contact or really doing much of anything.

I don’t know what to do at this point. All I know is that with my luck now that I am having window problems I can safely bet that our winter season will be over.

Should I just order a new (used) switch or try and score one from the junkyard or just leave these people to fix it?
If I end up doing (or paying for) the repair, do I just eat the cost? Do I bill them? Do I have any recourse as far as being compensated for my time or expense?
By drilling new holes in the speaker baskets did they screw the speakers up? Are they responsible for replacing them now if it turns out the speakers are bad?

I understand that there are no simple answers to these some of these questions – This thread is as much a rant as it is looking for answers.

I wonder if others here have had similar experiences
a) With shops breaking stuff
b) Getting shops to make good on fixing what they broke, or experiences of using legal means to be compensated from shops.

Any feedback, advice, or answers about my switch question are appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

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1979 Thistle Green 300D 272,xxx miles
1984 Orient Red 300 D 4 spd Euro Import - 189,xxx miles
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Lofat Productions
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