Fair resolution?

I took my shell in today for a window replacement and discovered that the shop damaged my shell a little in the process. After debating responsibility for the damage, the shop said that to fix the damage, the shell would need to be shipped back to the manufacturer for repair and complete repaint. It would be a 5-6 month process. I’m waiting to hear back from the shop, as they were going to contact the manufacturer for specific instructions. I don’t want this thing shipped back and be without it for another 6 months. What do you think a fair resolution would be?

 

Local body shop to patch and blend on the vendors dime and move on with life.

Pick a shop that works Corvettes and kit cars.

 

i would not accept that. at the very least they should compensate you with the cost to repair it.

 

Make them fix it end of story. It will only end up cracking further so I would not accept a settlement to walk away unless its enough to properly fix it.

 

Great feedback. I’ve got some estimates in the works and will take them to the shop.

 

Dont ship it, it will take forever. I had my shell damaged, I filed off the chip (like yours) so it wouldnt split more.
it’s fiberglass so your dont need to paint it.
Tiny damage i say “its a truck”

(Pic is super zoomed in)

 

You know what? They are going to tell me that having a body shop do work on it will void the warranty.

 

I don't have a good resolution, but perhaps they are insistent on sending back to scare you off?
Maybe call the MFG yourself and ask if that is an accurate lead time and if it is, do they have an expedite option(to be paid by your shop)? I would think the labor to remove/install, ship to and from, and the actual repair cost might be nearly as much as a new top,,, but that is just guessing. Shipping one by itself both ways has to astronomical and the likelihood of further damage is great.

EDIT- oh also ask the MFG if the have a local/semi local authorized repair shop?

GL

 

It is as I suspected. I spoke to the manufacturer, and the only way they would maintain the structural and paint warranty is if they do the work. They do not subcontract any work. This totally bites.

 

I'd insist on it being repaired by the manufacturer. The shop that damaged it wants to get out of it the cheapest way, and have you sign a release and be on your way. If your truck and shell is a long term purchase, I'd accept nothing less than a cull repair from the shell manufacturer.

 

They are giving you the most inconvenient option as the only option in hopes you just go away. Call their bluff and have them ship it.

 

I think so!
They know this small area of damage has a huge cost associated with it, and will do anything to cover their own ass first, while telling others they tried.

 

I’ve obtained one estimate so far. $697.
I’d sure like to have the camper shell shop just pay for this repair locally, but they are going to tell me that their only option to maintain the warranty is to send it to the manufacturer. I’m not interested in waiting 5-6 months and risking more damage in transit from California to Ohio. Any brilliant ideas?

 

The situation sucks for you I'm sure, you paid a lot for the shell, yadda, yadda, yadda, I get it...

But man, I wish something like this was all I had to worry about...good luck

 

Looks like you have 2 options.

1. Get a local repair shop to fix the damage on the shops dime and void your cap warranty
2. ship it back to the mfg and wait 5-6 months to keep your warranty.

Looks like more of a question of do you want to keep the warranty or not.
imo if you are getting it repaired by a good local shop, i wouldn't worry about the structural integrity.
I don't run a cap, but I never hear of failures on them either. The mfg warranty if most likely based on their own workmanship etc, even if you had their warranty and something happened it might be a huge fight to get anything out of it anyway

 

I agree with this. What can really fail other than glass breakage?

 

You shouldn't have to use your insurance for something you didn't cause.

 

How long is the manufacture warranty? Are we debating another 6 months or 5 years? That might have an impact on the decision process.

 

They damaged it...their problem, not yours. Did you sign any kind of disclaimer prior to the initial work that said they weren't responsible for damage caused during the course of repair work? If not, I'd say it's on them to restore your property to you in good condition. If it can't be restored to your satisfaction - and I would include compensation for loss of use for several months if they insist it must be shipped out - then they should buy you a new topper. Sigh. Noble goals, sounds like a sleazeball outfit, and you could post very negative reviews online and never use them again. AFTER they resolve the issue, of course. I would worry about structural integrity of a repair in the event you ever want to mount something on the topper, like a RTT.

%#it happens, humans make mistakes, but when your property is damaged on their watch, seems in their interest to keep you happy.

 

I think some caps even come with life time warranty. But you need to read the actually warranty clause, especially the exclusions, to judge whether it's worth it to you or not.

I don't know what OP's cap brand is but from ARE's website:
Not covered under this warranty is structural failure due to neglect, alterations, addition of equipment, abuse, accident, use in competitive racing or vibrations from worn or altered truck suspensions or sound equipment.

I doubt having the mfg warranty is even worth going through all the trouble to keep.
Got a lift on your truck? They can deny you. Got a cap rail or RRT? They can deny you.