damaged radiator

[captden29]

perhaps a little advice from forum members may help me in my dealings. my sister-in-law works for a business that does radiators and i had them re-core mine. when it was returned to me i was told ahead of time that it had a small nick in it. turns out to be a hole about the size of a 50 cent piece and about 1/2 way through the core. it put a crease in only one of the cooling tubes and just left a gap all around it. a little damage in another spot where some fins were bent and straightened. apparently someone put something on top of it, so it was not properly stored at the shop.the guy still wants $350 for the work and says he guarantees the radiator.the big problem here is the in-law connection, but i still feel that accepting this damaged radiator is not acceptable.does anyone know approximately what just a core costs without the labor,because that is what he will be out to replace mine.if i knew that number i could discuss this situation better, or perhaps i should just leave this alone and take it damaged. the $350 price is a little low but money was never an issue. this is for a 1954 chrysler windsor convertible that is worth alot of money and i drive around town and long distance. last spring i took it 440 miles round trip to the rhinebeck car show. i am sure some of you have had similiar situations and what was your end of story. thanks, dennis

[RobertKB]

Talk to your sister-in-law first and give her a headsup about returning the radiator. Tell her your car is valuable and you don't want something that looks damaged in your car. She should understandd. If you are not happy with workmanship that you pay good money for, have it redone.

[Plymouthy Adams]

350.00 is not in-law pricing..be sure and get your monies worth here..however..as a gentle nudge may be better than bursting through the door..ask you sister-in-law to inquire on the side about what they can do to help you out...

[bob westphal]

Their price is well within line. However, If you bought a new core, you should get a new undamaged core. It doesn't matter about your sister-in-law. The shop just simply doesn't want to pay for another core and are trying to get you to take the damaged core they messed up. Sure they guarantee their work and they will fix it if it leaks. However, it will more than likely be the same damaged core they are trying to pawn off on you now. Go after them and make them do it right. If needs be, ask for your tanks and old core back and go somewhere else.

[Ed Griffin]

"he guarantees the radiator" Will that help you when your on the side of the road , hundreds of miles away?

You took it there to have it repaired, not damaged, correct? Why pay anything for a damaged part? Regardless of the vehicles value or the cost of the supposed repair, you should get what your paying for and not what you already had to start with. Damaged goods. Good luck!

[1just4don]

find the longest sadest face you can muster and explain to him you are restoring this old car to hopefully show condition,,,and a banged up radiator doesnt fit with your long term plan for it. IF you were just looking for any old POS drive around the block grocery getter,it wouldnt be such a big deal,,,but this one,right here,right now is NOT working for "YOU".

No raised voice, just a sad and forlorn face that shows the seriousness of your feelings. I dont think your sister-in-law has a THING to do with it,,,unless you got an employee's relative discount,,,and that doesnt sound the case!! Honey will get you farther than arguing ANY day on this one!!!

IF he is real stubborn,,,ask for his true dealer cost for a new core and split it with him IF you feel you must,,,or you had any hand in ANY damage,,,but cant see where thats necessary here!! (did you leave it at HIS shop for a LONG time after being notified of it being done???)))((Like weeks or months??)

Unless he wants like half price for what his has done as is,,,AND "YOU" are satisfied with that,,,and his guarentee,,,but IF it bursts,,it will be in the worst place,worst time possible!!! IF it was a small piece you could put 'under' the seat,in the trunk for emergencies and tools to change, might be an option,,,THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!! Do what you have to do,,,dont make enemies, try your darnest to make a friend instead!!