Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
David H. Jarvis
Tell him you are coming to pay the bill. Then he will have to show you everything he has done.
Whether you pay it all or not is between you and him.
--
"I've always been crazy, but it kept me from going insane"
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Jim Kanomata
few thousand doller bills owed him.
Then people wonder why we struggle.
There are people I have asks them never to bring their units for service.
Other GMC shops like Grandview has told them the same.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Wayne Lawrence
I have had dealings with Miguel Mendez at least 2 times and he was MORE than fair each time.
--
Wayne Lawrence
76 Birchaven
Bellflower CA
way...@ca.rr.com
mickey's space ship shuttle
I have had mine there for 3 months but he has put in steering sleeve, brake booster, i have been waiting for
the airbags to come in at Jim's as well as other stuff, but i have paid him before they were done ahead of time.
1000, plus 600, plus 1200 should be paid up now. He should be done soon. But I do not consider that free
storage. He has offerred this and has treated me well. I had a battery go down but that can be charged up.
I trust him and sent him money ahead of things, give him $100 tip every time i have been there and he adds
it on my bill and will not take the tip,. his dog is the only thing to watch out for. :-)
The dog will steal your sandwich if your not careful. I like miguel. I trust him. I am paid up to date
ahead of the bags from jim. wired him money when he ask ahead of time. He is allowing me time
to get my ship together, i thank him for it. He is great! I always tip him $100 every time i see him!
Jim Kanomata
beats.At least here, we have couple people that can chase people down.
I and the other shop owners will start recognizing these people and
will refuse work, as we do not need to put up with this type of
people.
These people make it bad for the other great customers.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
mickey's space ship shuttle
I just bought bags from you through him and paid him weeks before he ordered and sent him money because
his son had a baby to get him some money fast in san diego. wired it to him before
he did any thing $1000 for two bags $650, that should cover the bags and $300 for installation.
I gave him $200 in tips when i visited just for the hell of it. Then i ordered two valves from you to him
the $1200 should be about even, i paid his worker $300 to buff the gmc paid the guys next to him
$250 or so to put in a front window. I am paid up for when he calls me to pick it up. I tip $100
every time i go there. I think you are not talking about me. I payed for what is done a head of time.
It is parked there waiting on your bags. I think he has it all done maybe. You are not talking about me.
mickey mouse always pays his bills. I have the highest regard for your integrity and tip $100
on every bill. ask miguel about me. But his dog i do not trust his dog. be very careful with his dog.
you do not want to cross with that dog. Right now i am paid up ahead of time. regards,
believe me when i lie to you.
Len
I have had my coach there three to four times for stuff I just can't do. I
make an appointment, I show up, he fixes whatever is wrong, I pay the bill,
and I go home. He has unscrewed more damage done by the PO that I'd ever
want to get into. I have had him on the phone when something goes wrong and
he is always available and glad to help.
To say he is fair is an understatement. He does have a rather large amount
of coaches around and now I know why. We need more like him in this
business. You cannot go wrong with Miguel, you have my word on that.
Cheers,
Len and Pat
1978 Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52...@Roadrunner.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of mickey's space ship
shuttle
Gary Worobec
guys. I took my coach in there for wheel bearings when I first got it. He
did a great job, on time and a fair price. I've also called him on many
occasions and his advice is always good and free. Let's all be carefull of
how we initiate these strings.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
mickey's space ship shuttle
George Rudawsky
I've never been out to see Miguel as I'm in the Midwest. When I was installing my generator, he was more than helpful and answered all my questions long distance without asking for anything.
I'm sure that he is dealing with the economy like any small business, but I have to consider him one of the treasures available to us GMCers.
He and the two Jim's have been the best friends any GMC owner could have!
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Randy
I was out at Miguels two years ago and his story is the same as many small shops who take on big projects. The expenses flow faster than the cash, so you need to get alot of things started, but sequencing them becomes an issue. Pretty soon you can get overwhelmed with so many half-completed, but not-paid-for repairs that a small shop owner can become squeezed tight on cash.
I don't know if Miguel is facing this or not, but I know my airplane repair shop that I owned often faced this and a series of small jobs could take precedence over a long-term project just because it brought in the lifeblood of cash more quickly. GMC's are often only brought to someone like Miguel for the big ticket items, and while they eventually pay, there can be some real lean days in between.
Communication is key, and make sure everyone understands what each other's expectations are. And it's a Motorhome, not a kidney transplant!
--
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
mickey's space ship shuttle
lets all send him $100 to help out.
George Beckman
gregPSP wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 11:31
> I received notice from him I owe him $3200 for work. he's never called me to say it was done; never told me what the coach needed; never given me any estimate; and now refuses to give me a copy of my dated, itemized bill and the list of things I asked him to look at.
I have had my coach in Miguel's shop twice. Once for an engine and final drive and then today. I made an appointment for some follow-up weeks in advance. He got the coach in an out and was painstakingly thorough. When I called, he told me what he had done. I picked up the coach and he again went over everything he did. I paid him and now have an e-mail invoice/receipt with a listing of everything done.
I find him happy, genuine, eager to work, likes people, takes time with customers and honest. On top of that he does very thorough work. I recommend his shop to all GMCers.
--
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
Nick Roenick
If there is an issue with Miguel, it is that there are not more like him. When I called him to asked for his help with my front end issue during a trip to AZ, he said:"Bring it in and I will look at it" He stopped working on a coach in his shop and saw to my issue. After some diagnosis and some work on the a-frame he send me to an alignment shop for the final alignment (my 5th alignment in one year). He called me when I got to AZ to see if I was OK. It drove better and after I got home and went to Jim K for the warranty replacement of the intermediate steering shaft the issue is fixed. It was Miguel's sharp eye and knowledge that solved the mystery, which all the previous mechanics missed.
I have only praise for a man that goes out of his way to assist a GMC'er in need of help.
Thanks Miguel!
--
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath
Len
Len and Pat
1978 Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52...@Roadrunner.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of George Rudawsky
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 6:21 PM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
John Ruff
This is probably a poor place for a new user to post this kind of remark. We all know of Miguel and have had years to form an opinion of him. Also, we are hearing only one side of the story. Personally - I choose to disregard this thread and wish I had the ability to delete it.
John Ruff
pickle4k wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 21:08
> If there is an issue with Miguel, it is that there are not more like him.
> Thanks Miguel!
--
John Ruff
Noxen, PA
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG
If I use ZDDP in a new car - will the tappets go flat?
Michael
Coming from a user with only three posts....one of which is this, makes you scratch your head.
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
J A Holland
gregPSP wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 13:31
> I received notice from him I owe him $3200 for work. he's never called me to say it was done; never told me what the coach needed; never given me any estimate; and now refuses to give me a copy of my dated, itemized bill and the list of things I asked him to look at. Jeez..I miss Dennis Richardson where he wasn't trying to pull a fast one. Now when I tell Miguel I'll come by for that paperwork he says he won't be there. Given that he has 7 liens going on vehicles, I'm assuming this is part of him down turn economy business plan. I'm going to have to take him to court.
gregPSP ;
I have owned Gmc Motorhoms since 1973. We purchased a
1973 Canyonlands 260 and when the GMCs came out with
the '403 engine We Bought an Eleganza II 260 ~
Over the years Miguel Mendez @ MGMGMC Has Always Been
Fair With Me ~
And So have
Leigh Harrison, Jim Bounds, Cliff Golby, Tom Hampton,
Ken Frey, Alex Sirum, Manny Trovao and 'Kan uv Maters'~
They All Will Quickly Respond When You Give Them A Call
And This Has Been A GREAAAAAT Calming Effect On Me ~
but who cares about me, I'm just a newbie ~
~ Joe ~
--
/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 ""
O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 ""
" Joe & Lavelle " ""
'sweet home alebamy'
J A Holland
John Ruff wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 22:17
> This is probably a poor place for a new user to post this kind
> of remark. We all know of Miguel and have had years to form
> an opinion of him. Also, we are hearing only one side of the
> story. Personally - I choose to disregard this thread and
> wish I had the ability to delete it.
>
> John Ruff
>
> pickle4k wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 21:08
> > If there is an issue with Miguel, it is that there are not
> > more like him.
> > Thanks Miguel!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John ;
If I Leave A Can Of ZDDP In The Trunk Of My Car
Will My Spare Tire Have A Flat Spot
Or Just Go Flat ?
~ Joe ~
{ enquirin mimes wanna no }
--
/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 ""
O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 ""
" Joe & Lavelle " ""
'sweet home alebamy'
_______________________________________________
David H. Jarvis
But watch out for his dog.....!!!
Maybe it's the dog that is sending out all these bills?
He's a crafty old mutt, you know. He'll steal your sandwich.
--
"I've always been crazy, but it kept me from going insane"
MICHAEL FOSTER
I have used Miguel since I bought my coach about 3 years ago. He is always upfront and honest and his prices for the work more than fair. He also was kind enough to steer me away from some unnecessary projects, what was good and what's not good to do to your coach.
If he lien sells a coach it's because the owner has refused to pay and the coach has sat at his shop taking up parking space for a long time and he needs to get paid. Point is he is not the bad guy and has gone way out of his way trying to accomodate the customer.
I vote for Miguel Mendez on this one.
Michael Foster
Todd Sullivan
answering the phones with hands on wrenches in the trenches. He didn't know
me from Adam/was busy with work in his shop/ and still took the time to
answer my questions about mufflers and installation. I never met the guy
and liked him immediately. I hope but doubt I come off that personable and
helpful. Now I want to meet his dawg!! ;)
Sully
77 Royale
Rob Mueller
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
Coming from a user with only three posts....one of which is this, makes you scratch your head.
--
Michael
Tim Conway
On Feb 10, 2012, at 12:14 AM, David H. Jarvis wrote:
> Maybe it's the dog that is sending out all these bills?
> He's a crafty old mutt, you know. He'll steal your sandwich.
Maybe tip the dog...
Tim Conway
LI NY 78 PB
Keith V
Tim Conway wrote on Fri, 10 February 2012 07:16
> On Feb 10, 2012, at 12:14 AM, David H. Jarvis wrote:
>
> > Maybe it's the dog that is sending out all these bills?
> > He's a crafty old mutt, you know. He'll steal your sandwich.
>
>
> Maybe tip the dog...
>
> Tim Conway
> LI NY 78 PB
I almost always do my own work. But when I do hire it out I insist on a few things;
1. a written estimate
2. That estimate is a Do NOT Exceed estimate. I will not pay any amount over the estimate. This is written on the estimate and signed by all parties
3. If it is determined that the estimate was low, the estimate can be revised, but must again be done in writing.
4. I will pay for extra time to manage the project
5. A payment schedule will be determined up front. Usually I will pay a portion up front then some more at specific milestones or weekly with the final payment due on delivery.
6. Payment is tied to progress, no progress no payment.
7. I will call or visit for a progress report before any payment is made ( visit is preferred )
the one time I didn't follow those rules I was quite sorry
Any vendor that doesn't follow those rules is setting themselves up for payment issues.
--
Keith
69 Vette
29 Dodge
75 Royale GMC
Michael
Once again Master of Out of Context.... Scratching your head and dismissing a post are clearly not the same thing. Sometimes persons without much investment in something find it easier to take something and turn it into a negative.
Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 10 February 2012 02:37
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Ok everyone, thanks for the support however, lets not waste anymore time on this, no, i am not in money troubles, i am fine, no, i do not have 7 GMC's in lein sales, i hve 7 untis in an extra storage lot that i now have to pay for because i do not have room to store these in my shop, these untis have been here from just over 1 year to one that i have done everything in my power to get paid for and it is over 12,000.00, complete motor trans and final drive.
sorry, this happened so, remember, there are 2 sides to every coin, as in every story, but thanks for your supprot
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Oh, one more thing, I just have no clue which dog it is i have, hmmmmm, Mickey, come to my rescue
Ken Henderson
I've never had the pleasure of meeting you, being on the Far Side. But
I've also gained great respect for you based on all the compliments posted
here over the past few years.
There's a limit to how long anyone can be a "nice guy". Those coaches
you've had to store for over one year: It's time for one last certified
letter to the owners with deadlines for beginning lien sale proceedings.
Then DO IT. I just hope Kalifornia's process is not too onerous for you
-- and that you can get your money out of all of them -- on average, at
least.
JMHO,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 10:29 AM, MIGUEL MENDEZ wrote:
>
> Ok everyone, thanks for the support however, lets not waste anymore time
> on this, no, i am not in money troubles, i am fine, no, i do not have 7
> GMC's in lein sales, i hve 7 untis in an extra storage lot that i now have
> to pay for because i do not have room to store these in my shop, these
> untis have been here from just over 1 year to one that i have done
> everything in my power to get paid for and it is over 12,000.00, complete
> motor trans and final drive.
> ...
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Thanks Ken,
the process here is a little different but it will all work out, i am sure
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
John Heslinga
IMHO
"Me thinks something stinks" in California. Forgive me if I misunderstand. This is how I see your post.
You drop off your unit at a repair shop that you have not been to before, and ask him to look at some problem areas. The person goes ahead and inspects the areas you wanted to be looked at, determines that they in fact need work, then repairs the items assuming that "look at" means you honestly want your machine in good condition, and repaired. (everyone else who brings in their units to him has this understanding) He now wants to be paid for the work and parts and then has to bill you through the mail..
You don't actually go to the shop inspect the work, see the statement, talk to the person, pay the bill and take your unit home. ( I assume this because you would have had more specific information about what you were charged for and unhappy about)
Sounds to me like the only conversation you've had is on the phone, after the bill and now you don't want to pay it because you did not give the official "OK" go ahead. I don't imagine that you had a good tone during that conversation and it probably included statements of refusing to pay. (your post and accusations of "Pulling one over on you" reflects that sentiment).
I'm sure that he has a work order waiting for you that outlines the work he did, the parts he used, and the charges he used to come up with a total. (that's how he knows what to bill you)
So here you are:
- Refusing to pay a bill
- little or no details of the actual problem
- Miscommunicated instructions to repair
- no established credibility in the GMC Net community
- Making loose accusations of impropriety
- Dragging the name of a well established and respected service person (in this community) through the mud (yours too for that matter)
Based on many recommendations, I have flown from Canada to see him, converse, and purchased items from him.
I too have great respect for Miguel. He has always had my best interest at heart, and shown genuine interested in what was best for me. Based on this, I am confidant that the work Miguel did was actually needed on your unit.
The only thing I see as being a problem, is that Miguel made the mistake of going ahead and fixing your problems and now you do not want to pay for it. The anger is getting in the way of resolving this issue.
Understand your own role in this problem. Go see him, pay for the repairs if they were needed and enjoy the fact that your GMC is better for it. Then try to find someone else that will do a better job on, and care about working on your GMC.
Best Regards
--
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
TC4W "Too Cool For Words"
Retirement Projects Galore
Edmonton, Alberta
MIGUEL MENDEZ
no, actually, i only worked off of a list that he decided he wanted me to do, the work is not the problem, it is the years i have had to store the unit, .
,look, after i am dome with a motor home, i need it gone to bring in the next waiting unit, i am not big enought to sit one money so i call, however, i will only call 3 or 4 times, i am not about to chsase anyone, i do not have time for that, the only call i have gotten is after the lein sale papers went to the reg, owners address on title, it is now that the phone calls did come and all i said is, you can have your unit, pay your bill and my storage fees and it is yours.
thrust me, it get nasty, now i even got text messages about him getting his spare key and just driving off with it, i am now a "douchebag", not to sure what that really i but, ok.
as for estimates, good god, for example, front bearings repack, avg. 4 hours, some take much longer, some bearings need to be cut out cuase of so much rusy on the spindle, having that in mind, i do contact customers if i run into these problems, however and i swear this to all of you, 99.9% of my customers say, " miguel, just fix it, it is your gmc, i am only borrowing it", but i still call, even if i notice the front pads are 50% worn, i call and tell them i will install new creamics free , just pay the parts as i already have it apart.
i really try to be fair with any and all, i do give alot of time on my cell while still working on GMC's at the shop, last night, until 11:40 pm, i was on an off the phone with a customer who, in palm desert is having troubles, he had the rad replaced and now, his trans fluid all leaked out frim the cooler fittings, he is in no way a mech. but given time, he was able to fix it, fill it and get back home to hollywood somewhere.
working in the gmc world is fun, i mean i really love all you old farts, i really do not have any friends my age, most are older folks, why?????, top secret, lets just say, i love the stories and the life experiance you folks have.
once again, if i have, in anyway, offened anyone, please accept my " i am very sorry", not my intentions to do that.
once again, thanks to all
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
MIGUEL MENDEZ
oh, another reason i will not be in the shop today is, I got invited by one of our customers to the winter nationals, hell yea, i'm there
John Heslinga
Miguel:
Thanks for identifying the bigger problem. I was sure that knowing both sides of the story certainly makes the issues clearer. I've had to deal with many disputes in my career as a high school administrator, service business owner and mechanic. It is unfortunate and unfair that this issue is brought to such a large audience by one party of a dispute when they do not want to give all of the details of the dispute to misdirect the audience. Your side of the story certainly gives some depth to the issue. I've been where you are a few times in my business ( Wildcat Mercury) Hope things workout. I will still be coming to you when I can.
Best Regards
--
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
TC4W "Too Cool For Words"
Retirement Projects Galore
Edmonton, Alberta
sgl...@gmail.com
Move the coach to a secure(and preferably unknown location). Once he has sneaked in and grabbed it you have almost no chance of collecting.
Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
-----Original Message-----
From: MIGUEL MENDEZ <moki...@msn.com>
Sender: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:56:06
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
MIGUEL MENDEZ
not true, here in ca, once dmv approves the lein sale, he cannot touch the unit, nor can i for that matter, so, if he comes and takes it, i call the pd, and it now becomes a stolen veh., being that he know already that there is a lein, i just hope he does not take it???
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 Royale
Johnny Bridges
________________________________
From: MIGUEL MENDEZ <moki...@msn.com>
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 11:56 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
You're too nice. I once let a station owner buy his transmitter back at a sheriff's sale. Two bidders, me and him, and I was prepared to load it on my truck and head for home. He's long passed away now, but the story lingers, and people aren't inclide to try to stiff me even now.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
no, actually, i only worked off of a list that he decided he wanted me to do, the work is not the problem, it is the years i have had to store the unit, .
,look, after i am dome with a motor home, i need it gone to bring in the next waiting unit, i am not big enought to sit one money so i call, however, i will only call 3 or 4 times, i am not about to chsase anyone, i do not have time for that, the only call i have gotten is after the lein sale papers went to the reg, owners address on title, it is now that the phone calls did come and all i said is, you can have your unit, pay your bill and my storage fees and it is yours.
thrust me, it get nasty, now i even got text messages about him getting his spare key and just driving off with it, i am now a "douchebag", not to sure what that really i but, ok.
GMC name : The other woman
MIGUEL MENDEZ
I just wnat to and need to make one thing clear, i do not "WANT nor NEED " his unit, it has nothing to do with me wanting it, but, from a selfish stand, if it is not on the road, no one wins, he can have it back, i have no problem with it, just pay your bill and lets all move on, one thing i have learned, and from one of my best friends, Gene Barrows, a man who i always see with a smile on his face, i learned that life is good, however, we all must make it what it is to us
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
Jeremy
A few years ago when I was still living in FL Sirum went through a similar situation with several coaches that were left at his property without paying bills for a long time. Alex Sirum has very clearly marked, in the office, the storage rates if you don't pick up your coach. Those fees add up eventually and too often people try and claim ignorance. A sad situation.
Hopefully this will work out. Fortunately I think this group generally includes people who wouldn't pull this kind of crap on our suppliers. Sadly it doesn't seem that uncommon. Mechanics liens exist for a reason.
If you have work done on your coach, check on it, find out when it is finished, and make plans to pick up your coach or talk it over and tell the mechanic how long it will be until you can pick it up and ask what they can do for you.
I don't know about anyone else on this list, but when I drop my coach off I can't wait to have it back! I love that first drive after some improvement and I miss seeing that old girl sitting at the top of my driveway waiting for me to fiddle with my next great idea or load up and head off on the next family adventure!
--
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Rob Mueller
When I was building hot rod Harley's in my spare time in Hong Kong I did EXTREMELY detailed quotes. I had enough experience to break
down the job into the smallest segments and assign a completion time to them. I then put together a list of all the parts (piece by
piece) that was everything I needed (with the price). I would meet with the customer and go over it line by line and give the quote
to the customer to let him review it at his leisure. I would note that the labor charges would be within 15% and the parts prices
were exactly as quoted (plus shipping from the USA), the shipping charge would be EXACTLY what I was charged. If at any time I found
something I hadn't anticipated I would stop the job and call them. If they wanted me to do the job they were required to pay for the
parts up front 100% and I would order them. When they arrived I would advise them and let them know when I would start. Once I
started the job I kept a work log, what date and time I started, date and time I stopped, time elapsed, what I accomplished. When
the job was done I would fax them the bill and have them review it. I'd instruct them to bring final payment in CASH when they came
to pickup the bike. Sometimes they would balk but it told them it wasn't that I didn't trust them I was concerned that a crazy HK
driver would run them over and while I would be sad to see them go but business was business and I would be out my money! Most often
they laughed and said no problem. If they got insulted I told them I made the mistake of allowing one guy to pay me by check and it
bounced so blame him for my business policy. I didn't mention that the day after I called him and told him about the rubber check he
came by with cash, and apologized!
The down side to this was that it took several hours or more to put together the quotes and review them with the customers. I was
doing it in my spare time to support my Harley habit and it wasn't my main source of income.
My customer base was guys that had taken their Harley's to the various and sundry motorcycle shops in Hong Kong and gotten them back
messed up. That included the OFFICIAL HARLEY DEALER!
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Keith V
I almost always do my own work. But when I do hire it out I insist on a few things;
1. a written estimate
2. That estimate is a Do NOT Exceed estimate. I will not pay any amount over the estimate. This is written on the estimate and
signed by all parties
3. If it is determined that the estimate was low, the estimate can be revised, but must again be done in writing.
4. I will pay for extra time to manage the project
5. A payment schedule will be determined up front. Usually I will pay a portion up front then some more at specific milestones or
weekly with the final payment due on delivery.
6. Payment is tied to progress, no progress no payment.
7. I will call or visit for a progress report before any payment is made (visit is preferred) the one time I didn't follow those
rules I was quite sorry
Any vendor that doesn't follow those rules is setting themselves up for payment issues.
Keith
Rob Mueller
You are correct and I apologize, it was a poor choice of words.
My point was that the number of messages that a person sends in should not be considered.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Is this a case for Judge Judy? ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: MIGUEL MENDEZ
Thanks Ken,
the process here is a little different but it will all work out, i am sure
--
Miguel
_______________________________________________
Michael
To 2 am sorry for the poor choice of rude words.
XOXOXOXO (lol),
Michael
Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 10 February 2012 14:36
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
Rob Mueller
I'll accept the "O's" assuming they're hugs, however the "X's are another story! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
To 2 am sorry for the poor choice of rude words.
XOXOXOXO (lol),
Michael
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Rob,
We'll just let this play out and see what happens, i am sure it will turn out for the better in the end, but, your right, quotes do take time and on these old girls, wow, you can and i have been a mle or 2 of, i was talking to a customer and he mentioned to me that i call him any and everytime i fine something wrong above his list, it is seldom i just get a unit in and am told to do whatever i want, i always ask a customer to make out a detailed list so i have something to work on, and i stick to that list unless i find like a torn front boot, worn brakes etc..., than the phone calls start.
the funny thing is, many old timers drop of there units and i swear, the phone rings the very next day asking me how it looks!!!!!!!!!!, most of the time i end up say, "I have not even started on yours, i will call you once i get her up in the air", but the calls still come in, THANK GOD FOR BLUE TOOTHS
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
Bob de Kruyff
""Michael,
I'll accept the "O's" assuming they're hugs, however the "X's are another story! ;)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
To 2 am sorry for the poor choice of rude words.
XOXOXOXO (lol),
Michael
""
Thank God you guys are a few thousand miles apart! On the otherhand Valentine's day is close :)
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Chris Choffat
MIGUEL MENDEZ wrote on Fri, 10 February 2012 09:56
> working in the gmc world is fun, i mean i really love all you old farts, i really do not have any friends my age, most are older folks, why?????, top secret, lets just say, i love the stories and the life experiance you folks have.
Hey!!! I'm not an old fart!!! LOL. But I get it. The stories these folks tell are great! Sit with a young'un and all you hear is online game this, operating system that!!!
--
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
"The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive, 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
Bob de Kruyff
""Hey!!! I'm not an old fart!!! LOL. But I get it. The stories these folks tell are great! Sit with a young'un and all you hear is online game this, operating system that!!!
""
Chris--I think you just described yourself as an old fart :)
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Jim Gunther
After reading the original post I thought about "The Rules" on most of the car hobby forums I monitor (and for problems in daily life).
First step: GO TO THE PERSON WHO CAN SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM! Try to resolve the issue off-line.
Second step: Try to resolve it with the "problem maker" by stating your problem in writing (Yes, return receipt requested - semi-lawyerly-like) and giving the guy an opportunity to resond and, if possible, find a gentlemanly way to fix things in a fair manner.
Second Last step: It's OK to post stuff - in a clear and concise manner on the internet. Don't make wild statements - especially- if you can't back-em-up.
Last step: Let the lawyers have at it (but don't plan on ever seeing it resolved) to the degree you hoped.
-----------
PS: I never did business with Miguel but have been following this Forum long enough to know he is entitled to EVERY benefit of the doubt.
--
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
Rob Mueller
Having discussed payment problems with JimB it appears to me that it might be a good idea for any of the GMC vendors to set up a
progress payment plan on major jobs from customers that they have no experience with. Personally I would have no problem paying for
expensive parts up front as long as I received a receipt that I had paid for them.
I had a guy bring me a "restored" 1945 WLA Harley that he bought in The Philippines for $5,000 that he couldn't started. When I
turned the gas tank valve it came off in my hand. It was held in with Bondo! I then started looking it over carefully and found a
lot of stuff that followed the Pilipino NQR way of doing things. N = Not Q = Quite R = Right. I called the owner up and told him
what I had found and asked what he wanted me to do. He said to give it a good going over and provide a quote to fix it all. I
advised that normally my quotes were FOC but in this case I would be charging him my rate of $50 per hour to supply it and he
agreed. The more I dug into the WLA the worse it got, the last thing I did was remove the heads to check the bore and valves (WLA's
have flat head engines). When I rotated the engine over and looked at the valves I could see the seats and valves were shot and the
bore was scored. The very last thing I did was turn the engine to the point where the front cylinder was past top dead center and
pushed down on the top of the piston. It went down about 1/16" of and inch and the crank didn't turn! Basically the bike was scrap
metal!
At any rate I did the quote and it came up to about $14,000 to restore the bike. I did some checking at the time a WLA in top
condition with matching serial numbers was worth about $12,000 TOPS. I called the owner and gave him the bad news. I suggested he
find someone that wanted a project to work on themselves and flog it which is what he did. IIRC he got a grand or so for it. The new
owner wanted me to help him restore it by giving him advice on where to source parts which I did. The last thing I heard from him
was that when he sand blasted the frame he found it was cracked.
I hear Colgate has brought out a whitening tooth paste that should help the BLUE TOOTH problem! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: MIGUEL MENDEZ
Rob,
We'll just let this play out and see what happens, i am sure it will turn out for the better in the end, but, your right, quotes do
take time and on these old girls, wow, you can and i have been a mle or 2 of, i was talking to a customer and he mentioned to me
that i call him any and everytime i fine something wrong above his list, it is seldom i just get a unit in and am told to do
whatever i want, i always ask a customer to make out a detailed list so i have something to work on, and i stick to that list unless
i find like a torn front boot, worn brakes etc..., than the phone calls start.
the funny thing is, many old timers drop of there units and i swear, the phone rings the very next day asking me how it
looks!!!!!!!!!!, most of the time i end up say, "I have not even started on yours, i will call you once i get her up in the air",
but the calls still come in, THANK GOD FOR BLUE TOOTHS
--
Miguel
_______________________________________________
Morgan J. Goring
I'm a NooB to the GMC world, having purchased a Birchaven off eBay last April... also new on the board here. That being said, I'm offended by the title of this post.
I met Miguel in June 2011 prior to driving cross country, and I was thoroughly impressed. Despite having too much work backed up to actually wrench on mine, he spent 3 hours of his extremely valuable time going over the coach with me, correcting some minor issues, and teaching me a whole lot... and he wouldn't take a penny of the $ offered as compensation.
Understanding Miguel's 1-man operation and personally seeing how many times he answered the phone in those 3 hours-at least 15 times-I wouldn't hesitate to take my coach back for top notch work. He was as busy as one-legged man in an a**-kicking contest.
Pete
MAJmorgan wrote on Sat, 11 February 2012 15:35
> I'm offended by the title of this post.
> I met Miguel in June 2011 prior to driving cross country, and I was thoroughly impressed. Despite having too much work backed up to actually wrench on mine, he spent 3 hours of his extremely valuable time going over the coach with me, correcting some minor issues, and teaching me a whole lot... and he wouldn't take a penny of the $ offered as compensation.
> Understanding Miguel's 1-man operation and personally seeing how many times he answered the phone in those 3 hours-at least 15 times-I wouldn't hesitate to take my coach back for top notch work. He was as busy as one-legged man in an a**-kicking contest.
I can attest to all of the above. In my opinion, Miguel deserves a lot better than that title of this topic. I'm not usually in favor of censorship, but in this case it is overwhelmingly misleading, and I wouldn't mind seeing it redacted or disappear....
--
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
Michael
I went to a place in CA after I bought my GMC since with a small amt of time on the way home to AZ my coach blew up (when I say blew up it scattered parts down the interstate) The mechanics said $7500. When I went to pick it after after done nearly 3 mths later, it cost over $14,000! Now that was a huge shocker!!!! Even after $14,000 I barely made it back to AZ :( Thats one of the big reasons I've been trying to learn some stuff my myself. I wish I had trusted shops nearby.
It annoys me when the good places get slammed while knuckle heads like that who burned me get away with what they do.
If a shop only does one or two jobs every so often and stink you'll NEVER hear negative about them since there isn't enough going on to attract any real attention. Then the busy guys are subject to get slammed more since they are so much more well known and are much busier. Every so often even a well known busy place goofs up. What makes them busy and well known is that the correct rare wrongs and don't deserve to get slammed. The bad shops never resolve it. If you do 100 jobs logic would yield more complaints then a shop who two jobs. If a shop is well known in a specialized community the complaint should be resolved through the dealer. However if the problem still doesn't get resolved, perhaps a better way to go about it would be asking if anyone is willing or able to assist like a known forum member in private.
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
mickey's space ship shuttle
Note: only one communication has stated a negative statement, the original post statement - the rest are %100 positive.
I think that this proves that Miguel Mendez has the greatest integrity that one could expect.
He is a wonderful caring person easy to make arrangements with and i ask camping world
and they charge services more than Miguel does per hour and their mechanics do not know as much
about this special GMC motor home. It is obvious that there is no problem with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC.
Therefore there must be a problem with the original post using the reduction to absurdum scientific method.
I trust Miguel Mendez MGMGMC more than the person that posted this in the original post. I would think
the judge would feel the same way.
This challenge has failed from this poster. If Miguel Mendez needs proof in court to show the judge - he only
needs to make copies of these e-mails as evidence and I am sure it shall help his case. I have a vehicle with him now
it does not have a lien on it, he has done every thing he stated he would do and more, i tried to tip him $300 total
$100 at a time over a few months now over the generous time he is taking with a new owner as i am,
he refuses to take the tips and puts it on paying the bills even though i ask him to keep it.
How amazing is that! thank you Miguel for your service and integrity. Mickey :-)
Rob Mueller
With all due respect all it PROVES is that forum members are reticent to make any negative statements about a vendor here.
Miguel is a big boy and he's smart enough to know how to handle this situation.
As far as censoring what forum members post read this:
http://www.gmcnet.org/gmcnetguidelines.html#RULE5
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: mickey's space ship shuttle
Note: only one communication has stated a negative statement, the original post statement - the rest are %100 positive.
I think that this proves that Miguel Mendez has the greatest integrity that one could expect.
He is a wonderful caring person easy to make arrangements with and i ask camping world
and they charge services more than Miguel does per hour and their mechanics do not know as much
about this special GMC motor home. It is obvious that there is no problem with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC.
Therefore there must be a problem with the original post using the reduction to absurdum scientific method.
I trust Miguel Mendez MGMGMC more than the person that posted this in the original post. I would think
the judge would feel the same way.
This challenge has failed from this poster. If Miguel Mendez needs proof in court to show the judge - he only
needs to make copies of these e-mails as evidence and I am sure it shall help his case. I have a vehicle with him now
it does not have a lien on it, he has done every thing he stated he would do and more, i tried to tip him $300 total
$100 at a time over a few months now over the generous time he is taking with a new owner as i am,
he refuses to take the tips and puts it on paying the bills even though i ask him to keep it.
How amazing is that! thank you Miguel for your service and integrity. Mickey :-)
Michael
Mickey, I think you should send me the $300.00 and I'll forward it to him for you! ;)
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
mickey's space ship shuttle
Carl Stouffer
Although I met Miguel briefly at the GMCWS in Las Vegas a few years ago, I can't really say I know either of the parties in this dispute. Having been in business, with a good reputation, for over 35 years, I know, as does Miguel (I'm sure) that you can't always please every customer all the time. It is unfortunate that this particular individual chose to make this public by bringing it to this forum, but I'm sure he feels like he has a legitimate complaint. As mentioned previously, Miguel is a big boy and I'm sure he can handle some negative comments from time to time. You just can't make everybody happy all the time.
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Ron Johnson
repair shops attend to things that needed repair, I feel capable of judging
a shop owner and determining if I would come back, after the initial job(s)
were done and paid for. I will absolutely trust Miguel to do whatever my GMC
coach needs. He has been up front on everything he has done for me and has
volunteered advice and information that prevented me from making mistakes.
AND not all this advice resulted in business for him, in fact some things I
wanted to have fixed, he said didn't need to be fixed. If anyone wants to
tally up the satisfied customers vs: dissatisfied, please be sure to put my
name on the satisfied side. In fact, Miguel and I are planning the next
stanza of the ongoing mechanical chess game, us vs: the machine!!! Us will
win!!!!!
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Carl Stouffer
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 5:54 PM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
brian
my 2 cents
i dont know either one of these 2 people, but i do understand what happened, a man bought a broke gmc, then took it in for repair, he had big dreams and either directly or indirectly agreed to repairs. the mechanic did what mechanics do by fixing it. meanwhile the man with the big dream dropped the ball. it appears he either forgot it was there, maybe his dreams were not as big as they once were, or maybe his wallet somehow could not back all his dreams up. so he may have done something that some humans i know have been known to do. lets ignore it and maybe it will go away. shame on mechanic for wanting to get paid. best i can remember that kind of thinking should leave the average person when they are, what 3 to 5 years old. but i gues some still suffer later in years with this problem.
what i do know is that the man who started this post owes the mechanic an apology. one for taking advantage of the good mechanic, and one for trying slander this mechanic on such a public forum.
he also needs to do what most of us here learned to do a long time ago, MAN UP. if you missunderstood, then agree that is what happened, if you went broke and can not pay, then admit that is what happened. if you just forgot it was there til mechanic sent you a bill since by then it was in his way and he was tired of looking at it, than admit that too. other wise, all you managed to do here is not slam the mechanic , but cause all of us here, the ones who know and respect the mechanic, and those of us who for what ever reason to not have the pleasure to know this mechanic, to know what type of person you really are,
--
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza 2 74 build
118k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
Howard and Sue
I'm in the same boat as you Brian.
I don't either man.
Good on you.
Howard
Rob Mueller
There are THREE sides to EVERY STORY: HIS - HERS - THE TRUTH
The courts deal with these situations day in and day out and that's where
they belong.
In fact the discussion that's been going on here on the GMCnet is commonly
referred to as hearsay in the courts!
Last time I watched Judge Judy that ain't allowed! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
Fin Beven
I agree, as will most who have had any real dealings with Miguel. He's one
of the most honest and fair men I have known.
Fin Beven
1976 ex-Edgemont
Pasadena, CA
Larry C
Yes but Judge Judy is for entertainment and Her actions feed on that as well as her check book... not a good example.
Over time, I have heard nothing but good reviews about Miguel and his shop. This is the first I have heard of a problem... Could it just be a terrible missunderstanding or bad communication between the secretary and the customer??????
I know these circumstances come up like when I had a dispute about a part for the GMC. I was told I would be sent the part and the receipt but when the part came, there was no receipt included in the packaging. Even my mechanic questioned this and I told Him I tore the box apart, only the part was in there.
I have delt with this individual after and has made no comments about it but I have tried to contact other shops who they deal with and they wont work with me.....or contact me.
This is all from a very long story that I don't want to repeat again and stir up the bees but what I am trying to say is misunderstandings happen and if the GMC community which is serviced by so few shops, this kind of misunderstanding can be devestating.... I certainly apologize if I need to reopen any concerned talks but I don't know of any at this time, and yet......
Perhaps you might try to talk to Miguel or have someone approach him for you?????
Sorry to hear of the problem..
--
Gatsbys' CRUISER :d 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
MIGUEL MENDEZ
All is well, Lein went through and it is ready for sale, thanks for all of your support, it is these things that me me remember thatthings do happen bu in the end, al works itself out.
Once again, thanks to all
--
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, rear bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
Jim Kanomata
avoid paying for storage fee at a regular storage place.
In this area storage charges run fro $70-100 per month, so you can see
what they are trying to do.
Depending on the people, we will store the coaches n/c for few month.
Miguel does not have the space to park them there without moving them
around and jumping battery and loading gas.
I'm to Yellow of an Ornamental to pull off this kind of leaching off people.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Matt Colie
jimk wrote on Sat, 25 February 2012 12:47
> We have few owners that float their coaches between our two shops and avoid paying for storage fee at a regular storage place.
> In this area storage charges run fro $70-100 per month, so you can see what they are trying to do.
> Depending on the people, we will store the coaches n/c for few month.
> Miguel does not have the space to park them there without moving them around and jumping battery and loading gas.
> I'm to Yellow of an Ornamental to pull off this kind of leaching off people.
And possibly a tad too honest.
You might take up the policy that some of the local boat yards have:
If they do work as part of their winter schedule, they will keep it for the winter at no ADDITIONAL charge, but come April 01, (a typical launch date here), storage costs the same as a slip charge (50~100$/wk) unless the owner is already paying for a slip.
If they work on the boat in the water during the season, you get a week to get it out of there after they call to say it is ready to go before you start paying transient rate for that slip.
That sure sounds fair to me.
Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie
'73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Gary Worobec
insulation. It's the air space that insulates. It will be be less effective
than 1.5 inch styrofoam. I think you are on the right track using foil
backed 1.5 urethane. I used it when we did our coach and aside from blown
foam is probably as good as you can get. Now if you are hooked up with NASA
and can get Aerogel, then you really have something-I think it is R-50 @ 1.5
inches thick. However I believe the coat is over $100.00 per sq. ft.
Thanks,
Gary Worobec
Director, Product Development
PAXTON/PATTERSON
(O) 951-763-0518
(C) 773-230-6226
gt...@earthlink.net
www.paxtonpatterson.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Kanomata" <jimka...@gmail.com>
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 9:47 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
Byron Songer
Miguel was well within his legal rights. I'd do the same. Shucks, it's a regular practice with those that have storage space. Here in Louisville it's not abnormal to pay $2.25 per foot for storage.
Byron
D C *Mac* Macdonald
I pay $75 per month for covered (not enclosed) storage
for my 30' travel trailer. They have sewer dump, wash
area, 15A electric (enough to keep battery up), trash
bin, and LARGE air compressor.
I have uncovered storage for the GMC, motorcycle trailer,
and small boat for $50 per month TOTAL!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~~ k2gkk @ hotmail dot com ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
_______________
*[ ]....[][ ][]\
*--OO---[]---O-*
> Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:17:43 -0500
> To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: bso...@songerconsulting.net
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Problems with Miguel Mendez MGMGMC
>
> Interesting. From what I hear you're not to yellow when it comes to generating income or getting parts to resell. :>)
>
>
> Miguel was well within his legal rights. I'd do the same. Shucks, it's a regular practice with those that have storage space. Here in Louisville it's not abnormal to pay $2.25 per foot for storage.
>
>
> Byron
mickey's space ship shuttle
dear miguel
I am in no hurry but i am ready when you are, i have found a place here in anaheim
that i can bring the motor home. But i am not in a hurry. What ever you want.
I am ready when you are. Any time thank you for everything so far, i am so happy
to have found you and your help. mickey 714 642 5399
The extra $100 you may have for good will. look forward to your call to pick it up.
I will have to take a train to get it. so i will need a day notice to get the train up.
mickey
i cannot tell if you are getting these emails. Hope you are.