American Made Performance, Inc.

We are dissatisfied with the transmission, paint job, and other work done on our classic truck.We took our [redacted] truck to this business in December 2013 with an estimate of $8000-$9000 to include complete paint job with ghost flames, convert hood to original style, complete new leather interior, moving exhaust to back of vehicle, and moving gas tank to bed of truck. We were given a timeframe of 2-3 months to complete this project.During the course of the restoration the cost continued to increase, so we decided to cut out the flames and to just dye the interior instead of replacing it so that we could stay within the original estimate. We had many issues during the restoration. Some of our parts were lost, such as our old steering wheel and our old transmission. The back glass on the truck was broken and it took over a month for a new one to be made. The 2-3 month project turned into a year that our truck was there. We were told we'd get updates and pictures on the work being done, but never did. We'd have to call or actually go to the shop. We went to pick up our finished truck around November 2014 and were very dissatisfied with it. There were chips in the paint, the brake lights didn't work, there were wires hanging out underneath the dash, the dye on the interior was rubbing off, and it was extremely hard for them to put gas in the truck due to the angle of the spout. They were putting glossy touch up paint on our truck , which was painted flat black. The owner's husband could see that we were not happy and offered to keep the truck for another week to fix these problems. Also, he said he would find a transmission that we had mentioned wanting and install that for us. We agreed to this and paid for the transmission and labor.The truck was ready two weeks later and we went to pick it up. On the way home the truck was shaking badly and only 2 of the 5 gears worked. Because of all the problems, delays, cost increases, and excuses that we had during the yearlong restoration, we took the truck to another mechanic that we trusted. The transmission that was put in our truck was done incorrectly and dangerously. Three different mechanics have seen what they did and could not believe that a certified mechanic would do that. The new T5 transmission was larger than the old 4 speed. They cut our driveshaft incorrectly, didn't balance it, and drilled holes into our bell housing assembly. The welding was horrible and they used wrong parts to match it up instead of doing a full conversion. We discussed this with the owner and she stated that the transmission worked when they installed it and they would not refund us any money. She stated to me that they didn't cut anything on the driveshaft and if there was something wrong, then it must have been done by the previous company. She even "found" a timecard from that business that stated "driveshaft modified because too short for vehicle". Why would they cut it if it was too short? Also, there was no work that we had done, before the transmission, that would involve the driveshaft. When I asked to see this timecard she said that since it was the previous owners/business that I'd have to speak to her attorney. I called him and told him about our problem but never heard back from him. They finally returned our old transmission. We had to purchase a new bell housing assembly to replace the one they destroyed. We paid $840 for the transmission and installation and then had to pay $200 for the new bell housing. We will also have to pay the labor for our other mechanic to put our original transmission back into our truck. The owner refused to accept any responsibility for the horrible transmission installation job that was done to our truck. Because of this, we don't want to even take our truck back to them to fix the rust in the paint and all the other problems. We ended up paying $11,000 for all the work that was done to our truck. We still have to fix the interior, the gas tank, the rust in the paint, and the transmission.Desired SettlementWe would like a refund for the cost and labor of the transmission they installed that we had to take out for and them to pay for the cost to install our old transmission, including all parts. We would also like a refund for the rusting paint, interior dye job, and the cost to fix our gas tank.Business Response American Dream Rides, Inc. did not paint the customers vehicle, dye the interior or repair the fuel tank on this vehicle. That was done by the previous company, therefore we are not responsible for work not performed by American Dream Rides. The transmission that was purchased was in good working order, the adapter plate malfunctioned and we offered to purchase another one for the customer. We had the machine shop repair what was broken and returned it in perfect working order (in which a paper was signed to that effect). However, when our shop manager spoke to the mechanic working on the vehicle, we were informed that he did not want to perform the conversion and wanted to take it back to the original transmission. American Dream Rides purchased parts for the original transmission and delivered it to the new shop. American Dream Rides, has spent a good deal of money to ensure that the customer received what they asked for in regards to the transmission. The customers vehicle was painted in February of 2014, American Dream Rides did not begin operating until October 8, 2014. All the other work that is mentioned was all done prior to the October 8, 2014 date, therefore not the responsibility of this company.

On 11/10/2014 I signed a repair contract with American Dream Rides Inc. to finish my [redacted] car. They are to complete wiring, assemble rear brakes, possibly install an electric emergency brake system, check brake line plumbing for leaks, install steering column, secure seat mounts, install transmission, install radio & speakers, put oil in rear end differential housing, install/weld new universal joint to drive shaft, mate engine & transmission and install both, hook up clutch cable, shifter with line lock system, choke cable, fuel gauge, etc.After many delays, calls, visits to their site, and over $5,397 in labor costs, & a new $2,395 transmission the car was delivered as complete to my house 02/20/15. The car was totally inoperable oil leaks, engine and transmission not installed properly, wiring not completed, parts missing, and more.I had the owner of [redacted] inspect the car and estimate the repairs to bring the car to a road-worthy condition the estimate was $3,000 to $6,000 in labor costs to repair the mistakes and possibly more.[redacted] of Dream Rides said they would pick the car up and repair it at no additional costs. They picked the car up that week.They began billing me again on 03/24/15 $628.89. On 07/02/15 I paid $668.89 to cover that bill plus $40 of labor for putting a new intake manifold gasket (as paid in full per [redacted], husband of the owner). Then they were to deliver the car the next day as fully serviceable.On 07/08/15 I receive an email from American Dream Rides for additional billings of $780 & $312. I did not pay these bills because the car was delivered on 07/09/15. The car has more damage and is not operational. The engine and transmission are not installed properly the leaks were not fixed an additional leak from the new transmission is occurring. The vehicle will still need to be repaired by a reputable shop for Probably $4,000 to $6,000 in labor.Desired SettlementThat I receive $6,000 from American Dream Rides, Inc. To cover the repairs needed to make my car road ready. This figure is slightly below the $6,065.94 in cost I paid them from November 2014 to July 2015.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted] PresidentContact Phone: [redacted]Contact Email: [redacted]Our company covered all of Mr.[redacted] concerns and got approval of all work that was done before it left our shop. He even paid a bill to fix an issue. If there were any problems at that point, they should have been addressed. Mr. [redacted], reviewed all work done. The work that was performed by our shop has made the car road worthy. There were parts brought with the vehicle that we did not purchase that we installed but can not stand behind as we have no idea as to the status. Some of the parts that were delivered to our shop that we were told were in perfect order, were missing important parts, this is not something that our shop has any responsibility or control over as we did not build, order, or work on these parts we just installed them. This customer still has an outstanding balance on his account and we have the emails stating he would take care of that balance. Our mechanics have many years experience and have had numerous discussions with this customer. If there were any concerns the customer never stated them and should have when the car was present. However, that was not the case. This customer is owed no money due to the fact that we performed the work that we were contracted to do, not only that but have and will honor the warranty on the parts/labor that are covered under the contract. Consumer Response I do not agree with the response. The car was delivered in February 2014 with numerous problems.After the car was inspected by [redacted] in my garage. On 02/25/15 [redacted] presented an estimate of repairs stating that the car would cost $3,000 to $6,000 in labor to repair. The car was not operational and dangerous to drive. I have the estimate an contacted [redacted] of Dream Rides and she begged me to allow her to pick the car up and take back to Dream Rides for repairs at no cost. At that time she and her husband admitted the car should not have left the shop in that condition.Her husband [redacted] said he would personally work on the car and repair all that was wrong. During the eight months the car was at their shop I visited often to discuss the problems and received numerous phone calls from the mechanics about this an that problem. The car was again delivered to my house on July 8th at 3:15 pm. They left as soon as it was delivered. The engine oil leaks had not been fixed, the fabricated motor mounts were welded poorly. Of the two bolts that hold the engine in place the right hand mounting bolt was too short to fully contact the retainer nut.In addition the brand new [redacted] transmission costing $2,395.72 that they insisted that I purchase in November 2014 was leaking oil at the rear seal. I called [redacted] tech department about the problem. They said the rear seal hardly ever fails. They said the length of the drive shaft and the driveline angle is critical to the proper operation. If the angle exceeds 3 degrees or the drive shaft is too long thus causing the slip yoke to bottom out against the output shaft either will damage the seal and cause leakage. NOTE American Dreams fabricated the drive shaft.I have on question if all these problems with motor mounts and engine installation have occurred time and time again WHY IS IT THAT I HAVE A CELL PHONE PHOTO DATED NOVEMBER 29, 2015 OF THE ENGINE IN THE CAR AT THEIR SHOP WITH THE HEADERS IN PLACE AND NO PROBLEMS WERE MENTIONED AT THAT TIME!!I HAVE BEEN MORE THAT FAIR WITH THIS COMPANY BUT THEY HAVE DELIVERED SHODDY, UNPROFESSIONAL AND DISHONEST WORK. I STAND BY MY COMPLAINT AND WANT COMPENSATION OF $6,000.THEIR RESPONSE HAS NOT IN ANYWAY SATISFIED THE COMPLAINT. [redacted]. [redacted]Final Business Response Our policy is to speak with the customer at every point during the time the vehicle is at our shop so that they are informed and know what is going on with their vehicle. I am not sure how that is something that would be a complaint. The engine is mounted properly, one mount had to be fabricated in order to ensure that the engine sat even, which was discussed with the client, shown to the client and approved by the client. Therefore, there should be no complaint, as we did not build the engine, the engine was given to us to install. While installing the engine there were issues with many of the seals and other issues that were brought to the client's attention so that he could bring them to the attention of whomever he purchased the engine from. In regards to the transmission, what the customer was wanting from the engine we recommended he purchase a transmission that would be able to stay with the performance he stated he wanted. The transmission that was with the car was not going to perform the way he stated he wanted. It was just a recommendation and he decided to go that route. We have also spoken to [redacted], in which we deal with on a regular basis, and the statement that we installed the transmission wrong is not correct at all. While they did state that they do not expect new seals to go bad, it does happen. The transmission did not have one leaking issue the entire time it was at the shop, if it had the issue would have been addressed. I am not sure what the cell phone photo has anything to do with it. We were not contracted to do anything but install the engine. We were told that the engine was ready to go and be installed. The amount of work that went into this vehicle which is made clear in the client's complaint of the amount is a massive amount of work, to include e-brake, exhaust leaks, and much more which is evident is invoices that we are able and more than willing to provide. The first time the engine was installed we used the motor mounts that were provided by the client, which our shop manager told him would not be sufficient for that size motor. We too, have been very patient with this client, we have performed work that has not even been invoiced or paid by the client above and beyond any warranty work that was needed. We have worked with the client as well, when this project went above what he could pay we have worked with him and even bartered with him. We will stand behind our work and before this vehicle left the customer himself went through the entire vehicle and gave his approval for delivery. Throughout work being done the customer would stop by look at the work and approve the work as it was being done. If we did such horrible work as he stated then why on July 6, 2015 did he approve additional work and pay for this work? This makes no sense. This right here, should show that this is frivolous claim, where they client is attempting to get a return on his money and have work done. Once again, we are glad to provide invoices, statements from mechanics, etc. We are not responsible and make that clear for parts purchased and/or provided by the customer as we cannot be responsible for these parts.