Bo-Bel Construction, Inc.

In response to Ms. [redacted]'s complaint(s):Ms [redacted]'s initial request was for us to repair the "loud exhaust noise", on her 1999 FORD F150 PICKUP, with a temporary tag dated 3/15/2015, and over 200,000 miles,  when she dropped of the truck the afternoon of 3/16/2015.  The exhaust noise was...

extremely loud, as the catalytic converter on the passenger side was severely rusted away hanging off the exhaust manifold, not attached to the engine.  We were not able to inspect the truck until the morning of the next day as were were very busy. Meanwhile Ms. [redacted] called the next morning, while we were trying to find parts and pricing.  I called Ms. [redacted] back and explained that the right side catalytic converter needed to be replaced, at the least, and the part would have to be ordered which would take a day to come in before we could start repairs.  Ms. [redacted] approved this repair verbally over the phone on 3/17/2015 for $648.00 plus tax and supply charges.  The part came in 3/18/2015, and repairs were started when the parts arrived.  While we were working on the truck, Ms. [redacted] asked if we could change the oil while the truck was in the shop, and I told her we would once the catalytic converter was replaced.  Also, Ms. [redacted] asked if the exhaust repair would allow her to pass E-Check.  I expressly told her that she had not asked about passing E-Check, and that I had no way to predict how replacing the catalytic converter would affect her E-Check test, although she could get a waiver because of the amount being spent. I also told her we were welding a hole on the left exhaust pipe and replaced a bad mounting stud we found at no additional cost to her,.  When we went to drain the oil,  very little oil came out of the oil pan, 1-2 quarts,  which we immediately told her about and that we did not know why the engine was low on oil nor could we tell her any more without more diagnostic work. (Much of this was noted on Ms. [redacted]'s receipt.)We were still working on the truck, finishing the oil change, when Ms. [redacted] came in near the end of the day.  When we started the engine up, we discovered the left side catalytic converter would be needed also, and that the heat shield was rusted on the left side and making noise.  It was explained to Ms. [redacted] that further repairs would be needed to the exhaust.  Ms. [redacted] called the next day, talking with [redacted], the owner, who explained we were not aware of the additional noises because of the loud exhaust when the truck came in, but that we would be happy to check out the truck further.   Ms. [redacted] told [redacted] she would not come back in and was calling the Revdex.com.Our offer to check out the engine still stands.  We had no way of knowing the condition of the engine and exhaust system, having not seen the vehicle previously and because of the extremely loud exhaust, masking many other sounds.  The temporary license tag, would indicate Ms. [redacted] had just purchased the vehicle and was not anymore familiar than we were with the truck.