JH Restorations Reviews (%countItem)
JH Restorations Rating
Address: 4880 Walker Rd, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, N9A 6J3
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Over the course of last year I commissioned JH Restorations to restore my classic car. When I dropped of my car they required a sizable deposit that was paid over the course of 2 months of $15,000. I have invested over $95,000 to finish the car for September of 2017. The car was not picked up until January of 2018, but was sent back under warranty 6 times over the course of the last 6 months for various reasons with me having to pay to tow the car, including a failed transmission, failed torque converter, failed ignition system, 2 failed fuel pumps, 2 failed rear end bearings and carriers, faulty fitech efi system of which I was asked to pay partial parts and labour for all, under 1000 miles. I have had the car for 2 weeks now (6/27/2018) and will have to repair the current issues with it myself or through a new shop, which are the following: Vehicle coating flaking off in various area Improper mounting of sway bar, improper mounting of flex line bracket causing total brake failure, non-operating e-brake system, and fuel system not operating properly. The receipts I requested from JH Restorations do not outline the total work they had completed on the car with descriptions to justify charges, and they do not add up to the work that was completed on the vehicle. The shop took it upon themselves to do work on my car I did not ask them to do. I do not feel the time it took to do the work and the documentation expected at an establishment of this pedigree was worth the value and that I was overcharged in multiple areas. It has recently been brought to my attention that JH Restorations has also sub contracted work out on my vehicle including the machine work for the engine, alignment, and other work including paint and coatings that I was under the impression would be done in house. I no longer trust the business to do the work ethically and safely. The business has been contacted multiple times for various issues with the restoration and service, at this time I do not feel the issue can be resolved.
Refund A reasonable resolution to this problem would be one of the following: 1) JH Restorations purchases the vehicle for total amount invested 2) JH Restorations refunds a reasonable portion of the amount paid to cover damages, time lost and repairs the the vehicle 3) JH Restorations covers the repair bill at an establishment similar to what they advertise
Contact Name and Title: Jesse *** President
Contact Phone: XXX XXX XXXX
Contact Email: ***@gmail.com
JH Restorations deeply regrets that our client from complaint #XXXXXXX feels we can no longer help him with his project. However we would like to express to the client our wish to review his list of concerns, and work with him on coming to closure of his points. We will do what we can to correct any deficiencies in JH workmanship, if any are deemed to be legitimate. We cannot be held responsible for wear, in operation or faulty original aged parts.
The client was informed upon receipt of his vehicle that he could submit to JH in writing, a list of concerns and we would address them to the best of our ability. This was stated on invoice #*** on Dec 20, 2017 this is done by JH Restorations on all builds so that we can work through the Check list diligently and with precision so there is no concerns missed. No such list was provided to JH Restorations until July 5, 2018, one full week after filing a complaint to the Revdex.com on June 27, 2018, and more than 6 months after the client picked up his vehicle. This makes it nearly impossible to make the client happy.
We then received a separate complaint outside of the Revdex.com via email on July 5, 2018. The date on the top of this second complaint indicates that a letter was penned on February 5, 2018 indicating he had points to be addressed long before filing the complaint to the Revdex.com. JH was not supplied a list of concerns prior to this Revdex.com complaint However JH is willing to address any concerns.
It is not possible for JH to address concerns the client has, without knowledge of them. JH Restorations has had the vehicle back for repairs without formal written acknowledgment of the problems and those concerns have been addresses to the best of our knowledge at that time. The owners of JH, have a Text Message from the client on May 25, 2018 stating "Actually it is extremely good...Very impressed with the work this time". This is in response to a question regarding how the car was working after JH drove the vehicle for a total of 500 odometer miles to address previous issues that were verbally brought to our attention regarding the "Faulty *** Fuel Injection System" At this time JH Restorations was unaware of any other concerns the Client Had.
Deposit- The client indicates a "Sizable Deposit" of $15,000. As discussed with the client upon agreement to carry out work JH Restorations collects 2 weeks labour and the total of any parts required to proceed with work.
$6500 is the standard 2 weeks of labour, billed on invoice #*** on January 14, 2017 (71.9 hours at $80/hour + applicable taxes) used to start the project.
$1475.74 on invoice #5297 indicates engine and transmission consumable parts on Feb. 1 2017. No pistons were sold, only stock bore piston rings.
$4700 on invoice #*** from Feb. 2 is a deposit on for labour moving forward from February 2, 2018.
$3050 on invoice #*** Feb. 8 2017 additional engine items purchased on customer's request which included *** cylinder heads and accompanying components.
Delivery Date- The client took delivery of his vehicle on December 20, 2017, not January of 2018 as stated by the client. It is not in JH Restorations, or the customers, best interest to promise or guarantee a delivery date for any project vehicle, as there are always circumstances out of our control, such as additions or challenges with parts. Issues with a project like these always come up. The client would never have been given a guarantee of a September completion date, it is just not our practice.
Failed Transmission- JH Restorations was only to do a "Refresh" of the transmission in question at the request of the client, the client was made aware that this would only include consumable parts. It was later found that the original transmission parts that would not normally be replaced in a refresh, had in fact failed. The client had indicated that the transmission was functioning, before so there was no desire to replace any "hard" parts.
Failed Torque Converter-The torque converter stator failed in the vehicle due to stresses endured when the customer supplied rear axle broke. (See Below)
2 Failed Rear Axle Bearings - The Client was given the opportunity to properly rebuild his original rear axle but only opted to replace the externally mounted bearing and seals. The bearings and carriers the client is referring to were never replaced and are original parts over 40 years old. The second failed carrier the client is referring to is due to the client purchasing a second USED gear set. The client was informed that it is impossible to guarantee proper or quiet operation of a used gear set. On quote #*** JH outlined the proper parts and materials for installation, the client Declined. Stating verbally he would change out to a better rear end at a later date.
Failed Fuel Pumps- JH Restorations recommended the client have the new fuel injection pump installed in the fuel tank, keeping the pump quiet and ultimately, extending the life of the pump due to the fuel keeping the pump cool during operation. The client did not wish to have the pump installed into the tank. These pumps were replaced at the request of the client due to the "noise" the pumps were perceived to be making. The pumps have since been sent back to the manufacturer/ tested and have been found to be in good working order.
Failed Ignition system- JH is unaware of this problem with the ignition system and it is tied to the "Faulty Fuel Injection System" Below.
Faulty Fuel Injection System- This was in fact due to the stock Ignition system the customer was trying to retain. This system includes a ballast resistor that *** the manufacturer of the fuel injection system reluctantly admitted to having problems with, in the past. According to the manufacturer the Ballast resistor introduces "Noise" into the electronic System. JH Restorations has removed the entire original ignition system from the vehicle and replace it with a system recommended by the injection manufacturer at a cost of $1412.98 to JH restorations outlined on Quote # ***. At this time JH restorations also discovered mismatched and damaged spark plug wires on the engine as well as a cross threaded spark plug indicating someone other than JH restorations had worked on the vehicle possibly contributing to the fuel injection problems.
With all the above listed original part failures the client was only ever asked to cover the cost of the parts and labour incurred due to failed parts. JH has not asked for payment due to any workmanship concerns.
JH Restorations drove the vehicle in question for a period of time, between April 26 to May 21 and clocked 500 Miles on the odometer. The Vehicle was returned to the client on or about May 24th 2018 as indicated on invoice #*** where the client was charged only for fuel for the above 500 miles driven, no labour charges were included on this invoice. May 24 is one full month before the stated June 27, 2018 return date in this complaint.
Coating Flaking- The client took possession of his vehicle December 20, 2017, based on invoices where JH Restorations completed repairs, this indicated that the vehicle had been driven on un-suitable roads for a build such as this. This would have included salt and winter weather roads. This is out of JH Restorations control and is not common practice for a vehicle that has just undergone this type of build.
The Sway bar was mounted to the vehicle using customer supplied hardware as per factory original install.
The brake flex line in question was a factory replacement part and was installed as such, there would be no additional "mount". Total brake failure is not possible due to safety features built into the master cylinder, if the front brakes fail there will still be brakes on the rear of the vehicle.
The clients emergency brake system was functioning as expected on pre delivery inspection.
JH Restorations has not been made aware of any additional fuel system problems after our 500 mile drive.
JH Restorations has on record, over 1000 hours detailing the work carried out on the clients' vehicle. The client is aware how JH tracks hours on all of our builds. The client has paid just over 500 of the 1000 documented hours on his invoices.
It is JH Restorations practice to not carry out work without any customer's approval, and does not order parts without pre authorized payment in full.
JH Restorations does not claimed to do specialty work in house including engine machining, exhaust work or alignments. One walk around our facility will surly show that we are not setup to perform these tasks. It is the practice of JH to show perspective clients our facility. We explain all the inner workings of how projects are completed.
Painted elsewhere- the client was invited to check on the progress of the build in our shop on multiple occasions. We have photo documentation of the vehicle in our paint booth. As well as support
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
The response submitted by the business does not fully cover the issues with the repairs, missing parts and labour completed in the blocks of hours that were paid for as required by the ministry of consumer affairs Ontario in regards to any automotive repair shop. These receipts only show parts that were purchased as recommended by the shop in many cases, and not the work that was completed during the blocks of hours. Some dates shown on invoices and receipts are not accurate as some of the times the vehicle was picked up there was no exchange of money or receipts produced depending on what work was completed including a cash purchase. Some of the issues listed in the original letter were repaired or replaced by either the shop or customer in the past 6 months and some compromises, the following of which are still ongoing issues:
The brake flex line brackets on both sides of the vehicle were relocated by JH Restoration AFTER the frame was powder coated. The installation of the factory sway bar was not completed until close to the pick up date months later. Due to the relocation of the brake flex line plates on the frame, the front flex lines "rest" on top of the front sway bar mounting bracket. As the vehicle turns it cuts through the rubber casing damaging the integrity of the part and eventually causing failure. This was found AFTER the total loss of front brake function while road testing. The sway bar brackets were also rebuilt and welded by the shop with new bushings as they could not located a new set to install. I would require the brake lines be relocated to the original position where they do not become damaged by the sway bar and a refund for parts in labour in repairing the brakes.
Where the front windshield pillar has been welded and repaired at the bottom passenger *** welds were left unfinished and without body work. They were then painted over and the fenders installed. Visible holes remain here and are concern for rust. I require the holes to be repaired (or) a refund for labour and materials to cover the cost of disassembly, welding and repaint of these areas.
Coatings chipping off in question is regarding the door edges and fenders rubbing from gap being set improperly, coating on motor where oil leak persists at the base of the dip stick tube, powder coat where the brake flex line brackets were relocated, and "raptor liner" undercoating. As stated by the business and myself, the vehicle was picked up mid December for the first time. Upon picking the vehicle up I was not informed by the shop not to the drive the vehicle home from the shop in the current conditions. If the road conditions were too poor to pick the vehicle up why was it released for completion at that date? Does the shop not guarantee the coatings and finishes in any way? I require a refund for powder coating and labour (or) the frame to be properly prepped and recoated as paid for.
The paint itself; the primer visible on the hood is only visible from above or if you open the hood which is most likely why it was missed until now. Although some small imperfections can be found in some places on the clear coat the paint as a whole looks good and can be left as is. Chips in the paint finish only are specifically from fender / hood rub. The drivers door lib rubs on the fender when opening and closing the door.
All parts in regards to the fuel injection system were recommended by the shop. As a customer I am not an expert in the matter and asked what the best course of action the owner would recommend with the matter and agreed to that. Currently the rear pressure fitting at the in line fuel pump leaks at the 90 degree mark. This issue can be repaired by the customer. Aside from the leak, the ignition and EFI system no functions as it should.
The motor as discussed in person with owner, was supposed to be flat decked and bored .030 over. Receipts show gaskets, rings, bearings and other hardware but do not specify anything but a part number. Labour on the motor also was not specified in receipts provided by the shop and submitted with their reply. I as a customer am not an expert or professional in this matter, nor a machinist to know what each part used in the build was without being told by the shop. No build sheet was provided with the motor. I was told multiple times by the shop and through text from the owner that the motor had been machined with .030 over pistons installed. It was not until I called the machine shop that I found out no machine work had been completed on the motor. The shop owner then admitted over the phone "There are a lot of projects going on at once and I can't remember what was done to even motor we send out." This asks the question, is it a possibility part of my build was confused with another?
A purple camshaft was provided by the customer, adjustable rockers and custom rods were ordered and paid for to accommodate the selection as recommended by the shop. The TCI torque converter installed on the vehicle by the shop does not function properly with the camshaft selection. Due to the lack of machine work and mismatch of parts as recommended by the shop there is a lack of low end performance from the drivetrain. I require the Torque converter to be swapped for a properly functioning stall converter (Told by other engine builder roughly 3000 stall?) and machine work completed as paid for and outlined originally by customer for .030 over pistons and flat decked. Pistons will be paid for by customer. Issues with performance are strictly low - mid range and machine related.
When the vehicle was dropped off for 500 miles of testing, the shop was informed then that the speedometer does not accurately read speed or track miles properly due to the rear end gear ratio being switched from the stock number. How were miles properly tracked during testing?
The shop stated above that the torque converter failed due to stresses endured when the rear axle failed. The internal bearings and pinion were not 40 year old original parts. They were replaced properly by *** on Tecumseh road Windsor roughly 2 years ago with a new 3.55 ring and pinion installation as well. The rear carrier functioned perfectly without issues, noises or leaks when brought to JH Restorations. JH disassembled the rear axle housing to clean and paint it, and reinstalled the parts. Issues with the rear carrier began specifically upon bringing it to JH Restorations. It can also be noted that the rear end failing could have also been caused by a failing torque converter. The rear end has since been taken to another shop and repaired with receipts, it was discovered that the crush collar was over torqued and the carrier was not shimmed properly. I would require a refund for the rebuild of the rear axle as bearings, crush collar and shims were required to do the repair again.
The transmission was requested to be "Rebuilt" by the customer, not "Refreshed".
New replacement parts were purchased through the shop at the expense of the customer such as window trim, chrome pieces and glass. These parts although hard to find and usable, were in the same condition or worse than what was already on the car. I would require the return of these parts or replacement.
Why were hours used to bead blast, cut and install old damaged sill plates when the cost of a new replacement set is less than that of doing the work on the original damaged ones? I would require a refund or replacement.
Original hard to find parts from the vehicle were not returned to the customer upon pick up of the vehicle. Most notably the lower rocker chrome moldings and the head lamp door rubber bumpers. Although damaged they could have been repaired or used as stencils to make a new set.
*** shocks installed on vehicle should be replaced with *** like paid for by customer.
A typed list WAS submitted months ago in writing to an employee there when the vehicle was dropped off for repair, as well as I verbally informed the shop of the issues with the car. Many times the vehicle was dropped off were after regular scheduled business hours, its a possibility that it was misplaced by an employee.
The above mentioned items are being asked to be repaired or replaced to match as originally requested by the customer at an evenly reputable shop (or) a refund for the labour and parts in question. Receipts, text conversations and pictures can be provided by customer if required to further support case.
The claim is currently being resolved through an agreement made by the business and complainant.