Install. Should I be Pissed or NO?
 

I need some opinions on an install I got recently. I found a local shop which had a couple good reviews on Yelp. He sounded good when I spoke with him on the phone to set up the appointment and discuss what I was bringing so he could order an install kit and whatever else he needed.

I was bringing to him a Pioneer 5100 head unit, Pioneer backup cam and Axess steering wheel control adapter.

When I arrive for the appointment four days later he has no memory of our conversation or parts he said he would need to order. I'm like OK? WTF? He looks at to car and says he may not need the install kit as it should be a direct fit. I say OK, I'm here with time so lets go.

He finishes 2.5-3 hours later says all good and I pay him $350. This was a little higher that he guesstimated on the phone but I'm like OK, he's a pro.

Issues:
Broken trim piece in rear, scratches/scuffs on A pillar (from mic install), on shift boot ring and console piece around boot ring. Also, there is a small gap/opening where the bottom of the head unit meets the console. I attached some pics which may not show this too well.

Is all of this just part of the program or maybe not so much?

Yes... it needs the "install kit." I did modify mine to sit further out (I drilled new holes in the mounting plastic in the install kit to move the head unit forward, same with the trim piece that comes with the install kit.) BUT without the trim piece that comes with the kit, it cant look clean.. There is a small gap under the headunit itself, but if you move the entire head unit forward like I did, you cant see it... see pics (soon as I opened the door dust blew in sorry).. and yeah I'd be pissed.


As for the trunk that piece can just be pushed back into place.

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You can use the factory dash kit and if you prefer a (gapless) fit the install kit is needed especially for pioneers. Scratches ARE NOT part of the install if the installer knows what they are doing and uses no marring plastic removal tools. I always as a precaution put tape around where i am prying. He should of put tape on the under side of that shiftier rim because the metal clips will scratch the surface. Also I wouldn't charge that much for a head unit install! Holly cow!

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/r...z/IMAG0205.jpg

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/IMG_0736.jpg

I'd be pissed. This is why DIY is the better option. Could have saved 350 bucks and had less scratches.

I would be really pissed and I would ask for replacement parts.

Damn right you should be pissed off. You should have pointed it all out to him on the spot, though.

:iagree:

I always try to inspect work done before I pay for it. That's what should have been done here. It will be tough to get fixed on his dime unless the guy is actually a decent human being.

This is why I'm always so hesitant to have my car worked on by anyone else.

Edit: But to answer your question, Yes (I would be pissed if I was you).

By the looks of your pics, it looks like he's NEVER worked on a 370z.. (thats what I think). If you have experience on this car (i.e. removing the center console, and interior panels) stuff like this wouldn't happen, with or without tape.

Just my .02 cents.

Yep that is install crap. I bet he also did a hack job on your wiring as well. Zero attention to detail and zero respect for your car. He needs to buy you replacemet parts. That is a homeboy install.

I'd hate to see the wiring behind that head unit.

Yup, I hope the OP doesn't have any issues in the future because it looks like it'll be a mess.

I agree with big. Its like an iceberg.

A general rule is to inspect the car before and after dropping it off at any place for any service. Most dealers will have a paper where they write down mileage and any scuffs or dents to keep record. At places that does tinting or other car mods, just have a good one over with whoever is "quoting" the job. Depending on the job, I pay partial first then the rest after or just pay after I pick my car up. I have had some shady stuff happen to my household cars.

Now I do all sorts of things like mark tires with chalk when I go to get then rotated and balanced (Lifetime tire balancing for $5), take pictures of odometer while sale guy is getting quote to show that I'm anal, pull out my oil dip stick and check the levels before I leave (one of my brothers car get cheapo oil changes for like $17, It's good enough for that crap car but still need to make sure it was done and topped off), take lots of pics in the "work" area before you leave the car.

YzGyz

I would be upset, talk with him about it in a kind manner and let him know your concerns. If he refuses responsibility for the damage or fails to provide you any compensation for it, leave a huge negative review on every review website out there for his place of business. That's how I would go about it. My buddy back in Hawaii owns two car audio shops, what he used to do was apply armor all to all of the interior panels that were going to be worked on prior to the install process. Then remove the armor all with a very mild soapy water after installation was complete. I followed the same procedure when I did my audio install this past weekend. The greasy armor all significantly reduced the chances for scratching panels.

Sounds like the shop you took it too is not familiar with care of interior panels when installing. That does not seem professional at all and definitely not worth $350. I was also quoted the same price locally just to install a HU with BT mic with steering wheel control and brake bypass. I thought that was a bit high considering that it should only take about an hour to do so. I have seen my buddy do it in an hour and he did not install customer brought in parts, so the audio equipment he sold included labor and installation.