Help/Advice needed, van needs £1000 welding done

[Plasticman]

i havent and dont intend to view his site/garage whatever but be assured he /they have not got the knowledge nor will to repair this as required, i can tell you pretty much what will be required but ..... forget trading S they if bothered will not get you your money back, there is a procedure written notice first then into court, it doesnt cost much .
good luck , if you need more info then via pm only
mm

[Dazco]

Go down the route of Mis selling and get your money back. That van needs a lot of money spending on it . As for rust free and rebuilt . bollox. Hes a rip off merchant, trying to cash in on the "classic vw camper " scene. What a "idiot" for selling something in that state.

[what2do]

Keep your powder dry, say as little as possible to reveal your intentions. You don't want him taking down any misleading adverts, checking on here, etc. let him wallow in his ignorance whilst you takes steps to get your money back through the proper channels. What a shocker, let's hope others are prevented from buying his 'mint' vans.

[TobyGilden]

Last night Duncan (DSM) recommend that I check out a company called "The Hot Works", based within Hertfordshire. I gave them a ring when I was on my lunch break at work, the guy seemed super knowledgeable and very helpful, he said if I was willing to make the drive over he will have a look at the van (he makes a living restoring splits, bays and t25's).

As soon as I finished work I made the drive over, and I am so glad that I did. He gave the camper a real good look over, checking all of the "bungs" were still in place and original, he checked everything. He agreed with the fact that the trailing arm needs attention and the other bits.

He said that the sills are actually in quite good condition and that overall the van wasn't too bad, and that £6000 for the van is a fair price - even with the dodgy MOT. He said that if I wanted a completely rust free van I would be looking at a "nut and bolt"restoration of about £16000. But to have the driver side footwell, the top of the wheel arch and the rear left trailing arm and surrounding areas done I will be looking at around £500.

Having seen his workshop, and the work he is doing I am very confident in his advice and suggestions and capability to work on my van - he is an artist. He is rebuilding a syncro at the moment and it is beautiful, he had an amazing t25 pick up, he had a number of bays and splitties all done to such an incredible standard they deserve to be in a museum.

I have decided that I am going to have him do the work on my van, I will get in touch with the original seller to ask for a financial contribution, which I doubt I will get, but I want to keep the van, I'm just going to have to take the £500 on the chin. Only problem is he can't fit me in until the end of the summer.

After seeing what he does though, I am considering having a complete strip down - will have to start saving my pennies.

Thank you so much for all of your help and advice, particularly 'DSM' for pointing me in the direction of 'The Hot Works'.

[silverbullet]

Sounds like the original quote for the work was talked up a bit?

[TobyGilden]

I think the big thing is the original guy didn't know VW's inside and out like the guy over at hot works. So the advice to see a VW specialist really has paid off.

[fazzer]

im glad theres a light at the end of the tunnel mate

[Ralf85]

Another big mistake. Ignoring sensible advice. Best of luck.

[TobyGilden]

Hey Ralf85, I've looked into different ways of getting my money back, but because he isn't a car dealer, there really isn't much I can do. If I took him to a small claims court it is only a civil matter, so even if I win the case it will be a nightmare to move forward, as there are no real consequences if he doesn't pay up.


Apart from getting the work done I don't know what else to do.

[what2do]

Do what's right for you chap, you've sought advice and made a decision that you're comfortable with. Get the work done, save a bit more cash for the ongoing maintenance, live a little and enjoy your van without entering a period of rage and raised blood pressure. Horses for courses. Bonne chance, Mitch.

[ticket2ride]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-t2 ... 19fc2980f9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Please don't say its the same seller

Appropriate username.

If you're keeping the van then leave the feedback this seller deserves. rusty gam sells rust buckets, or somesuch.

[Ralf85]

Hey Ralf85, I've looked into different ways of getting my money back, but because he isn't a car dealer, there really isn't much I can do. If I took him to a small claims court it is only a civil matter, so even if I win the case it will be a nightmare to move forward, as there are no real consequences if he doesn't pay up.
Apart from getting the work done I don't know what else to do.

Right back at the beginning you referred to buying the van from a garage. That is a business with a reputation and the knowledge to know what state your van is in ie knowing it is not 'rot free' or 'rust free' as advertised.
Have you sought advice from the CAB or the Small Claims Court process? What advice have they given you? I am guessing the answer is no. Ah well, if you have the spare cash, good luck with the repairs. There are guys on here who could do the work for you!

[DSM]

Hi and glad things have worked out ok for you. As you are local that was the best advice I could give for a proper professional opinion on the true condition of your van and yes that is my Syncro so I have first hand knowledge of the quality of work done there.
Duncan.

[HarryMann]

There is something if he doesn't pay a civil fine in a small claims court. .

You can apply to a High Court Sherrif to secure the de t. It costs £40 and if found in your favour (or if he doesn't appear) they will impound sufficient vehicles till he pays.. or take them away and sell them.

[what2do]

There is something if he doesn't pay a civil fine in a small claims court. .

You can apply to a High Court Sherrif to secure the de t. It costs £40 and if found in your favour (or if he doesn't appear) they will impound sufficient vehicles till he pays.. or take them away and sell them.

Despite my earlier postings about moving on, I take that back. If his vehicles were impounded, it'd stop some other poor soul being conned by him. Something needs to be done to prevent further misleading claims.