Business ProfileforMurpho's Rods & Customs

I took my frame up restored 66 mustang to this shop requesting a radiator *******, rear drum brakes adjustment, and a new set of gauges be installed (only because my oem fuel gauge did not work. I knew their hourly rate was $135.00. We agreed verbally that no work would be done without them contacting me for approval outside of what I had requested of them. They started finding things they felt needed to be repaired. Their clock started. I was charged 25 hours shop labor at $135.00 per hour. Total paid, $5,920.74. Labor charge $3,375.00, I'm in my late seventies. I know how to do this work, but I'm disabled. I felt intimidated, and I don't remember fealing FEAR like this since ******* ****, I didn't get a thank you nor did they bother to wipe off my dash which was heavy with their shop dust. They even used videos of them working on my red mustang in their weekly business blog. This has all stressed me to the bone.

We reviewed the invoices for ****************** and saw that the first invoice included the initial inspection of the vehicle, the fan shroud, and replacement gauges, which the customer mentioned he authorized below. This first invoice also consists of the brake adjustment. Upon inspection, our tech did find whoever installed the brake kit on the vehicle when it was brought in did not grease the wheel bearings, which led to excessive play in the front brakes. Also, the calipers were not tight and were not appropriately shimmed.This was addressed for safety reasons, and this matter was discussed in person with ******************.

The second invoice shows the removal of the original gauge cluster and the assembly of the new gauge cluster. The gauge cluster did not initially come with the wood grain bezel that was on the vehicle, so we had to install the gauges into a new wood grain bezel to ensure they matched. The original bezel and set of gauges were returned to the customer. We also removed the old oil sender and installed the new one along with the Speedo cable. The new gauges are updated from the original, so they come with senders that must be installed to function correctly.

The third invoice includes installing the temp sensor, temp sensor harness, wiring for the lead from the coil, cleaning up the wiring, and looming. Mounting and wiring the gauge box, then grounding the control box.Turn indicators were also wired, gauges were installed, and the vehicle was test-driven. We do recall the customer being at the shop several times on the last day and witnessing the work done before the vehicle was requested to leave the same day with very little notice.

After ****************** took the vehicle, an issue with the gas gauge was brought to our attention. We did address the concerns at no additional cost, which included ******'s supplying a float for the car. The fuel tank was dropped,drained, issue addresser, sender reinstalled, and gas tank. Gas was refilled,the gas-sending unit was calibrated, and the vehicle was test-driven before being returned to the customer. The customer was notified of the alternator overcharging, which caused the gauges to read wrong. This was disclosed to the customer, but he did not want to address the issue. All this additional work and supplies used to correct this issue were at no extra cost to *******************We would like this to be acknowledged to show we continue to provide good customer service despite the customer expressing frustration towards our staff after the vehicle left.

The vehicle needed adequate time to test drive before being taken on 8/15. Every car is unique when dealing with classic vehicles, and there is no set time to ensure these vehicles run properly with these modern parts. Test driving and running the vehicle are essential to ensure new components work correctly. Please note that if parts are original to this vehicle from 1966,they will wear out unless replaced. We also cannot guarantee the quality of the work from any previous shop, so safety is always a top concern.

Over the course of the vehicle being here, we addressed the initial work authorized in addition to verbal requests to our mechanic received over the weeks, including timing being adjusted due to an overheating issue, thermostat,and installing a new fuel filter. We disclosed any safety concerns we found,knowing the vehicle had been sitting for many years. We disagree with the statement that we did work without the customer knowing because we felt these improvements needed to be made. ****************** visited our shop numerous times throughout the process. He called to ask when his parts would be in so we could begin work, verbally authorizing us to continue moving forward in addition to paying weekly invoices on time. We bill weekly to ensure our customers are billed on the work completed that week. If they wish to stop work or slow down,we are happy to accommodate their timeline and budget.

We have all communication with ******************,as well as the invoices ranging from 8/1 to 8/15 we will be happy to provide. On 8/25/2023 ****************** did show up at Murphos Rods and Customs at 11:13AM to demand parts and harass a member of our staff for invoices that were provided previously. Due to this incident,we do not agree with ******************** statement that he felt intimidated or fearful when working work us.