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Hicks Performance Kevin Hicks, Hicks Enterprise Hicks Mutilated My Classic Chevelle Wagon Burlington North Carolina
In Sept 2018 I contracted Hicks to do a "professional' engine swap & transmission conversion on my classic Chevelle wagon in restoration for 8+ years but that's far from what they delivered. Hicks & the "mechanic" Tom assured me they understood the steps involved with the project before I hired them but failed to complete anything that resembles the correct procedure.
3 weeks up to $3500 was the deal...he quickly began lying about 10 days in and that turned to 9 weeks $4100 . The cars shifter was non functional when I picked it up (I was told 3 times it was ready, got a ride up there with my kids, only to find out that was a lie). I was assured both were rebuilt and warrantied (until I checkout & questioned the ultra shady bill that is then he's that "oh it's used parts no warranty...of course they're used parts...from the 70's....that' what folks restoring cars use) even when the bill still guarantees a 12month/12k mile warranty on parts and labor.
No hourly labor rate, but billed $1900 in labor...asked for but received no supporting documentation. They installed an incorrect, used, dirty shifter that is just junk all the way around. Looks like they used a can opener to mangle a jagged misplaced hole in my floorboard & stuck the shifter in sideways with no washers, missing a cotter pin, no adjustment at all....I called him back from the next block after it locked into 2nd/3rd and texted when I finally limped it home stuck in 2/3rd with my kids in the car.
He didn't seem so committed to my satisfaction once he had the $$. Horn no longer works and they damaged my steering column. Gave Hicks 31+ days to make it right but has no intention of making it right. The "rebuilt" M21 leaks and based on reviews repairpal dot com as well that "rebuilt" 350 probably will too if I can ever get all the incorrect mess Hicks made corrected that is.
A professionally employed mechanic has been attempting to determine the exact extent of the mutilation but it's ongoing at this review. The photo evidence is alarming & dangerous.The clutch fork was broken and used and the throwout bearing was incorrect and installed upside down. I learned too late to always conduct a free online public offender search before giving a job to anyone be it my classic Chevelle or broken Matchbox truck. I have filed complaints with the regulatory agencies & will update accordingly.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Crystal
Burlington,North Carolina,
United States
Update "Rebuilt" Transmission Confirmed BAD!
#4Author of original report
Sat, February 02, 2019
Today 2/2/19 the technician confirmed the front input bearing is bad on this 'rebuilt" transmission Hicks sold me for $800.00. Last week the brand new clutch was confirmed as burned slam up from the incorrect installation and broken components. I inquired with Hicks about a warranty which he had indicated did cover the "clutch, pressure plate, ecetera" and was provided 4 different responses and I quote:
1. "You didn't get billed for them because of your complaining of the cost of those parts"...
2."There is a warranty on the clutch assembly and pedal assembly and flywheel were bought new"
3."I will contact my supplier and find out the warranty process"
4. "My Supply will not deal with you I'm their customer all warranties have to be done through my shop bottom line" That's more customer DISSERVICE there folks!
While Hicks maintains the same old "Customer knew the parts were used" he told me in my face standing in the shop in front of the "mechanic" Tom Kunselman the he had rebuilt THIS transmission himself. Hicks told so, so many lies during this project he can't recall what all he lied about & I am just a "complainer".
I certainly am & I've filed a complaint with the Attorney General who has initiated an investigation for this fraudulent & deceptive conduct.
Crystal
Burlington,North Carolina,
United States
Rip Off Report Rebuttal: Hicks Mangled My 72 Chevelle Wagon and Wrecked My Transmission Conversion!
#4Author of original report
Tue, January 15, 2019
Any bill for professional services that does not reflect an hourly rate & the number of hours billed screams unethical...the work performed simply does not justify the labor billed and HIcks expects me to take him at his word without supporting documentation & I become "threatening" when I call them out & request documentation, still not provided to date.
That's professionally unethical and a sure sign of a liar cornered. It's never, ever them. Hicks waves a fantasy fix-all lie-wand with "the customer was informed" fairy dust but fails to realize, or care, that the faux-disclaimer is not a release from ethical liability or will it escape public review here. Hicks failed to do any part of the correct installation as discussed among many other issues also brought to Hicks attention, but refused to acknowledge, accept responsibility for the disgraceful work or make it right.
Then I suddenly became a "threatening" woman causing the company problems because I demanded what I paid for but never received. In short all 6 rebuttal points of Hicks are lies and continue to deny the issue or attempt to correct. From Hicks rebuttal I gather:
1. Women who've been ripped off become suddenly "threatening" when the fraud's exposed.
2. At Hicks the Customer IS the Problem!
3. Used Parts....So You Know....Used Parts. I'm taking this trash experience to the curb & letting it go as a valuable, costly lesson & moving on down the road. My car is already being fixed by a real mechanic better than ever without a single junk Hicks part left on it: I just can't trust them. Hicks left a sad & permanent tragedy along the restoration road of this multi-year restoration.
While what I planned at length for & certainly not what I paid 4k for much less received, I learned a valuable lesson here. I hope my experience will help others avoid such nightmares. Contact me online or on the street & I will share my pics & supporting documents in detail to let Hicks own work quality, business ethics & words speak for themselves!
The truth requires no excuse & I invite you to check out my ongoing story of this restoration. Be Sure to check right here at Rip Off Report, your local BBB, Secretary of State & your Country Register of Deeds, free public records, the local Post Office and online reviews before awarding your project to anyone...the truth is out there, & here, if you are diligent enough to seek it!
Finally: Hicks misrepresented the shops knowledge and abilities when it comes to Chevelles, at least projects like mine anyway. His incompetence has cost me much in lost time, damage to my auto & a great deal $$. In my opinion Hicks gets NO STARS & a Big Fat F Rating in each and every category possible!
Kevin
Burlington,North Carolina,
United States
Chevelle
#4REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, January 15, 2019
The customer Knew that they were getting a used engine and transmission and shifter and linkage the job was initially to do just an engine swap.
after a week the customer decided to change the engine and transmission put aftermarket gauges and fix other items as well customer was advised that the entire process would take longer than a couple of weeks due to the work order changes
customer was kept advised of everything that was going on with the build and was made aware of the costs up front the 1605.22 dollars is itemized on the receipt it was for the labor of removing the engine and transmission and putting the engine and transmission back into the vehicle
car did not have a broken clutch fork or improperly installed throw out bearing
the vehicle was test drove multiple times before the customer picked it up when the customer complained that there was possibly a problem the shop advised them to bring it back to be looked at not once but twice and they refused to bring it back
the customer signed an itemized receipt and inspected the vehicle before it left the shops property the customer advised us to take off the shifter on the column since the replacement column that they provided was in disrepair the customer has went out of their way to cause problems for the company and employees with threatening text messages and unsolicited personal emails