Complaint Review: TLC Performance

I bought my 1st vintage vehicle a 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40.  I needed some repair and up-grade work.  I found a shop specializing in this vehicle from the web blog IH8MUD.com.  TLC Performance owned by Jim Chenoweth was recommended by his friends on that blog.  I took my vehicle to him and was shocked on how his place of business appeared. Tools and junk everywhere, basically a back yard mechanic working out of his home and yard. He is a one man show, not the "shop" that was advertised. I had gut reservations, but we discussed a plan for my vehicle and I left it with him.

Jim Chenoweth was very negative and kept telling me how his work is better than any other Land Cruiser shop. I thought of him as very insecure, but tried not to be judgemental and give him a chance. Mechanic types sometimes have personality pitfalls, but again I wanted to give him a chance.

I told Jim my budget was $10,000 for work done. He agreed, I left and drove home several hours away. I'll try not to bore everyone with all the details. Long story short, he demanded the money up-front because he does not have the funds to buy parts. BIG MISTAKE  He did about 1/8 of the work he promised, then demanded more money. I took my vehicle out of his shop and to a Toyota dealer repair shop.  Toyota told me Jim did about $1000 worth of parts and work to my vehicle, which Toyota had to take apart and install correctly.  Jim was very confrontational, called me a cheap skate and many other names.

I lost $10,000 on this deal, but learned alot. Don't deal with a backyard mechanic and pay up-front.