November 2019 by J. P. B.
Here is a summary of my business relationship with Union Jack British Auto Restoration and Repair in San Martin: September 14, 2017: Met owner Marcello LoCascio. It was agreed that my 1936 Ford Five Window Deluxe Coupe needed an engine rebuild. "We will try to keep the total cost at just about $11,000.00, and it will take a few months." No written estimate was ever received. This is a violation of California law 9884.9(a). June 25, 2018: To date I had voluntarily paid out $5,500.00. I asked: "Marcello, where are we now in the process?" "Oh, I'll need another check from you." "My problem with giving you more money is that you have never given me a receipt, bill, statement or written estimate! In September you verbally gave a number of $11,000.00 and that is exactly what I have been planning on." "That's what we are shooting for, but a lot depends on what the cost of the parts are. I need to make money, too, you know. I'm sure that, in the end, both parties will be happy. I will get a quote written up." "I understand that you need to make money, but this has taken way too long!" August 27, 2018 "Your engine is back at the shop. Marcello" November 21, 2018 "Got your car started and running. Marcello" December 18, 2018 Picked up the car. No warranty offered. December 23, 2018 Turns out that the car was running on six cylinders and was spewing out excessive exhaust due to leaking coolant. All this was a result of a crack in the block that had not been repaired. Also learned that Union Jack had not built the engine. This is a violation of California law 9884.9(b). May 31, 2019 Went by the shop. Marcello said: "Spoke with Flathead City in Oregon and ordered a completely rebuilt engine at no cost to you." The shop paid $4,750.00. August 27, 2019 "Your car is back together. I started test driving it yesterday. Marcello" September 17, 2017 Car was delivered with a leak caused by a corroded radiator cap, no dome light, no right parking light, no brake lights, turn signal wires not connected to parking lights, nonfunctional radio and a clutch squeak. Also, it would not start when warm due to a faulty coil. Cost to make repairs came to $604.00 for a grand total of $18,473.08. And, it took two years and three days to complete! J. P. Bremis, Morgan Hill
