Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Bought a Boxster S several weeks ago and found the air con to be pretty poor, I know that doesn't bother everyone but it bothers me, I don't want to HAVE to use it top down when it is hot but likely to pee down. Anyway I called a mobile air con specialist who came out and diagnosed faulty condensors and suggested I change the drier as well, he didn't have them but gave me a price for genuine OEM parts supplied and fitted. About 2 weeks later he returns and starts the job, first off I was a little surprised how rough he was with the plastic components, when he tries to remove the front bumper the screws at the bottom rear are seized so he is really bending the black plastic trim to try and chisel them off (eventually breaking one trim piece), he finally drills the screws out and gets the bumper off. So the condensors and drier are fitted no problem and everything put back, the air con works fine but I find that a fixing is sticking out, air con man seems to be reluctant to tap it back, when I persuade him to do it the side indicator falls out, he has broken the tabs that hold it in, he pushes it back and says it will be fine with just the spring fixing, I tap the wing and it falls out again, he gets glue and glues it back, I say that is not acceptable and we settle on a discount to cover replacement. So next day I switch on air con and its exactly the same as before it was "fixed", I ring air con man and he says "there must be another leak" I arrange a return date and he tells me the joints he has done are fine and the leak must be under the panels beneath the car so it will need to go on ramps which we can't do at 8 o clock at night (the only time we could meet) So here is my dilemma, I have spent £600 (cash)so far (I got charged for first visit when nothing was done) I have no working air con and 2 broken bits of trim that I noticed later on top of the indicator. Do I really want this guy back, he is going to want more money for certain and I don't think I want him touching the car again. my gut feeling is take the hit and go to a proper Porsche or air con specialists and not bother with this guy, I'd love opinion on this, I have certainly been naive but am I being an*l about trim damage, can anyone recommend anyone good in the Manchester area? Feel free to abuse me for being a tit up to now by the way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topradio Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 I feel for you. There is nothing more demoralising than when you employ a cowboy. The dilemma of whether to let him continue to try and fix the fault or take it to somebody who knows what they are doing is a difficult one. For what its worth I believe that he has demonstrated that his workmanship is rubbish and I wouldn't let him go near the car again. I should think that forum sponsors Revolution should be able to work on your air con and they have a great reputation. They are only about an hours drive from Manchester and, once they have done a report on the dodgy workmanship the cowboy did, I would destroy his online reputation at every opportunity and make him pay for it through loss of business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooid Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Did you think about getting it removed completely? My car has no A.C. as standard. I think one big less expense and problems in the world of 986 + its good for cooling in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Thanks Topradio that is my feeling too and I was hoping for that feedback on Revolution, Ooid, so spend £600 on aircon and then remove it.................hmm let me think,,,,,, Nah. Seriously in one sense I agree with you, I like the idea of a modern classic with no air con, no leccy windows, no remote central locking, just engine, brakes, suspension, bodywork and essential electrics to worry about, but then it gets bloody hot in that cabin and I want my aircon back! Third World problems are such a bitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxstercol Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Sounds like a right bodge job, I wouldn't let him anywhere near my car again if it were me. Regarding the air con leak, it could be that you have a damaged pipe that runs underneath the car near the front hacking point - this is a common problem caused by numpties not being careful when jacking the car up. £600 seems a lot to have new air con condensers replaced, I'm sure a specialist wouldn't have charged much more at the outset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooid Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 I literally never need A.C. with boxster. Winters, hard-top and old-school heater does the job. Summers, no-top + cold from the heater does the job (engine runs cooler I think comparing to A.C. during summer, especially on non-traffic roads). Don't even want to think about all the complexities it brings; condensers, pipes, the rest ahh.. :/ On my modern beetle, daily driver, A.C. is full on but again, its under warranty so no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topradio Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 My 986 doesn't have AC and I don't miss it, however if it was fitted I would want it to work. As I get older I realise just how many poor tradesmen there are out there and will always ask people I know and trust for recommendation and take a look at their workmanship before employing them. Its worth asking Russ at Revolution if the condensers are OEM as the aftermarket ones can be had for as little as £40 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 I knew about the cheap condensers and I didn't want to go Chinese cr*p route, I was prepared to pay the right money and this guy had some good reviews (admittedly on his own website). Live and learn is the motto here I think, I am away for 4 weeks or so but I will book in with Revolution when I get back. Thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj225 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 52 minutes ago, Terryg said: Bought a Boxster S several weeks ago and found the air con to be pretty poor, I know that doesn't bother everyone but it bothers me, I don't want to HAVE to use it top down when it is hot but likely to pee down. Anyway I called a mobile air con specialist who came out and diagnosed faulty condensors and suggested I change the drier as well, he didn't have them but gave me a price for genuine OEM parts supplied and fitted. About 2 weeks later he returns and starts the job, first off I was a little surprised how rough he was with the plastic components, when he tries to remove the front bumper the screws at the bottom rear are seized so he is really bending the black plastic trim to try and chisel them off (eventually breaking one trim piece), he finally drills the screws out and gets the bumper off. So the condensors and drier are fitted no problem and everything put back, the air con works fine but I find that a fixing is sticking out, air con man seems to be reluctant to tap it back, when I persuade him to do it the side indicator falls out, he has broken the tabs that hold it in, he pushes it back and says it will be fine with just the spring fixing, I tap the wing and it falls out again, he gets glue and glues it back, I say that is not acceptable and we settle on a discount to cover replacement. So next day I switch on air con and its exactly the same as before it was "fixed", I ring air con man and he says "there must be another leak" I arrange a return date and he tells me the joints he has done are fine and the leak must be under the panels beneath the car so it will need to go on ramps which we can't do at 8 o clock at night (the only time we could meet) So here is my dilemma, I have spent £600 (cash)so far (I got charged for first visit when nothing was done) I have no working air con and 2 broken bits of trim that I noticed later on top of the indicator. Do I really want this guy back, he is going to want more money for certain and I don't think I want him touching the car again. my gut feeling is take the hit and go to a proper Porsche or air con specialists and not bother with this guy, I'd love opinion on this, I have certainly been naive but am I being an*l about trim damage, can anyone recommend anyone good in the Manchester area? Feel free to abuse me for being a tit up to now by the way! When you switch on the A/C, do you hear anything "turning on" behind the dash, behind the seats etc. revs should also rise to around 900-1000rpm at idle when the compressor kicks in too. If it doesn't, then that's your issue. Did he measure the volume/weight of the A/C system to confirm a leak? Or was it a visual look and guess? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Joseph Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Hi Terryg. Sorry for the hassle you're having, but don't let it spoil your Boxster experience. You're no t1t: we've all been there at some point with dodgy tradesmen. ? I have to agree with my fellow forum members that you absolutely don't want this clown back. Put his name into Google and see if he's on any review sites like Trustpilot, or on social media. If so, fill your boots... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Just now, cj225 said: When you switch on the A/C, do you hear anything "turning on" behind the dash, behind the seats etc. revs should also rise to around 900-1000rpm at idle when the compressor kicks in too. If it doesn't, then that's your issue. Did he measure the volume/weight of the A/C system to confirm a leak? Or was it a visual look and guess? When he first 'fixed' it those things happened, next day not. No he didn't measure anything on his return tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj225 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 2 minutes ago, Terryg said: When he first 'fixed' it those things happened, next day not. No he didn't measure anything on his return tonight. By the sound of his ham-fisted approach, I'd be willing to bet the job has been bodged. Not to bother you too much, but the sooner you get the job done, the better the chance you have of claiming some money back. Don't be afraid of thinking you're not entitled - you don't have to pay a tradesman for shyatee work that has not been done to a professional standard (if it is shown that it's the fitting/parts at fault). Some would say you should give him the change to put it right, but I think you'd be excused thanks to the damage he did doing it the first time around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Just now, Daniel Joseph said: Hi Terryg. Sorry for the hassle you're having, but don't let it spoil your Boxster experience. You're no t1t: we've all been there at some point with dodgy tradesmen. ? I have to agree with my fellow forum members that you absolutely don't want this clown back. Put his name into Google and see if he's on any review sites like Trustpilot, or on social media. If so, fill your boots... Cheers Daniel, its not going to spoil it for me that I promise, age and experience has taught me not to let these things do that, as someone who always tries to do jobs to the best of their ability I tend to be very trusting, this usually works out fine, occasionally it doesn't, I'll never learn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 2 minutes ago, cj225 said: By the sound of his ham-fisted approach, I'd be willing to bet the job has been bodged. Not to bother you too much, but the sooner you get the job done, the better the chance you have of claiming some money back. Don't be afraid of thinking you're not entitled - you don't have to pay a tradesman for shyatee work that has not been done to a professional standard (if it is shown that it's the fitting/parts at fault). Some would say you should give him the change to put it right, but I think you'd be excused thanks to the damage he did doing it the first time around. Cj225, unfortunately my business stops me doing anything for the next week and the family holiday for the following 2 weeks, they are a greater priority for me, but I do agree with you and thank you for your comments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Joseph Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 4 minutes ago, cj225 said: By the sound of his ham-fisted approach, I'd be willing to bet the job has been bodged. Not to bother you too much, but the sooner you get the job done, the better the chance you have of claiming some money back. Don't be afraid of thinking you're not entitled - you don't have to pay a tradesman for shyatee work that has not been done to a professional standard (if it is shown that it's the fitting/parts at fault). As you can't do anything for at least three weeks, I would suggest, as a "holding" position, you send him a recorded delivery letter explaining your dissatisfaction with the work done and, in particular, the damage he caused, which is your reason for not allowing him to undertake any further work. Explain that you will be taking the car to another air con specialist and will seek to recover the cost of further repairs, including for the damage he caused, through the Small Claims Court in due course unless he refunds you the money you have paid him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj225 Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 3 minutes ago, Daniel Joseph said: As you can't do anything for at least three weeks, I would suggest, as a "holding" position, you send him a recorded delivery letter explaining your dissatisfaction with the work done and, in particular, the damage he caused, which is your reason for not allowing him to undertake any further work. Explain that you will be taking the car to another air con specialist and will seek to recover the cost of further repairs, including for the damage he caused, through the Small Claims Court in due course unless he refunds you the money you have paid him. +1 Also, do you have the old parts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Joseph Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 13 minutes ago, Terryg said: Cheers Daniel, its not going to spoil it for me that I promise, age and experience has taught me not to let these things do that, as someone who always tries to do jobs to the best of their ability I tend to be very trusting, this usually works out fine, occasionally it doesn't, I'll never learn! Great philosophy, by the way. Stick with it! ☺ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart21UK Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 2 hours ago, Daniel Joseph said: As you can't do anything for at least three weeks, I would suggest, as a "holding" position, you send him a recorded delivery letter explaining your dissatisfaction with the work done and, in particular, the damage he caused, which is your reason for not allowing him to undertake any further work. Explain that you will be taking the car to another air con specialist and will seek to recover the cost of further repairs, including for the damage he caused, through the Small Claims Court in due course unless he refunds you the money you have paid him. +2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike597 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 I broke both of my side indicators when I changed my air con rads as well last year. I don't think I could have avoided it really, aged plastic clips simply came apart in my hand,,tbh it's not a great design. On the other hand I got smart new replacements for about £30 which are much better than the old ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Thanks everyone for all your positive comments and help. First off I have booked an appointment with Revolution to do a full check of the car prior to joining their maintenance plan (assuming the checks all work out ok), this is the route for me, pay regular small monthly amounts and have the peace of mind that comes with having people who actually care working on your car. This has been a costly but valuable lesson, I am going to learn from it and move on quickly. Daniel, I totally agree with the advice you have given, BUT my current business position means I am not going to take it, my business is growing fast and I need to stay in a positive frame of mind, this will drag me down and cost me more than the £600 if I get bogged down in argument or worse still litigation. As mike597 correctly points out old clips and plastic can be tricky, but the fact that he said that he had worked on a few old Boxsters meant I thought he would know how it came apart, so on balance I am going to let it go. However, if I find out that the parts he fitted are not OE that will be a different story and he can expect hellfire and brimstone to rain down upon him. This forum is fantastic, I also belong to the 924 one but thought this one maybe a bit more "snobby" I couldn't have been more wrong (this is becoming a habit), in fact so far I haven't met a snobby Boxster owner just people who enjoy their cars and willing to help. Thanks again. PS do you think the administrators could get spellcheck to recognise the word "Boxster" it would seem to make sense on a Boxster forum. Also why is spellcheck one word and yet hellfire isn't? Is it because Google doesn't own Hell (yet). Life is so complicated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Ah, we didn't know you belonged to the 924 forum. Thought you had a "real" Porsche There are a few current and ex-924 owners knocking around here. Hope you get on well with Revolution, nearly everyone here does. Hopefully the end result will be a happy relationship with your car which means the £600 can be chalked up to experience and become a fading memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terryg Posted July 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Oh well so much for not being snobby LOL Seriously, the feedback about Revolution cannot all be wrong so I am confident this is the right decision for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patt Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 It's only about 40 mins cruise over the M62 (if there is no accident !) I often combine trip to Warrington with a trip over to Revolution. Gareth diagnosed one of the pipes from engine to condenser had some small holes under the black coating in minutes ! I would never have spotted them. Pipe was about £100 and I had thought about fitting it myself. When I saw the effort required and the fiddly bit through fuel filler, I'm glad I left it to the experts. Feels strange running about with the roof down in this heat, yet my feel are cold. But you also have the added bones that the fans are helping the water cooling too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edc Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Not to add fuel to your already lit fire but I would always advocate a search on here for parts. There are several people here adept at sourcing good parts and happily post up their experiences. As painful as it may be you can get good quality German made Ava condensers for about £40 each delivered. Couple that 2 say 2-3 hours labour at a friendly Indy well say no more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Joseph Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 6 hours ago, Terryg said: Daniel, I totally agree with the advice you have given, BUT my current business position means I am not going to take it, my business is growing fast and I need to stay in a positive frame of mind, this will drag me down and cost me more than the £600 if I get bogged down in argument or worse still litigation. Terry, I totally understand your thinking. I recently considered suing an architect and/or builder for some poor quality work, for which the cost of rectification was in the order of £13K (so potentially County Court, not Small Claims Court). After spending over £1k on legal advice telling me that I could easily spend double the cost of the claim on solicitors, barristers and professional expert fees, with no guarantee of full reimbursement even if I won the case, I decided to put it down to experience, stumped up the cost of rectification myself and left karma to take care of the other parties. (Karma is getting a little help, however: the builder will never see any quality work in this town again and the architect's reputation is in tatters with the local authority conservation officer, so she won't be recommending him again ?.) At least you have the new genuine OSM air-con parts and, hopefully, the remaining problem is not difficult or expensive to fix. Good luck, both with the car and your business! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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