DD15 has been in the shop for 8 months. Need advice.

Is this a shop that’s our advertising and trying to get work?? Or just a one-man show? There are two shops here that are very reasonable with what they charge on some of our projects cause they’re using it as filler work and we just know that it might be a while… I guess there’s a reason the dealer charges the dollars they do

 

Eight months and youre asking this? We give legal advice pro bono in here. Unfortunately lawyers in the real world don't work for free. Your first misstep was deleting a 2019 unit instead of fixing it. Freightliner/Detroit emissions is the most reliable foolproof there is. But running old worn out emissions equipment is double the cost of old pre-emissions stuff. Does your business model support that or would you have been better off with a brand new Freightliner? I bet you would've been money ahead with a brand new truck payment versus this headache.

 

There is something about realistic deadlines in this business; there are expectations that will force them to justify their actions, not yours. You didn't tell them to take their time; you didn't tell them to hold off on repairing it. This is an industry that requires the truck to move to make money, not to have it sit looking pretty and make money. First step is getting your crap together and document everything. Second is to get a lawyer.

 

Too bad, so sad. Too little too late.
Did it all start with a deception or a shortcut?
Can't catch up in a race unless you fully understand the rules and can exploit them to your advantage.

A high IQ is pretty much required.

 

The minute you typed up this post was well past the point of cutting your losses and going to a different shop. This particular job is seemingly past your mechanic's expertise.

 

First thing I’d do is make sure a different shop in the area would work on it if it’s deleted. Second I’d call a tow truck and get it towed. Only I would have done this at least 6 months ago.
I don’t care what that guy says. You still believe the guy? You’re crazy if you believe a word out of his mouth. I’d personally go up there and make sure all the parts are loaded up in a tote and get the thing towed asap. If the original shop tries to charge you anything that may be when you should start talking to him about getting a lawyer.