And, the saga continues! After the disgust set in I decided to go to a different auto body shop for an estimate to repair the "new" bumper, and to address the damage done by Cape Auto Body while at the shop, which involved the right quarter panel which was only 2.5 years old. This new auto body shop looked at the bumper and told me that it was not safe to drive the vehicle as the bumper was not only in the wrong place, but was being held on with only one bolt on each side and they were in the wrong place, also. After consultation with my insurance agent he called the Manager at Cape Auto, who, by the way, said he was the owner (which he isn't according to the records in Plymouth County) my agent was told he would get no cooperation from him. That being said, after receiving the new estimate to repair my vehicle at a cost of $992, the Manager told me that he used to work at Cape Auto many years ago. Just my luck. Two days later, my agent called me again stating that he had received a call from Kevin Gallerani stating that he would "do whatever it takes" to repair the "new bumper", however, he would not fix the body damage sustained while in his care, custody and control. I do not know the level of complicity he played regarding that damage, but I would think that a Manager would know the quality of work performed by his employees. The explanation I received from the second appraiser was that it looked to him as if "they" had hit a pole while backing up in the shop, denting the quarter panel and scratching it. When they realized it, they tried to get away from the pole scratching it in the other direction. As it turns out, Kevin Gallerani's offer was based upon the fact that the second appraiser called him and gave him a "heads up". Talk about being unprofessional! I guess his loyalty lies with Kevin. Kevin's offer was also contingent upon me not "bad mouthing" Cape Auto online. I informed my agent that it was too late for that as I had spoken with a nephew who instructed me on how to do what needed to be done.
It was my intention to speak with Kevin's father, the owner, Dave Gallerani, hoping that he would not tolerate what had happened as he and his father before him had built up a good reputation. I could not have been more wrong. Dave was on vacation; however, was due back last week. When I called Cape Auto to see if he had returned I was told that no one was to have any discussions with me ever!! This "order" was handed down by Dave Gallerani, who boasts all over the radio about the quality of their work, and how they stand behind it.
My family, including married cousins, nephews and nieces who are married, probably comes to more than 150 people. Although many reside in and around Plymouth, I can guarantee that none will ever utilize Cape Auto, again. I would guess that this will at some point have an impact on the overall income, but they don't seem to care. I also feel that once Kevin inherits the business through the trust set up by his father that he will ruin it within five years if he keeps treating people this way.
More to come, I am sure. I cannot imagine returning my vehicle to Cape Auto for repair of the defective workmanship, as I can't trust them whatsoever. Also, the out of pocket expenses charged to me don't even add up. After driving for more than 50 years I have had my share of "rear end collisions", but have never gone through anything like this in my entire life.
"Yes, Dave" I am driving home your reputation!! read more