On March 15, 2025, I dropped my 1946 Chevy truck off at Allen Automotive (also known as The Hot Rod…read moreShop). I was told the repairs would take a few weeks. The requested work included addressing a hard-start issue, a carburetor running rich, a fuel tank ventilation issue, and checking the passenger-side door.
Instead, my truck remained at the shop for over three months and later had to be returned for additional repairs after I received it back in June 2025. Communication throughout this process was extremely poor, and I was informed there were staffing issues and too much work. Unauthorized work was also performed and charged to me.
I was told the truck needed to be rewired due to electrical drain issues. During this process, several new problems occurred that were not present when I dropped the truck off, including malfunctioning door poppers, blown amplifier, non-working brake lights and cab light, fuel gauge, and tachometer. Interior components were removed and reinstalled improperly, resulting in the driver's-side door no longer closing correctly--an issue that did not exist before. While there, the truck also sustained clearcoat damage and paint chips on the driver's-side door.
Multiple distributors and sending units were installed because I was told parts did not work, though it is unclear whether this was due to faulty parts or improper installation by Allen Automotive. After initially receiving the truck back, the newly installed gas tank leaked severely and had to be returned again, at which point I was told the wrong hose had been used. I was later informed the carburetor was bad, despite it being only a few years old with minimal mileage.
After contacting the owner, Candace Bongiovanni, the truck was towed back to the shop due to safety concerns, including fuel pouring from the new gas tank, no brake lights, and stalling. When the truck was returned to me again, it continued to cut off. Additional issues remained, including door poppers not working correctly, the driver's-side door requiring force to shut, a non-working truck bed light, grease and paint dust in the interior, and loose interior parts left inside the truck.
I later had the truck towed to another classic car repair shop for inspection of Allen Automotive's work and to get the truck running. At that time, the truck was completely dead and had to be winched onto the wrecker--an issue I never experienced before Allen Automotive worked on it. The second shop determined the carburetor and timing were severely out of adjustment after being adjusted by Allen Automotive and confirmed the carburetor was in good condition and did not need replacement, contrary to Allen Automotive's recommendation. They also stated the truck now requires a complete rewire, despite my having paid Allen Automotive to rewire it.
Although the second shop was able to get the truck running as I requested, I am still left with unresolved issues that were not present prior to taking my vehicle to Allen Automotive, including the driver's-side door shutting hard, door poppers not working properly, cab brake light not working, and paint damage. Due to the amount of money I paid Allen Automotive (and in other fees like having my amp tested by an expert, towing, additional work elsewhere, etc...), I am having to have the repairs to damage caused by Allen Automotive done in increments.
I am extremely disappointed with the quality of work, lack of communication, unauthorized repairs, and damage to my vehicle while it was in your care.
