Headlamp problem

DarraghR

So a mechanic did a few jobs for me. One of them being the headlamp. Went through the NCT and the only thing it failed on was the un secure headlamp which he should have fixed. All they did was grab the headlamp from underneath and lifted it up.

He used some black bonding stuff that drys in 1 minute. He really should have just told me that I would need a new headlamp intact. Because of his **** up I am now down nearly 100 euro from unnecessary testing and now must go for the full test again!

I got a headlamp in good condition from a scrap yard. He then fitted it without putting in the bolt that would be near the drivers side panel. His argument was that it wasnt needed because the bottom clip was now keeping it more secure.

After he went i put the light to the test and the top bolt snapped. He then returned and drilled into the car and put a screw in to hold it in place.

My worry now is when the NCT will go to check it the plastic support near the top of the new headlamp might snap......

The mechanic has been running the garage for more than 15 years and has consistant customers so this is not some dodgy cowboy in case anyone is wondering.





The work that needs to be done i would say is for the damaged panel to be pulled back enough to allow the headlamp to align with any bolt holes, remove the bumper to get at the side bolt.

At this stage I am absolutely heart broken that I trusted someone to do the job right and it cost me even more expense and time wasted.

biko

Moved out from an alignment thread.

What do you need OP? A bodyshop? Location?

DarraghR

Just wanted to get peoples feedback on the situation. I am in the right asking for my money back etc.
Advice on fixing the problem myself. Should I make a new thread??

biko

I already made this new thread for you so we can continue here.

If you tell us your location (Cork/Waterford/Dublin/Mayo) we can recommend bodyshops where they could take a look and quote you for a fix.

The car looks fairly old from the photos so that is probably why mech just used a woodscrew to hold lamp in place.
I agree, he should have consulted you first.

rex-x

How did it get to the stage of 4 retests? To be honest from what we can see the car looks in very poor condition and we cant really see what other damage might be in that corner so hard to make a fair assessment of whether or not he did a poor job in the circumstances. He could have been trying to keep things cheap for you?

DarraghR

I went for my NCT first and got a list of things it failed on. Gave it to a garage / mechanic and he said he would sort everything. After the retest the headlamp was still really unsecure so I was given another opportunity for another retest but did not have time to get a new headlamp and get the lights aligned resulting in my current situation of a second full test.

I have managed to remove part of the bumper myself, guide the new headlamp into the correct position and bolt it at the side panel. The mechanic was paid to do this job and did a half ass job which left me paying for more re tests.

Can anyone really blame me for wanting to avoid garages and have little faith in mechanics ...

biko

DarraghR wrote: »

Can anyone really blame me for wanting to avoid garages and have little faith in mechanics ...

Of course not, that's why we do everything we can DIY