Hugo Codinach
UPDATE After nearly three years, the benches are finally complete. Despite the challenges along the way (see below), Erwin took responsibility for his mistakes and ultimately did a great job. I’ve updated my review to 4 stars because, in the end, he was kind, accommodating, and even purchased additional vinyl to replace damaged parts—without charging me extra. Unfortunately, the body shop is still working on the truck itself (going on four years now, but that’s another story…). So, in the grand scheme of things, the long wait for the benches wasn’t a major issue. I just wish the initial complications hadn’t happened—otherwise, I would have gladly given Erwin 5 stars. That said, they are all very nice, and I appreciate supporting small businesses. ——— OLD REVIEW I left a couple of benches from my 1978 Bronco with a couple of rolls of the original fabric and vinyl from SMS Fabrics, which are very expensive and not easy to get by, for a reupholstery job to original specs. After almost 2 years there has been no progress at all. Every time I show up or call it is all excuses. And every time he says he will have it done by the following week. One time Erwin told me to stop by the next day, I showed up and he had left on a trip to New York. He later said it was a family emergency but he didn't call or text to cancel the appointment and no one at the shop knew I was coming. So unprofessional and a waste of my time. Numerous times he has asked me to resend him the images I gathered as references with the excuse that he either had to change his phone or lost them. Not very reassuring. The only thing he showed me the last time I was there was the original vinyl completely ripped apart from the benches and they also had lost some parts. Now he doesn't even answer the phone. He did mention at some point that someone at his shop had started the job but he did not like what the guy was doing so he took over. But when I asked if I could see something, he gave me excuses. Again, not very reassuring. I have already paid half of the job as a down payment. At this point, I feel that I have been scammed or they perhaps messed up and are trying to avoid me. Despite all this, I have been very nice with him and have kept my cool up until now. If this continues I will have no option but to take this into legal matters.
