What is it with some people?

[GDPR]

In my garage there is a late Mk1 engine hanging on a crane. This engine was delivered to me by someone, who didn't really ask first, and wanted it checked, regasketed (but not head gaskets for some reason - against advice) and new timing chains, helicoiling knackered threads etc. This was a barn find car, that had been started after 20 years and apparently ran very well with no overheating - although with what I found while stripping makes "very well" unlikely, but not impossible.

It was delivered to me on the basis that it would be a "spare time" project, and that I was making no guarantees on when it would be returned, but as the rest of the vehicle was being stripped for body repairs etc that was not an issue. I do have a daytime job, and a young family, so they come first.

Progress was made over a period of time, but when it had reached about 60% done, I recieved stroppy phone calls saying "˙ou've got my engine, and you're not telling me anything, how do I know you haven't sold it, etc..."

I reply that maybe he hadn't asked about progress, and the basis of how it arrived, it was a spare time job and that he could have his engine back on the following week, completed, if he was going to take that attitude, and he needed to collect it promptly.

That was many weeks ago, it remains hanging on the crane despite more than a couple of pre-arranged pick up times, and it's in the way of me sorting my garage for the winter ready to get my own car in - and owing me money in parts that I have fitted.

This has really soured me towards helping people out with their cars, especially as this guy was a club member, and it was done via my local group....

Question is what do I do?

Russ

[DJT]

Tell them to collect within ** days or it's going on Ebay?

If people know you've rebuilt it you should get some payback............

[Bob Heritage]

Ditto with Dave.

[V Mad]

Send a bill for work completed. Give reasonable time to pay and collect. All correspondence recorded delivery.
Then decide what to do if no response (e.g. charge for storage should get things going?).

[GDPR]

nice thought Chris, but all I have is a first name, a phone number and no address.... however, conversely I do have a complete engine, a non-overdrive Stag gearbox, and a 1967 Vitesse 2 litre that is just itching to be a 3 litre....

[V Mad]

Ahh, yes tricky.
Vitesse V8, very tempting.

[martin]

That's bloody awful Russ, take some comfort in the knowledge that plonkers like him are in the minority !
Give him due warning then stick it in the Vitesse How's your recovery coming along ? Martin.

[Paul Goldsmith]

Send a bill for work completed. Give reasonable time to pay and collect. All correspondence recorded delivery.
Then decide what to do if no response (e.g. charge for storage should get things going?).

Seems like sound advice but as well as specifying the exact duration of of 'reasonable time', in that initial recorded letter I'd also at confirm your non-compliance terms there and then (ie. storage costs and risk of disposal etc)

You might not feel you want to but to attempt to resolve the situation, it might be a consideration to also provide in the recorded letter a quote to complete the work but only applicable once the current outstanding invoice has been settled within the required timescale.

Appreciate that you've not got the address but as this was arranged via the local club, you might have a valid claim to get their full details from the club registrar.

It could be worth getting some initial legal advice, before you commence on any action - I'm no specialist but having looked into something similar recently I believe such scenarios are covered by The Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977

Sorry to hear you're in this postion, hope it works out well for you

[billywhizz]

I'm with Paul on this one. If you are doing it as a 'favour' then at least the gentleman concerned should be in contact regularly and be paying you some money as you go to cover at least the parts cost. Would like to see a V8 Vitesse!! Nigel

[Andrew S]

Russ, why not check and see if teh engine matches with anything stolen . You did say 'Barn find' didnt you? It wasnt dropped off by someone driving a Transit pickup, 2 dogs, 3 washing machines on the back with a cooker and othe rmetal and only giving you a first name?

[GDPR]

He has used this forum and although it was a van, no domestic appliances Andrew - I won't give out his user name, as the name and shame part can come later if required, it is just pretty irritating and just makes me less inclined to help others out in the future....

[silverfox]

Russ, give him a week to collect it then put it outside for the winter, (uncovered )

[Goldstar]

He has used this forum and although it was a van, no domestic appliances Andrew - I won't give out his user name, as the name and shame part can come later if required, it is just pretty irritating and just makes me less inclined to help others out in the future....

Russ, there's nowt as queer as folk and it would be a shame if future help were less easy to come by due to the actions of this person. My experience in these types of issues (difficult clients usually!!) is that if you point out to them that they are being unreasonable they are a.) a bit surprised and b.) tend to modify their behaviour a little. I would be inclined to send him a nice PM along the lines of you have been doing what you said you would and that he now owes you some money and that you are perfectly willing to continue as previously agreed (asumning you are) subject to some payment. Follow that with a RD letter and add that if he fails to contact you or pay you within 28 days (you have to be reasonable as the courts will judge your actions if it comes to legal action later) you reserve the right to sell or retain the goods to recover your loss that way. You have to prove a loss (time and materials I assume) so that shouldn't be difficult. If the value of the negine is greater than the loss you may have some issues there but although it sounds like he is being unreasonable it is still his property and you must give him the opportunity to satisfy his part of your agreement. Sadly the law is seldom made to follow logic....

Good luck and if he doesn't want it back let me know.....

Paul

[wilf]

Whatever else happens, do NOT let them collect that engine without payment in full first. No matter what excuses, promises, or other BS they come up with.

[AlanD]

totally agree with Wilf, and others, make sure you get paid for what you have done Russ, you're a nice bloke and very helpful with everyone and knowing you, you will have underestimated what he owes you anyway.

a taker always spots a giver, and there's a lot of takers out there, me i would call him and say, it's in the gutter fetch it when you're ready!! and the invoice is in the post!

it makes me mad when people do these things, they spoil it for all the good guys, dont take it to heart Russ, we know how helpful you are and we appreciate it

Alan

sorry rant over