Lost my car in a chassis shop accident

[Alan Warman]

Did not want to hijack the thread of the 2014 updates so I am starting a new one here.
As many of you know I lost my Stocker in a chassis shop fire/accident. The car in question was an '85 Cutlass no VIN car that originally belonged to Ron Garey.
Before I took my car to the chassis shop I had pulled the engine and trans, fuel system, and ignition from the car. The problem I am having with the chassis shop is, he thinks that an '85 Cutlass off the street is the same as a no VIN car that has never seen the street.
He has offered to replace the body, but nothing else (ie paint job, lettering, etc).
He has made me several offers including the one mentioned above or an '03 double cab Ford Dually ( wore out). One of the other offers was, back-halfing our super stock project and $4500.00 for my engine, transmission, and all parts to make a running stocker. He feels my car is not worth what I am asking, because it does not have a store bought engine or a high dollar rear-end. I run the car in K/Stock automatic and have run a best of 11.883 at 111 mph off the 12.65 NHRA index.
With the suspension changes, and converter changes the car would have been a 1.00 under NHRA car.
This is a 307 Olds engine, non roller cam engine, so he knows he has me over a barrel as far as potential buyers for my left over parts.
I really don't want to take legal action, but don't want to get screwed out of my hard work and accomplishments either.
I did not buy this car turn-key. I bought it as a roller and accomplished all the engine, transmission, and rear end (suspension work) myself. I know I can't charge for sentimental value, but there is a lot of that in it. When I was building the car I sustained a back injury, could not work, and the labor on the car was my rehab.
Any suggestions on what I might do would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alan

[J.R. Haddad]

Alan, I need some more information to help you. Did you sign a work order for the work you wanted done? What type of Co. is this, LTD, privately owned, or ?? Is there a reason his insurance Co. is not involved?? Is his insurance Co. aware that you have a claim?? Does he have an insurance policy on his business? J.R.

[DrJRacing]

Check with legal/ business people you respect with regard to their opinion on this matter and on their recommendations for an attorney. Interview several attorneys with one or more of these people present
( if possible) . There are ways to encourage a favorable outcome without automatically proceeding with a lawsuit or accepting whatever compensation this person is willing to offer. Document any and all past information pertaining to this matter...(write a diary of everything that has transpired so far - it will help in explaining your situation to these individuals). Be aware of the fact that anything you put on the Internet may end up in court. Similarly, any notes you make in preparation for your case may be requested by opposing council in court.
Doug Jonak

[Alan Warman]

Mr. Haddad you have a PM. Thanks for the info everybody has sent.

[Chuck Garey]

Just curious was this the Brown or Blue Car?

[njk53]

A car that runs 11.88 in K/SA is a respectable vehicle. Stop negotiating with the shop owner, consult an attorney and see what your options are. Don't sell yourself short. I didn't hear any mention of an insurance company. Is this guy a registered business with the county? He has some liability in the matter even though the fire I'm assuming was an accident.

[Alan Warman]

Chuck
It was the brown car, that I bought from Jim in 2006.

[nhramnl]

Originally Posted by njk53

A car that runs 11.88 in K/SA is a respectable vehicle. Stop negotiating with the shop owner, consult an attorney and see what your options are. Don't sell yourself short. I didn't hear any mention of an insurance company. Is this guy a registered business with the county? He has some liability in the matter even though the fire I'm assuming was an accident.

This is the best advice in the thread. Don't "work with" the guy, and try to "make a deal". You entrusted your property to him and he destroyed it. He isn't your friend, and even if he was, he'd still have the obligation to restore you to the condition you were in before the loss. Get a lawyer, or you'll end up with nothing.