captdistraction
GrumpyRacer
So I've managed to stall my 2019 racing plans by the typical "luck" that's plagued my efforts.
Note: I've consulted an attorney, but we've yet to meet or have a call to fully discuss. Names obscured until I need to start burning bridges.
I started an engine build back last year knowing I'd need something to race with in 2019. I had slowly collected all the parts and interviewed builders to find what I wanted. I was hoping to find a local source for a detailed blueprinted build and I found a company that wow'ed on all marks.
Company A shared a space with Company B, and I entered an agreement with company A to build out a blueprinted shortblock (and I'd complete it into a long block). I was verbally quoted $2500-3500 to accomplish this work. I deposited $1500 and off they went. I went back to racing, and left them to work. They completed some measurements, were good with communicating with me, and determined the cylinders would need align honing (and a set of torque plates) to even be able to properly clearance pistons. This involved some back and forth as I had to buy a set of larger pistons and torque plates, but we determined the plates were inadequate and needed to fabricate a set. So I authorized a set to be built.
From there, Company A's owner "retired" (though later determined company A folded and B took over all their work while being cash short), and Company B said they'd continue handling the build but estimated 25-50 hours for it. This was more than I expected, but I said if we could keep it to the low side of the estimate that it would be fine. The owner of company B also talked about making sure I was informed of progress. From that point on, nothing.
I followed up later, and the staff I worked with from Company A and was happy with advised me they were leaving to start their own company C, and recommended that I closed out the tab with Company B as they were being subcontracted to finish B's work and it would just mean more markup. Without letting company B know of this, I inquired on the status with B, and they mentioned they could get me the updated invoice. Company C's staff let me know they got as far as measuring the block bores, rods, and mains, but had not machined anything. They had gathered some aluminum and had a water jet company set them up for torque plates, but ultimately were 25% into the build.
Well,I received the invoice: $4500 total for a pair of torque plates (that were a 110% markup from what the water jet guys did and aluminum sourcing, but whatever). Worse though, I was being charged $3200 for the measurements from the above total. Just for measurements. I advised all work to stop while I looked into this, but Company B charging more for just the first 25% of the build than I agreed to with Company A altogether. Company C's staff mentioned to me they only spent 8-16 hours tops for everything, but I'm being charged 32. Also the "retired" owner of Company A is furious, but ultimately powerless to help.
The problems are the following:
They believe the torque plate requirement (which ANY build needs), somehow justifies the cost, which would exceed $13k in just time and materials if they kept at their rates and costs.
What can I do to A: get all my hardware back (they have everything for that engine, from shortblock parts to heads, clutch, and oil pan), and B: not pay this ludicrous amount.
I have options like publicly burning company B, but I want to understand what I can legally do to resolve this, as I'm sure they won't be reasonable about parting ways. I'd love to just cut at $1500 for my parts, and they keep the plates.
Its really disheartening that in this social age people are still willing to screw over others to such degrees. What thoughts besides get in front of an attorney?
Note: I've consulted an attorney, but we've yet to meet or have a call to fully discuss. Names obscured until I need to start burning bridges.
I started an engine build back last year knowing I'd need something to race with in 2019. I had slowly collected all the parts and interviewed builders to find what I wanted. I was hoping to find a local source for a detailed blueprinted build and I found a company that wow'ed on all marks.
Company A shared a space with Company B, and I entered an agreement with company A to build out a blueprinted shortblock (and I'd complete it into a long block). I was verbally quoted $2500-3500 to accomplish this work. I deposited $1500 and off they went. I went back to racing, and left them to work. They completed some measurements, were good with communicating with me, and determined the cylinders would need align honing (and a set of torque plates) to even be able to properly clearance pistons. This involved some back and forth as I had to buy a set of larger pistons and torque plates, but we determined the plates were inadequate and needed to fabricate a set. So I authorized a set to be built.
From there, Company A's owner "retired" (though later determined company A folded and B took over all their work while being cash short), and Company B said they'd continue handling the build but estimated 25-50 hours for it. This was more than I expected, but I said if we could keep it to the low side of the estimate that it would be fine. The owner of company B also talked about making sure I was informed of progress. From that point on, nothing.
I followed up later, and the staff I worked with from Company A and was happy with advised me they were leaving to start their own company C, and recommended that I closed out the tab with Company B as they were being subcontracted to finish B's work and it would just mean more markup. Without letting company B know of this, I inquired on the status with B, and they mentioned they could get me the updated invoice. Company C's staff let me know they got as far as measuring the block bores, rods, and mains, but had not machined anything. They had gathered some aluminum and had a water jet company set them up for torque plates, but ultimately were 25% into the build.
Well,I received the invoice: $4500 total for a pair of torque plates (that were a 110% markup from what the water jet guys did and aluminum sourcing, but whatever). Worse though, I was being charged $3200 for the measurements from the above total. Just for measurements. I advised all work to stop while I looked into this, but Company B charging more for just the first 25% of the build than I agreed to with Company A altogether. Company C's staff mentioned to me they only spent 8-16 hours tops for everything, but I'm being charged 32. Also the "retired" owner of Company A is furious, but ultimately powerless to help.
The problems are the following:
- This outrageous quote, where if I were to pay it, I'd walk away with nothing to show for it but some torque plates
- I only have verbal contracts, invoices for my deposits, and the outstanding invoices. It was a time and materials agreement and they just ran with it (Which is common in this model , but I don't know how to deal with it from the buyer side)
- I want to get this all to company C minimizing headache to continue their great work I've been happy with. I'm only upset over the billing practices of Company B
They believe the torque plate requirement (which ANY build needs), somehow justifies the cost, which would exceed $13k in just time and materials if they kept at their rates and costs.
What can I do to A: get all my hardware back (they have everything for that engine, from shortblock parts to heads, clutch, and oil pan), and B: not pay this ludicrous amount.
I have options like publicly burning company B, but I want to understand what I can legally do to resolve this, as I'm sure they won't be reasonable about parting ways. I'd love to just cut at $1500 for my parts, and they keep the plates.
Its really disheartening that in this social age people are still willing to screw over others to such degrees. What thoughts besides get in front of an attorney?