Getting a car built ?

[J4CKO]

My uncle has been talking to a guy about getting a car built to his spec, probably 12 grand, the guy seems genuine but how do you protect yourself when laying out money, its a one man band who does it in his spare time from a unit, dont think its a business so much as a hobby.

I was going to suggest the base car logbook in his name as he has bought it and regular progress visits, perhaps assist, also find out his home address.

But for parts and labour as it goes on, how do you protect that money in case the guy is ill or something else happens ?

Same goes the other way, he builds it and then something happens so my uncle cant buy it ?

[trickywoo]

Whats he getting built? I can't see £12k going very far.

Bet way would be to have a contract setting out timescales and staged payments etc.

If its more relaxed than that just pay in installments. Most important thing is to know where the car is being kept and that you trust the bloke. If he seems shady he probably is but then again conmen wouldn't get very far without being plausible.

[megaphone]

Also think about insurance, who is going to cover it whilst being built? Think about what happens if the garage unit burns down, collapses or the car gets nicked.

[DonkeyApple]

I think probably asking for the project to be laid out on paper in sections, fully costed and you can then pay for each section as it starts. An upside would be that the chaps who can't do that usually aren't very good at delivering what they say they will. You really need to set it all out on paper so that you can just remove the vehicle at any time. Help keep them on their toes.

If it's something like a lot car you should also sit on all the parts and only release them to him as he reaches that particular phase.

[rdjohn]

I would start as a sceptic and so would want to go and talk to a few of his previous customers and look at the workmanship and outcomes.

If you are truly satisfied then you need to separate parts and labour. You pay for parts on presentation of the invoice and ensure that your contract transfers ownership on payment. If it's something that will take many months then you need to identify significant mileposts, rolling chassis, painted bodywork, interior trim, complete etc.

If it's a simple kit car, then it should only be a month, if he is at it full time, so just pay when it's finished and drives nicely.

You can probably find a generic model contract online, it may not be specific to building a car, but you just fill in the blanks.