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They Lost my Engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
They Lost my Engine
I had a 1973 300 hp engine rebuilt and installed in my '75 Corvette by a reputable shop. They kept the original engine to rebuild it and after a recent phone call to the shop I found out that the engine was not to be found. What is the engine worth in case it isn't found? It was the numbers correct engine for the car. I know if it isn't found the car will be worth a lot less if I sell the car....your thoughts!?!?!
Thanks.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
I had a 1973 300 hp engine rebuilt and installed in my '75 Corvette by a reputable shop. They kept the original engine to rebuild it and after a recent phone call to the shop I found out that the engine was not to be found. What is the engine worth in case it isn't found? It was the numbers correct engine for the car. I know if it isn't found the car will be worth a lot less if I sell the car....your thoughts!?!?!
Thanks.
Thanks.
I'd take 1/2 the cost of the '73 or $1000 (whichever was higher) and be happy. No offense, but a 1975 350.... ummm. (my own personal opinions of course)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 21
From: Abingdon MD
Ragtop75,
A completely restored, numbers matching 75 Vert (last yr. for C3 Vert) is worth significantly more than a non-matching car, imo.
Assuming you have a convertible, and a receipt or other proof, such as pics, that the original engine was left at the shop, I suggest you consult an attorney to see what your course of action should be.
Rickman
A completely restored, numbers matching 75 Vert (last yr. for C3 Vert) is worth significantly more than a non-matching car, imo.
Assuming you have a convertible, and a receipt or other proof, such as pics, that the original engine was left at the shop, I suggest you consult an attorney to see what your course of action should be.
Rickman
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
Otherwise, a '75 350 in complete running condition is worth <$500 by itself. It's hard to attach the much greater NOM loss (maybe $2000?) to the shop, after all they removed the engine to install a NOM at your request.
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
My impression from the way you worded this is that there was a protracted period of time between the two events. If so, you probably have no recourse if that period was greater than 30-90 days or so.
Otherwise, a '75 350 in complete running condition is worth <$500 by itself. It's hard to attach the much greater NOM loss (maybe $2000?) to the shop, after all they removed the engine to install a NOM at your request.
Steve
Otherwise, a '75 350 in complete running condition is worth <$500 by itself. It's hard to attach the much greater NOM loss (maybe $2000?) to the shop, after all they removed the engine to install a NOM at your request.
Steve
That said, I am not sure the business owner will go for the idea that he has to pay for the value loss of the car going from a car that COULD be returned to numbers matching to a car that is a full on NOM, if for no other reason than assigning a meaningful value to that would be quite challenging.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: boulogne buenos aires
I would think the engine is not lost.. how can someone loose a 600 Lb engine!!! I guess it ended up at another car!!! a least have them pay you what they sold it for plus something extra for the bitter moment they make you suffer....
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: franksville wi
My thought. Stick it to the man. The engine was left there to be rebuilt. They lost it. It was not rebuit in a timely fashion. And then, to find out its not there anymore. STICK IT TO THE MAN. Make him pay.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
Well I didnt really want to hear this story. I am taking my engine to the builder tomorrow morning. For real. He is a reputable guy, and Ive known him for a long time. Hes done other work for me with no problems. Ive already threatened him with serious bodily injury if he decks my block, as a friend of course. He knows the value of the block though, hes been racing chevys for 30 years that i know of.
GO STEELERS
GO STEELERS
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,164
Likes: 940
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Most are missing the point,its the overall value here.They have receipts for all the cars,motors they have dealt with,couldnt be that difficult to track down the motor.Now,if they have blocks going somewhere as cores,thats a different story.Id talk to the owner and let him know what your intentions are as far as holding him responsible.But there might be some info here that we dont know about,how long did they have the motor?Diminished value of your car is quit abit without the motor.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Lisbon Ohio
If this becomes a legal issue (if the shop owner and you don't come to agreeable terms), then maybe you should get the car appraised two ways....as it sits, and if it had an original engine. The appraiser should be able to give you what the difference might be.
Good luck with it.
Good luck with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
If the engine is truly lost, how about asking the shop to contact those customers they worked with during the period in question. If they did install you engine in another car, they may possibly be able to get it back... at their expense!
Jim
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
If they rebuilt it, odds are they decked it. You told them to leave the numbers alone, right? Perhaps, the rebuilder decked your block and wiped the numbers off by mistake, and this is their story to try to cover their a$$. Your going to have to do some internet searching for cars of similar year,, say some examples of some '73s- court will allow close years- that sold with and without matching numbers motors, and an experts opinion as the the value lost. I'm sure some of our members would be considered 'experts' by the courts, a sworn affidavit would suffice,, try 'Vettebuyer' and possibly 'RoadRaceVette', sure they would be willing to help. Once you have your case info,, then contact the shop owner and give him some time to make it right. Try to be positive, but let him know you expect Full Restitution not partial. C. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need to contact a reputable vintage auto appraiser and an attorney. The shop is liable for losing (? or selling) your engine. And they are liable for damages associated with the value of the "numbers matching" engine to your vehicle. Sue them.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: toronto ontario
If this becomes a legal issue (if the shop owner and you don't come to agreeable terms), then maybe you should get the car appraised two ways....as it sits, and if it had an original engine. The appraiser should be able to give you what the difference might be.
Good luck with it.
Good luck with it.
wow that sucks
I'd hate to receive that call.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
Have the appraiser show the two values. and sue the shop for whats rightly owed to you.