May have to file a mechanics lien

[fazer1sniper]

About a Year ago I finished this TL for friend.

Since then it has been in my shop. He paid about $200 towards the cost of the build and repairs to this bike. I have not heard a word out of this guy for 6 months. Not a visit, phone call, text message, nothing. I can't axactly go ride it, no plates. He told me he bought it off a guy who inherited it from a dead relitive, the last person to ever register this bike was the dead guy in'06. So where do I go from here? Still needs work but I'm not gonna put money into someone elses bike. I can file a lien for the cash owed against the bike and it's storage. (More Than the Value) I could end up owning the old girl... I don't wanna go this way, not that I won't dig the bike, just dont wanna take it away from someone who said he loved it. But i think I'm running out of other options on this one.

[jmanor]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

I would look at all your options and honestly if they loved it so much they woud at the very least kept in contact. But def check and see if you can find that person any way poss like mail etc.. then if you can't why not own it..

[Toledo]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

If this guy really "loved" his 'bike that much he wouldn't have just abandoned it with you...........

I reckon you've gained another 'bike there...........

[Ozzietiller]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

i agree with mark, if he was that keen for the bike he would have been in your ear every second day asking how is it going, i say its yours do the paperwork to rightfully own it i say

[Hobo]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

If he is your friend haven't you got his phone # ?

I have all my friends numbers !!

[chucks_net]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

good luck getting a title. You really need to get the title from the deceased and have whoever is power of attourney (if there is one) to sign it over to you. Otherwise you will have to prove that the guys is dead (death cert), and that you are rightful owner (court order).

I would keep my eyes open for a frame.

I would hold it for a year or more before thinking about taking ownership. Maybe 3? Surely you can track this guy somehow.

[Mikey75702]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

Not sure about your state, but here in md you have to have a signed invoice on company letterhead. Once you file the papers they have 90? Days to pay and collect or the state gives you the right to file for ownership. But it might be hard if the person you are doing the work for never registered the bike.

[ron51365]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

my wife work at the dmv and she said all u have to do is a mechanic's lien on the bike and u eather title it in your name or resale the bike just have to have date the bike was dropped off the u would aplly at the dmv or u can do it on mechanic storage fees and state will give the title on it but you would have to pay all taxes on the tranfers

[cyclecamper]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

Tow companies do this all the time. They tow a vehicle, and then they register that it's abandoned, then come back 90 days later and get the title. Differs state to state. Your case is a little more complicated because he paid some money, but if you haven't heard from him in over a year that's too long. Back when I was in Illinois it was more common for customers and businesses to forget about a bike during the winter, then deal with the surprise of storage fees. But a year is way TOO long.

A friend had his van towed from his girlfriend's parking lot because he didn't live there and they wanted to plow the snow. By the time he got off his cold butt and around to looking into it the tow company had title and plates; nothing he could do.

How much does he owe? Did he sign an estimate? If so, what address or phone number is on it? Did he get a bill? So he owes more than its value? What all did you do on it? What more does it need?

What did he say when he left it with you? I'm storing an engine for a friend for free, and I'm not going to part it out. More likely I'm gong to buy it from him.

[Rickysnickers]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

You could always send the owner a certified letter. Make a copy of it as well. That way he has to sign for it, and saying that he never got it won't hold up. If no response, then do the lien. By doing this, you are still giving him the opportunity to make things right.

If after all that you get no call or anything, then you could always go to your local police department or DMV just to make sure the bike isn't stolen to, if you have any worries about that.

Rick

[Mikey75702]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

my wife work at the dmv and she said all u have to do is a mechanic's lien on the bike and u eather title it in your name or resale the bike just have to have date the bike was dropped off the u would aplly at the dmv or u can do it on mechanic storage fees and state will give the title on it but you would have to pay all taxes on the tranfers

Again all rules vary state to state, so someone not in his state can't tell him what his state is going to do. He needs to call the local dmv and get the info. But I think the post was saying he COULD, but doesn't want to. WHAT SHOULD HE DO. And I think that is commendable, but unfortunately friends and family will be the first to screw you, and you need to do everything possible to make it right before going into an area that there is no return from.

I agree with the certified letter, that is a good idea. But I still think the mechanics lean is going to be hard if your friend has not titled the bike to him. But you never know, it might not.

[fazer1sniper]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

I ran the VIN of the bike and got the last guy who registered it. Not the guy I did the work for. I have a few guys I know in the towing buz who do it alot, I will get with them. I then am going to check with the record division at my department and the DMV and see if anyone has ever re-titled it since. I asked a judge who's court I worked last spring and he said I just need to file the papers and the party or parties are notified by last known address and they have 90 days to pay or i get a new title. In 09 I worked in the same building as the guy who brought me the bike, since then he got back to me less and less till it's at this point he dont return my voice mails.

[Mikey75702]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

Oh, it sounds like he's not even that good of a friend. Hell with it, send him a certified letter, wait a week for a phone call, then go file the paper work.

[chucks_net]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

Hmm please post up how this process works out for you -very interested as I have bikes that cannot be titled -mostly because of age. Cannot find last titled owner... but they are clean.

[fazer1sniper]

Re: May have to file a mechanics lien

Will Do. This process will be the OHIO law if I can't get this guy to get right and get his bike back.