Blaster dilema (kind of long)

[Midwayusa]

Need some advice. Got myself into something and not sure how to handle it. Here goes:

This started 6 months ago. A guy I know and have ridden with contacted me about repairing a Blaster. Said he traded a motorcycle to his neighbor for it. I stopped at his house and picked it up. Got it home, tore it down and got him an estimate. Said he would get me some money for parts to get started. Called him several times over a two month period and no results. Threw in the towel and started charging storage on it.

Five months pass and not a peep so I gear up to fix it and keep it. Tough luck bud, storage ate it up. Well one day his neighbor shows up at work and says it is still his. Told him I have some money in it and have to be paid or it does not leave. We agree on an amount and he tells me he will get me money to order parts to finish engine then he will pay the balance and put it together himself. Told him I would not charge him the storage and that it could be there one more month.

One month and one week later not a peep out of this a-hole either. I ordered a piston and finished the engine just so it wasn't lying there apart getting lost and dirty. Ready to either finish it and own and ride it, or have him get it out of my way. Been apart too long taking up space.

Anyway should I finish it and if he shows up tell him tough luck that after six months of BS storage ate it up and it is mine?

Anyone ever have to deal with this scenario? If so how did you handle it?

Both guys are kind of shady and my guess is there is no title for it and no bill of sale either.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Forgot to mention that the first guy is in prison for reasons unkown to me. Please note I did not say either were friends of mine. I just know them through other people.

 

[piezzi]

Have you considered submitting a "mechanics lien" against the blaster's VIN? You can do this through the Recorder's office for the County you live in.

At this point you've done what you can for these guys. So I'd stay the current course, and if it's not resolved within another week or two, go the mechanics lien route.

Good luck!

 

[DirtDiggler]

I'd immediatley put a mechaniocs lien against it , that shows you are not acting criminally and you have proof you want to be on the up and up . then I'd have the VIN number ran to see if its stolen , and if it is then contact the rightfull owner and let them know you have their property , and ask them in good faith to see if they would be willing to help you out with the parts you have purchased ( providing them with a receipt ) . If the VIN number comes up ok . Consider the Bike yours , apply for a lost title and do with it what you want .