Hot Rods Selling A Home Built Hot Rod - What's My Liability?

We want to sell our Model T Roadster Pickup but we are curious what the liability issues are?

Since I built the car myself (fabricated the frame, rear suspension, body mod's, newer drive train, etc.) what is my liability if the new owner has some issue with the car or wrecks the car and gets injured?

 

You are selling a used car "as is", right? You might want to check your local DOT website, maybe they have the rules/laws about selling used cars in your state.

 

When the federal government made used car dealers put this as-is stickers in the window of used cars they added some language to the law. All private car sales are as-is. No matter what is verbally stated between the parties involved. Don't write anything down. That being said. You can sue anyone for just about anything.

 

always sold/bought rides - as is, no warranty, no guarantees - buyer beware - buy with eyes wide open - have bought a ride or two with stars in my eyes and learned the hard way that I should have inspected stuff better - different if Seller misrepresents the condition as being a certain level of quality and it is not - guess that in certain situations and a buyer is injured, etc a possible law suit could come up

 

Neat truck, save for the grill that has done something bad to my eyes! Could be permanent. What address should my lawyers serve the papers?

Chris

 

I have never had an issue with selling a fabricated frame car. I sell it as is where is and type up a simple form that they accept the car as is I sign it they sign it and we are good to go.
Nice ride by the way ,it looks really well built.

 

A question for your lawyer.

 

I love it. Could have maybe painted it and 32 shell for the value of that grill. But to each their own. NICE.

 

You forgot to mention the Greyhound.

 

Got no faith in your own work? If it's titled right, inspected and licensed properly, then it's a used car like every other used car, just don't sell it to a nimrod you get a bad feeling about.

 

This, right here! I see some woman is suing McDonald's again for serving hot coffee. I have found from bitter experience that the court system can make big mistakes when dealing with subjects they don't understand.

 

Had a young kid ask me if my car was a "Jaguar".... took me a few minutes to understand why.

 

"It's all fun and games until someone puts out an eye", we've all heard that one. In this case when that happens the lawyers come out and greed rears it's ugly head. What is often done in the experimental aircraft world is stating on the bill of sale "as is" and for parts only. Not sure if that would apply in the case of a car. I know a fellow who regularly sells stuff that is dangerous when parked and I don't think he has been sued, maybe punched a few times though. That is a nice looking car, I think you will be OK. Good luck.

 

What does your title state about the car? Bones

 

Title is as Henry intended.. 1927 Ford with applicable S/N

 

In my opinion, Your are safe. If your title said “home built” might be more of a problem. And.....

I worked as a lawyer for three years one summer in Arkansas!
Bones

 

Remove the shift knob and sell it as a "project". Then you are not responsible for selling a driveable vehicle.

 

Don't worry, be happy. Looks like a well thought out build to me. Give it a once over to check things out and let the new guy figure the rest out. Most people that get into hot rods understand the need for constant tinkering and checking ( "if parts fall off, honk" - one of my favorite stickers). Oh yeah, keep that grille- go stock, it'll still look good and save you a ton of dough. .04 cents worth


Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.

 

Not here too!

 

I worked with a guy who was in his mid 60's that inspected pressure vessels for a living, as a professional, for lets say, Company A and had worked for them for decades. One of his customers asked if he would consider working after hours, inspecting as a consultant, on his own, but not for Company A, directly for the customer.

He took the after hours gig. The customer got sued, the inspector was named in the lawsuit. Since he wasn't working for Company A he had no liability coverage.

He lost his farm, his wife divorced him, lost his professional job. He ended up working for the company he was working at after hours, but for like 1/4th of what he was making as a professional. Basically living paycheck to paycheck.

It broke the guy, not just his wallet, but his spirit.

Nobody wants to be "that guy".

 

Just sell it as is, on the bill of sale!

 

For the Clinton's?

 

I'd see about selling it as a "non operable vehicle, for display purposes only". I dunno it that would work but it would be worth checking into. I wouldn't put that in the ad, but on a separate document. If you explained why you did it that way, most gearheads would understand I believe.

 

Did it pass State Inspection and able to be driven on the highway? Well, there you go, it has met applicable standards by a State Inspector.

 

3 years in one summer.....time machine?

 

Naw, they fired me. Kept telling the truth! Bones

 

..I'd really like that if it had a T or A grilleshell,...once you sell it , it ain't your resonsibility,...if that weren't the case people would be suing everyone after they had any issue with any car...

 

I believe that is the most beautiful grill on the planet! We’re just not us d to seeing it without fenders beside it. It seems too bold. I like it, thought, it’s a little different... kinda like most of us. Bones

 

Yeah, "Most of US" don't belong HERE, either.

 

As a practical matter, most individuals are "judgment proof".

Yes, it is true in this country they can "sue you for anything", but remember they also as a rule go where the money is. "Deep pocket theory." In this situation greed may work in your favor. They need to clear hundreds of thousands to really get 'em salivatin'. Plus, they aren't guaranteed to win.... So... No offense, but you may not have enough assets to make it worth their while. Relax.