Parts Mfg wants Prototype P5 - Advice??

[slooper]

Hey y'all,
A local shop wants to use my P5 to prototype parts they are developing for our P5s and MP3s. They're looking at doing the following:

Rotors
Springs
Intake (Cold Air and Non-Cold Air)
Header
Exhaust
Rear Stabilizer
Struts
HID Kit
Calipers
and a few other things in the works.

I told them that I would let them know of anything that we would like to see developed or problems solved (such as non-blinking side marker lights) - that sort of thing.

I need advice on how to handle this. The guy seems like a good guy, and the shop is legitimate. They are strictly a parts mfg, so they would only be installing the parts on my car only, then shipping the final products to any shops or peeps who want them. He is talking as though I will get to keep the parts they put on the car in exchange for them borrowing it every so often. Has anyone done this before? Anything I should watch out for?

I am totally excited about this is if works out.

Thanks!

 

[Sir Nuke]

Yes there are a few things you need to take care of...

you should make a WRITEN contract with the shop....get EVERYTHING in writing.

ensure that as part of this deal YOU get to keep all parts that are tried out on YOUR car.

ensure that the shop is responsible for ANY AND ALL DAMAGE done to your car in the process of experimenting with new parts.

Just COVER YOUR ASS.....do not assume that just because the shop is legitimate...that they will not try to screw you if things go south.

 

[OurP5]

Damn Slooper

Ok, just a few points to consider.

First and Foremost: Kiss your warranty goodbye. If something goes wrong in the engine it's a little more difficult to throw the stock headers on than removing a CAI and putting back the factory airbox.

Second: (In agreement with SirNuke) Get every possible thing in writing.

Third: If they work with you, give you stuff in writing, give you free parts I am really jealous. Keep us informed!

 

[slooper]

Thanks for the advice guys!
I'm definately going to be getting something in writing. As far as the warranty goes, I have an Air Raid Intake on my Pickup and have had a TON of warranty work done ranging from overheating to leaky intake gaskets. I think the dealer would be far stretched to try and blame any problems on an intake and exhaust. BUT, if we decide to play it safe, replacing the stock exhaust and intake wouldn't be so difficult if the Shop does it for me!
When we do get to finalizing this, I'm going to try to have some clause that states the Shop will have to either repair or replace anything that breaks as a result of any work or parts they have installed or something to that effect. Mostly to cover things like if they bang my hood against the battery while taking the hood off - that sort of thing.
We'll see how it all plays out. I'll keep you all updated for sure.

 

[OurP5]

One more thing

I forgot to throw this suggestion into the mix with my last post.

If you go to Best Buy or Circuit City you can get a CD-Rom for $9.99 that will draw up a legal document or contract for you.

It's a lot cheaper than actually going to a lawyer and have them compose a contract or having to pay legal fees to fight the company if they try to screw you in the long run.

 

[Sir Nuke]

Re: One more thing

I forgot to throw this suggestion into the mix with my last post.

If you go to Best Buy or Circuit City you can get a CD-Rom for $9.99 that will draw up a legal document or contract for you.

It's a lot cheaper than actually going to a lawyer and have them compose a contract or having to pay legal fees to fight the company if they try to screw you in the long run.

and if you go this route?....take along someone with you....for a WITNESS...someone other than the people that work for THEM.

:{D

its just a big game of cover your ass. better safe than sorry.

 

[slooper]

So everything is pretty much worked out between me and RM Racing. I talked with Jason down there yesterday, and he says that my P5 is the one their going to use (with my permission of course).

They will be scheduling times to use the car for prototyping and in exchange, I will have my choice of which parts to have them install once they have each one developed!

I mentioned getting things in writing, and he said that if I ever felt uncomfortable about anything, that they would put whatever I want in writing, but that their goal is to keep me as happy as possible because their reputation is so important. Plus, he said that if I was unhappy, I could do more damage to them by letting all you guys know about it. Which is true.

They are starting a whole line of Rally parts for 6 cars that they've picked, including the WRX.

Right now, if you haven't noticed, I'm just asking everyone to let me know what you all want built first. It looks like a header is near the top of everyone's list.

Wants all of this gets underway, I'm going to ask for at least something in writing that says they will fix or replace anything that might break or get damaged while they have it. My wife is nervous about it - so if they have no problem there then everyone is happy! And we'll all get the parts we want...