weld repair warranty/liability question.

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Hey guys, I was approached by a person who runs a repo rig in my nieghborhood while I was changing the oil in my machine today... Im a rig welder. He asked me to take a look at his rig and price a repair on the lifting/jack mechanism. Looked to me like it had been previously repaired (poorly) and was beginning crack at one weld seam.  Looked to me like it was under great pressure while in service. He was hoping for a quick fix, but I told him i would rather replace most of the 2in sq tubing supports to ensure a sound repair. I gave him my hourly rate and he said he would get back with me when he decided he was ready to make the fix. I always garanty my work, but my concern was on the liabilty on the repair. I dont want to be held liably incase of an incedent involving the towing gear. I know these repo men work at a fast pace, and equipment looked abused. I dont do much side work, but when I do,i make sure I cover my bases. Thanks for any input.Last edited by Coaltrain; 07-16-2012 at 10:19 PM.Reason: Spellcheck
Reply:Charge cash only or tell him, its my way or the highway. He would have to spend the money for an attorney to come after you, AFTER he has already been sued. Either way his Liability insurance will take care of any mishaps14' PowerMig 210 MP13'Burntables 5x10 CNC Table14' SAE300 HE on a 12' Ram 4500 60 CA 4x4. Custom bed/bottles/reels.87' SA250d, 78 SA200,11' Ranger 250 GXT AC/DCThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 8112' Lincoln Precision Tig 22508' LN25
Reply:His insurance company may pay out, but if they have any avenue to recoup there costs, that may include the guy who did the welding on the equipment, and they can well afford lawyers and litigation.    Cash only, tell him you will deny ever working on it. My brother in law was a repo guy and the things they do with those rigs well exceed any mfgr. limits. And when he over loads it or side loads it to rip a car out of a parking spot he will over stress even the best repairs, but will deny that when it breaks and will come crying to you."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Welding on this would be the same as welding on a hitch in my eyes.  I am insured to weld on fuel / oil lines but they will not insure me to weld on a hitch.  I believe I would pass on the job just for the liability reasons unless you are specifically insured for it.  Just my 2 cents.
Reply:Thanks for the speedy replies guys. I will probably pass on this one. A couple hours of work is not really worth the hassle in the event of a mishap. I appreciate your professional advice  fellas..Chris.
Reply:That is certainly a tough call. I've been the auto industry for a long time and done a ton of various welding repairs on all types of vehicles. My advice is to stay away from this one. This guy is supposed to be a professional wrecker driver. When these guys ask for a cheap repair over the most safe repair it usually throughs a red flag for me. I've seen some of these guys overload beyond belief and when stuff breaks its never there fault. It sucks to turn the work away though I have turned away so many frame repair jobs and seen them come back in after someone else has repaired them and just cringe. In the north east most frame repair jobs are from rot. Even saw one guy cover his welds in body filler so you couldnt see all the places he burned through. Good luck with your decision.
Reply:I'd do it. Just charge cash and do a good job.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerI'd do it. Just charge cash and do a good job.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerI'd do it. Just charge cash and do a good job.