Rob,
Everyone that has a elevator or in this case a dumb waitor is impacted when it is shut down. And like many others they are forced to use the stairs. His lift is a useful piece of equipment, but is it vital to the businesses survival?
Have you ever heard the expression "no good deed goes unpunished".
From the way your post sounds you are not licensed or insured to work on this type of equipment. For me offering you advice on how to work on this is an accident waiting to happen. Would you tell a home owner how to install a generator transfer switch so they can save a little money?
Do yourself a favor let the restaurant owner know your insurance won't cover you working on his equipment. And wish him the best...
