Pay for services rendered.

John, sorry to hear of your troubles.
I agree with others that their method of payment vs. performance is rediculous and out of line.

I have serviced both John's truck and his wife's Volvo and they are the nicest and easiest people to deal with! I wish everyone had customers like them. I can't understand anyone treating you like this. Sounds like they are using your money to keep the lights on.

John, I hope you're able to remedy your problem with the least of headaches. Good luck!
 
usea credit card so that you will have some leverage.
 
I'm not a lawyer and did not sleep in an HIE last night. My thoughts.....

Contract with them now?

Get a drop dead date for completion and sea trial. In this area it needs to be just after Thanksgiving.

Payment is contingent on those things being successful.

Call Al Prisco. Get an install survey and (he may need to bring a hired engine gun) and engine survey.

Make sure the thing is aligned correctly. DAMHIK.

This does put you in an adversarial relationship, but business is business. Right now you are over the barrel. Time to reverse the rolls or at least level the playing field.

Agree with Bruce. USAA Credit Card.
 
Thanks Jamie. Speaking of which I need to schedule an oil change for the truck.

David - I did get a drop dead date of Nov 9th. Had a cat service rep doing the re-assembly, most of which are new parts, but yes, I am going to have the work indepently verified and sea trialed prior to final payment. I do already have someone lined up for if they ever finish, as he says.

Hindsight I wish I had paid with my amex gold as it has buyer protection up to $20k. I am just used to paying cash for most everything and really never gave it much thought.
 
John,
Only thing to add is to keep your cool and get through this, things could get worse. Since there is no contract they are in the drivers seat. Hope all works out well

Well
 
Two lessons.

First is to get everything in writing up front as there is no such thing as a universal custom and you can't just ask our opinions and get accurate answers as there are many ways business in conducted, no one "right" way.

Second is to ignore the first rule and always choose the best mechanic you can find. I rarely take a recomendation from a yard, too much incest. Don't worry what the really good guys charge, their rates are higher but they are ALWAYS cheaper in the long run.

Personally, I'd come in with cash in hand and show it to them. Then before giving it to them, I'd tell them how upset I was with them, that I had lost faith in their ability to run their business and ask whether they really wanted my business or not. This is all based on the assumption that they are asking for the full 100% up front now. If they want your business, then tell them that you & them need to hammer out an agreement, do so, then sign it. If they don't, or won't, then tell them to stop work and bill you for current services rendered. Pay them what they invoice, and whatever costs you, take it elsewhere to complete. If the invoice is not reasonable pay it, then sue them. What you really can't do, because of mechanics liens is to not pay them for services already rendered or disputed.

This is why getting a reputable mechanic is SOOOO important. Even worth flying one in, if you otherwise can't find one locally.

+1 on worrying that they are going under. I would not give them another red cent unless you had everything in writing (you already own the engine, parts, etc...) Mechanics are sometimes good mechanics, they are rarely good business minds. These guys are sending red flags that they are in trouble and might not have the capacity to finish your job properly even if they do know what they are doing.
 
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