[Rick D]

Tim,
First send them a certified letter to cease and desist TODAY any work going forward!!

This will stop any more being performed on your car, or at least then they can't invoice you for more work after that date.

Next after they recieve the letter call or email the "owner" and ask for a formal meeting to discuss the issue. Not sure what the state laws are where it's at but I would get VERY good at their laws.

Now write up exactly what was talked about during you talks about what was to be done and costs. Most likely it's a misunderstanding and you justp need to talk it out face to face.

Also try to keep it very professional when talking to him; he has your car so the last thing you want todo is make it personal on his side! I knows it's personal on your side but it's not on his, it's just business to him.

Lastly if he's just out to make a buck then most likely (as stated above) you will have to pay for what was finished on your car to get it back. Sucks I know but it's a he said she said at this point unless you have anything in writing, email, or text to prove your side.

Also when going to talk with him bring a third party with, a friend, expert in the field??? So you have someone to help inspect the work performed and someone to be a witness!

One last thing is don't tell him your going to sue him or take him to court as this will only make it personal and most likely you will have to pay for the lawer and possibly his lawer when he counter sues you as he most likely will. I know I would!!

One more last thing; if the shop is in IL this is a good thing as our court system is almost always on the side of the car owner as they you look at you as the little guy and the shop as the big bad business!!