Personally -- I think the shop owner is a crook.
I can still remember conversations I had from 10 years ago. Maybe not every single word - but I know damn good and well if a guy had discussed his budget (might not remember the exact amount)... and what he asked me to do for him.
It DOES NOT take 40 hours to bend up custom brake lines. Holy Cow! Now - if you're building a Ridler car - maybe.... but not to run exposed brake lines.
If Illinois has some rules about having a signed work order/estimate... and this idiot doesn't have one and did work anyway. I'd say you meet with them - take the money and your trailer with you. Discuss your situation and your "memory" of the agreement... but I'd also slip in the fact that HE never produced a written estimate but went forward with the work anyway. That YOU understand he performed some work - but far exceeded your budget - and that HAD you received a written estimate - you would not have allowed him to do the work. Tell him you have "X" cash - the amount of your original budget - and tell him you'd like to pay him that amount and take your car home right now as is.
He's either going to understand he's screwed legally - or he's even more of an idiot than you now think he is. And you're going to have to engage an attorney.
Be prepared for either event. He consents and you get your car - or you take the money you have and pay it to the attorney. It really shouldn't take more than about $500 worth of attorney time if the state law is clear - and the guy can't produce a written signed estimate.
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