Sorry to hear about what had happened Anthony. REALLY SUCKS!!!
This after you pay the "jerk" in full and fill his gas tank for him, which you didn't need to do. Sounds like something I would do as well, just to be a nice guy & appreciate the hard work/effort someone has put into helping me build my car. I WOULD BE FURIOUS to say the least!!!!
Sounds like this "jerk" was just using your car as a ginuea pig of some sorts?
Again, sorry to hear what had happened & hope all works out well for you and your project.