Yeah, the first shop sounds like they don't like getting dirty nor do they know how to do anything but bolt on mufflers and tail pipes.
I had a meineke back in pennsylvania that would ask the muscle car guys to come in after hours.
He would lock the door, break out the pipe bender, and weld up your custom exhaust all while supplying you and your buddies with nice, ice cold bottled beer.
$200 cash usually paid for the whole job.
He's still in business too.
