failing body shop schedule
Be grateful that your car isn't there. Too many times cars sit in the corner of shops waiting to be worked on during a slow period. Jobs promised in weeks become months and then become years.
Of course, what is happening is the slow dollar from the restoration is losing to the quick nickel from the one and two day jobs. Body shops are there to make money... and cash flow from the quick jobs pay the bills.
Look for another shop is all you can do. The real high estimates are often there to scare you away but the guy that wants to take your car apart?? Nope, avoid him.