Rookie Mistake...
I made sure to itemize the fender tag and VIN tag in the complaint to the NC DOJ/AG since he removed them for media blasting and put them in his safe.
Unless you are really nice to him you will never see them again.
And then all you have is a Dart that will not be worth much.
He totally has the upper hand in this deal.
I would not mention sueing him or threatening him with anything, just go get your car be super nice and get the tags, just tell him you have decided to go in another direction.
Then after you have your car, all parts and the vin and fender tags then you can try to get some of your money back.
Verbal agreements unless witnessed by neutral 3rd parties are meaningless and with the witnesses only slightly less meaningless.
I'm so sorry for your problem.
Thank you for opening yourself.
It is a good learning for all of us.
- Never give a VIN or Fender tag to anyone, keep them at home in a safe place
- Always get EVERYTHING in writing
- Never pay large sums up front
- Always pay as work is completed
- Have a written completion date and penalities for missing deadlines
- If the shop etc will not accept the terms move on.