Rookie Mistake...

No written contract or completion date. He does lease the building unfortunately. As far as proving ownership , have the NC title in my name and the only set of original keys the car. 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.
oh.my.lord.

that's big red flags and bright red lights with loud sirens.

do not hesitate, go get your stuff now

do not be waylaid by some shuffling of feet or excuses, or whatever nonsense excuses as to why he can't get the car out or where the parts are or whatever. get a crew together, get a truck and trailer and go get your stuff. pack a lunch and expect it to be an all day affair.

this dude ain't never gonna do right by you, better to get yours before get bamboozles you again. best plan of attack, blind side him 1st thing at the shop. no prep time for the razzle-dazzle when you shanghai somebody.