Have been dealing with this in industry for decades. Very common for the 'rob Peter to pay Paul' syndrome to kick in......Money given up front is used for other projects that came prior due to mis-management, usually drugs, but often simply bad budgeting: shop owner buys a new Jeep, Bass boat, etc. Go's to Vegas, gets re-married, etc. etc. Regardless, infusions of your money go to feed the lifestyle, not to fix your car. I recommend a binding contract, with the payment for the labor due at completion of the project. Payment for materials is prudent up front, but get something in writing. The worst cases I have seen are 'handshake deals' with unregistered, off-the-grid bodymen and painters. When it all goes wrong and you lose your car, there is no recourse. I see it ALL the time.
__________________
Jeff 
|