[NYNick]

The first thread has been deleted. It was 5 pages before that happened. I'm sorry for your loss.

I understand the shop had a STELLAR reputation within the community which is why you probably brought it to them. Let me note a couple of red flags that jumped out at me.

1) a 67 911? Holy crap.
2) a $20K payment before he even touches the car? What exactly was that for? To get in the door? Holy crap #2.
3) progress payments to the tune of $53K? Holy crap #3.
4) you don't have time to go to the shop? Holy crap #4.

You dropped the ball, big time. I'm not defending the shoddy workmanship (or the unprofessional behavior) but man, you shoulda been there weekly, all over this guy, checking every little detail as they went. It's a 67 911, for the love of God. It's $50K. You were spending at least that much just on body work. Where was this project ending up money wise when you were done? Double or triple that I'm guessing. Not now.

Good luck with your case. This whole thing is a complete cluster F*&!