Dan,
First I wonder why you paid the guy so much money if you were not happy with
his work?
Second, why on earth would you allow a mechanic to paint anything?
Third, didn't you look on www.vanagon.com at the recommended mechanic's list
or just ask the list for a good mechanic in your area?

All that said (for the benefit of others as well as you), the proceedure for
legal action varies depending on what state you live in. In california, its
just a matter of going to the county courthouse and filing the necessary
papers for a small claims action... no attorney necessary. But to win you
will need evidence... receipt, photos, opinions of other mechanics/auto
paint shops, etc. But, even if you win a judgement it doesn't mean you will
get your money back. In California, after winning a judgement you then have
to either depend on the mechanic's good will to honor the judgement or go to
the sheriff with the judgement. The shariff can just show up at the place of
business and take the money out of the cash register.. if there is any...
that is the big IF! The guy can make it difficult for you if he wants to
hide the money or just doesn't have any... that would be my concern...
typically a guy that does shoddy work may not have the money.

Good Luck,
Bill
> I've had noting but headraces with the shoty work by my mechanic, he put
on
> other parts from other Vanagon's, left parts off my van, didn't put on
parts
> I gave him and put old parts in (oil fill tube), and he has the balls to
be
> mad at me for my anger towards his work. (sounds like my x-wife tactics)
> Worse thing, after having my Van for almost 8 weeks the car comes back
with
> the timing off the wore down my starter and battery and 2 of the rocker
arm
> put in reverse.
> I also had him do a paint job on my Van (BIG MISTAKE) that turned into
crap,
> you name it, under fill, overfill, not enough hardener, to much hardener,
> dents left untouched, over spray in the interior, now I have to replace
the
> head liner, ($ 160. + $300 for installation) aaaaaaaaaa hell on earth.
> So what's the procedures to filling a small claims on the backyard bozo.
> I what my money back on the paint job of $1500
> Dan
>