Hello,

It's Friday, so I think that I'm allowed some leeway in posting.

I am in Phoenix.  I contracted with an automobile restorer in
Albuquerque, to restore my 1958 BMW Isetta.  This is a large expense,
around $25,000.  After a year he said it was completed and I trailered
the car home behind my Vanagon.  However, shortly after I got home I
discovered a number of mechanical problems such as significant oil
leaks and binding in the steering.  When the brakes suddenly and
totally failed, I decided to return the car to Albuquerque for repair.
That's where it is now, as well as my money.

I have tried to work with the guy, but I have been disappointed that his
approach is to come up with a "work arounds" for problems, rather than
actual fixes.  For example the steering problem was two parts that are
not supposed to be in contact galling one another.  Instead of fixing
the displaced shaft, the restorer elected to insert a washer between
the galling parts.

While I have treated him with respect, the restorer has become abusive
toward me and has refused to do any further repairs.  He's now given me
until May 1 before charging for storage.  And, he has refused to
communicate with me further.  A side effect of that is that I cannot
even make arrangements to retrieve the car.  I could drive over 400
miles and find that he isn't available, and then have no recourse
except to drive 400 miles back home without the car.

So, do you folks have some advice?  I think that someone local, or some
local agency might be best, but I don't know anyone in Albuquerque.

Thanks,
Mike