Tom (MCA),
The problem is that the public is so greedy for a "great deal" that they refuse to see the writing on the wall...even if its in NEON with people pointing it out to the "customer" and even reading it to them. The deal with BAB is that he promises a "discount" if you pay in full at the end of the "auction". Often, the same car is sold over and over again. As you mentioned, once they figure out they've been taken its a decision they make to either A.) Fight or B.) Put up with the BS in the eventual hopes that they don't lose their initial investment. Bob preys on the fact that most people choose option B so he can continue to operate. And at that point, he has them over a barrel as most people probably can't afford the legal fees, time, or foot the additional shop bills to have another shop correct all the "work" done by Bob.
Those, like Flounder, who choose to fight and retrieve their cars are often disappointed in the "quality" of the build. Again, the writing was on the wall already as cars previously released showed all the flaws, and then some, of the "work" being done by Bob.
Ebay is perpetuating the problem by allowing this guy to change screen names at a whim, listing the exact same cars, and not doing anything to police their own site to avoid the very problems this is creating.
And yes, I agree that 10-15 years ago, a contract was a contract. A man's word was worth something so if he made a promise he darn near killed himself trying to make it right. These days, the almighty $ drives everyone and it seems that if a deadline is missed, if the car isn't as described, its no fault of the shop and the owner can pound salt.
You sir, are an exception to that. Again, many thanks for the work you guys did on my Y88. You bent over backwards on that car and I will continue to send people your way.
- Brian