MECHANIC HIJACKED MY TRUCK?

Do not be surprised if he comes up with some type of Bull S "storage charge." Of course it would be bogus, but it sounds like everything else about him is bogus as well.

I do believe you need to contact whichever law enforcement agency handles his area, and at least try to file criminal charges against him. You may get the runaround and be told it is a "civil problem," but most states have criminal sections relating to motor vehicle theft. And one or more of the subsections, just might apply in your case.

 

But seriously.... get the police involved

 

sounds like you went for a bargain price for the work, did you check on the shop before you let him do the work? get what you paid for by cutting corners,,should have had the truck towed after 2 to 4 weeks,,tow your truck out of there now,,

 

6 months? I would have had that truck back in my possession after 6 days!

 

If it's inside city limits, call local police. If the shop is outside city limits, call the sheriff dept. Tell them what happened and listen to what they tell you.

 

Sounds like the next big chunk of change you spend needs to be on wrecker service getting it back in your possession. I would have been making weekly visits.

 

Oh boy...the price quote and time frame are always good ideas, but where OP messed up is he paid up front. Trucking companies will only advance you 50% of the freight charge before delivery. Everyone knows that money is the motivation. Home owners gets taken every day of the week when they hire repairmen to do repairs and pay them up front.

How do you find legit mechanics?

First, good mechanics always come highly recommended. Always. The other guys hauling with you...where do they take their rigs for repairs? Good mechanics are like good drivers, always prompt, always professional always in uniform. The parts trucks should be pouring in from Kenworth, Pete...etc, and the parts driver knows the mechanic by name. if the parts people won't deal with the guy, why should you? Good mechanics NEVER need upfront money. As soon as that goon told you he needed money to start, red flags should have waved.

So what do you do now? Someone mentioned storage fees. That's normally for finished jobs where the customer is slow in paying. Your truck isn't finished. Call the non emergency number of your local police, get a cop to come by your house, and you and the wife talk to him about your options. If possible, have him go with you to the shop to get your truck and your engine ( if it's not possible, he will be able to explain why). You do need to have a new shop lined up first.

What about lost wages and whatnot? He porked you for free. Just do the best that you can to insure you never get porked again. And when everything quiets down, I would start a new religion.

 

Engine can not be shot, but the mechanic should be.

 

PLEASE let us know how this turns out.
Recovering your lost revenue is an option but let's face it, this jerk will never pay it.
Best of luck!