Motivating a mechanic

[Greg Young]

Hi everybody -

Bluefire is still sitting in Bishop CA at Britt's Diesel, awaiting a quote for repairs. So far I have only a verbal "about $10,000," the same as I had the day it was towed in there. The tow truck driver warned me that Britt might need some motivation, because he's got big rig truckers in and out every day on deadline, and we're just a one time RV that he can put off. So far he's put us off successfully for more than three weeks. I guess I should be happy I'm getting free (so far) storage!

I did get a quote on a used 8V92 from Vance Butler for $3500, so I have at least one option, though I have no idea about the condition of the engine (Vance says it's good) or what it would take to get it transported and installed.

So my
question is what do you do to motivate a mechanic like Britt to actually get to work on your dead coach? I'm getting quotes on what it would take to tow Bluefire to Victorville or someplace else short of L.A. that would have a choice of shops. Can anyone recommend a towing service or mechanic in the Victorville area, or anywhere else south of Bishop on the 395/15 corridor to San Diego? And other than threatening to take the business elsewhere (which Britt might actually see as a good thing getting Bluefire off his lot) what can I do to get him to respond?

Thanks again!
Greg Young
'86 PT-40 Bluefire currently on life support

Each time you judge yourself you break your heart.
-Kirpal Venanji