The previous owner of my 85 300d had the radiator replaced in 2001. He paid $180. for the radiator plus 2 hours labor and anti freeze for a total of $282. Lets see if I understand you right, the mechanic said the problem was definitely the radiator, and you gave him permission to replace it based on his "expert" opinion. I believe the law would side with you on this one. Not only did he give you bad advice, he also way overcharged for the work he did., now he hasn't offered to make it right. You say he is a nice guy. This why they call them "con men". They get your CONfidence by being nice then screw you. I was in the printing business for over 25 years., if I screwed up on a job I didn't wait until the customer found the errror, I called them and offered to make it right. Far too may mechanics have no sense of ethics., in my opinion. A good and decent person would admit their mistake and eat the job, and not wait until you talk with them or threaten legal action.

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Gary
85 300D Ivory, 202,000
Beatus exsisto Jesu, verus et Deus verus Vir