Thanks Steve, it's a two part process before the shop even receives the car.
Discussing what you would like them to accomplish and them explaining the length of time as well as resources necessary to carry out each step/phase; then transferring the verbal into the written. It protects both the shop as well as the car owner from future misunderstandings.
I am on this path with my own Challenger; no contract other than verbal before my car went to a local shop late 2006. Even though they are Mopar folk through and through, quick turnover collision and insurance jobs had to be given priority - it is after all how they meet payroll and day to day operating expenses. Four years later the rolling chassis occupys a rented storage unit and the forseeable future will be spent paying down life's normal bill$. I'm still on good terms with them however my car will be completed at a dedicated restoration shop when the time comes
Learning from the various threads and experiences here at c-c.com is invaluable. Everyone knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge
Plan a family trip to Carlisle to meet those members who show up there if you can - they're even better in person. You haven't lived until you've seen Chryco Psycho woop up on a carb with a mini-screwdriver and a pen-knife!!
Didn't mean to be so long winded man
