Keep at it DickyB.
Let me tell you, there are people who are just as lazy/****** bags over here. I asked for quotes on a paint job a few months back, he took one look at the car and said $6k for a good job - not concourse. The quotes I had previously from people who are interested are around the 2-3k range.
it is really a shame to see tradespeople pull stunts like this, seems to be getting more and more common, they seem to forget they're there to do a job, and mechanics are a part of this too. The new age mechanics don't want to know about anything that doesn't take a computer and a quick read. Not all mechanics, just a bloody good proportion of it.
Mate keep at it, as I said, I took my old 33 for a run the other day (After telling myself I was going to give it away to my dad) and it re-ignited the flame a bit actually.
Best of luck