glimpsed bits and pieces of this thread.....but as I understand....bills are paid to the shop for work that has been the agreed 20K though not complete. You have issued a work stop in writing. Now the shop has your vehicle on its lot and no further work authorized...provisions are usually set for X days for customer to retrieve vehicle. From there, the shop is allowed and is customary for them to charge a storage fee from X day forward. After a certain amount of time those charges will shoot through the roof whereas you are now is stage two of your dispute, clearing storage fee before released to you or your agent. Final scenario, shop places mechanical lien on the vehicle and will get court order to take possession to sell and recover his cost. He is not forced to sell at fair market or and is often the case he just collects his fees as over and above must go to you. Figure the odds on that happening.....whatever you do I suggest it get done quickly. He or his bud will reap a whirlwind on the lien action.