antique vending, Al Huffman

[Charlotte1]

Hello Everyone
I'm posting information so no one has to go through an Alan Huffman, Antique Vending situation. I have a Canadian Kelvinator wet machine that looks alot like a westinghouse 12 model. I contacted Al in Nov, 2012. He was to make me a retro fit unit to convert it from a wet machine to a dry. The cost was $800 USD. His website looked promising and nothing (at the time) came up negative on a google search.
I sent him the money through paypal. He said it was supposed to take 3-6 weeks.
While this time was passing , I restored the machine, waiting for the final piece. The cooling unit.
I didn't see anything from him till Sept, 2013. 2 electric fans and a s/s panel. The fans are approx $40 each off of amazon.
There were approx 60 texts and numerous phone calls to him regarding the work. Aprox %50 of these communications were returned.   
Nov, 2013, I filed a complaint with the NC BBB. He actually responded to the complaint stating the unit was to be shipped within a week.
Jan. 2014 nothing. I was able to get ahold of him and he stated that he was boxing it up and "should be out the door in the next couple of days".
Jan 20, 2014 another BBB complaint. This one is marked as unresolved.
Feb11, 2014, I have filed a complaint with the NC Bureau of Justice.
I have asked Al for either $500USD back or the unit. That would pay be $300 for the 2 fans and the s/s panel. Honestly, I don't trust him or his work but anything at this point would be good. I have always tried to be polite in my texts. Trying to keep my cool. I've thought about getting on a plane( I'm in Alberta , Canada) and flying to NC and meet him in person but it would be $1000.
I would cut my losses and get another company to make a unit but I'm worried that all of a sudden, out of the blue a unit might show up then I'd have 2.
This man should not be in business. I hope this tags on any searches and no one else gets hood winked into any business.
Sorry for the long story. 

[Slapshot42]

You probably won't get a lot of responses.  As a site we are trying to get away from using the dicussion area as venting bad business platform.

There have been several members on here that have been effected by his poor business practices.

http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,18954.0.html

[Eric]

Sorry for your trouble.. stick around this is a great site.... you will find some great restoration guys here... and an answer to about any question
you have to most any machine... A few members have just gone through what you have... search for older post using his name maybe they can give you
some advise.  Hope it all works out.

[mygoose101]

Let's keep it positive. Welcome to the site. We all love pictures of anything you care to share or share any questions you might have regarding your machines.

[Charlotte1]

Thanks to all for responding.
I am going to keep my fingers crossed!!!!

[Sarman47]

Hope things work out.

This is a great site to research and learn from, not to mention the wealth of knowledge from the members. Who are ready to jump in and help you with issues with your machine.

[MoonDawg]

         I would also like to welcome you to the site. I'm in California now but originally from Calgary. Sure wish I was back there right now. 

         There is a feature on this site that allows you to contact members individually. Please e-mail Marrazzo, I think he is in Edmonton.
He just had his issue resolved and would be happy to give you advice.