well, i just called Ted Britt, and although the manager/paint specialist seemed pretty nice over the telephone, he basically gave me every other reason to go elsewhere, stating that it would take "4-5 days for a photo to be sent to a district manager for evaluation", and then "another 4-5 days for the body shop we work with to take a look at it - that's about 2 weeks you won't have your car, sir". basically dragged his foot on this one.
so i then called-up Oursman - the first one i should have gone to, since the clerk gave me an emphatic invite, saying that it happens with these cars, so far reaffirming the good things those of you who have recommended Oursman have said. i will remember to ask for Jim McNutt, and i am hopeful that my luck will run better there.
. . and as for Sheehy, i wouldn't go to any based on my experience at their Springfield location.
thanks, and i will keep you all posted as well.
