Is he just a contract tech or does he work for an actual business?
It's a horror story and get out of it ASAP. At this point, I'd get my old components back, dump his @#$%* on his doorstep and reverse the credit/check payment. If you paid in cash, then I'd threaten him legally to scare his pants off until he gives you at least most of your money back.
He shouldn't have you playing games either, running back and forth, dealing with his hospital problems etc.. If he's operating like that, I bet he doesn't have a proper business license. In LA, that's a $500 fine and other penalties if you don't immediately apply for one. The license alone is $400+
Also, legally, he may have nothing to stand on. He never made you sign anything and even if he did -- if he's unlicensed -- then just about any legal recourse would be automatically in your favor. He shouldn't have been doing business in the first place and gets absolutely no protection.
