Honda Repair: Honda Mystery Question, phillips screws, mystery question

Question
Sounds impossible, but .....

Keeping it days at a time, at different intervals, my mechanic ultimately ended up collecting $5,000 for so-called "repairs" to my 1990 Honda Accord EX.  (Then told me I needed ANOTHER $3,000 to have the new leaks repaired!)   The Vin plate in dash is now secured with Phillips screws; keys and prolock switched; lighter shade of paint now peeling off; etc.  He refused to sign a statement that he did not switch my vehicle.

Here is the mystery:  The VIN on the firewall matches the registration and has not been altered.  Therefore, no one believes that my car was switched - I know it was.  I see no unusual nuts or bolts anywhere - but then I don't know anything about cars.  After 2 yrs of being called "crazy" I am being given one last chance to prove my car was switched, when it is finally inspected next week.  

Can you tell me if there is anything I can look for prior to this inspection?  Any pictures?  Ideas - suggestions?  After learning who the mechanic is associated with, I suspect he is tied into quite a bit of this, but due to his good reputation it is ME who is considered nuts for even suggesting such a thing.

Will appreciate any help you may be able to provide.  

Thanks.  

Marla
Fresno, CA

(VIN: JHMCB766XLC138318)

Answer
Marla:
From what you describe, I would say the mechanic may be incompetent, but I'm not sure I would say he switched your car. It would be a lot of work to do what you say he did and keep the same VIN on the firewall. With that said, he may have switched your car, as I know people do things that do not make sense. The problem here is not whether he switched the car, but can you prove it. It does not sound like you have a lot (or any) evidence. Chalk it up to experience, find a trustworthy mechanic and move on.
Good luck.
Bill