failing body shop schedule

I talked to a body shop near me ~Sept., 2021, about doing a restore on my '64 Cuda. He said he's working on an El Camino but could start on mine in Oct. Oct. came & went, & I asked when again. He said Nov. Then, I went in to see him in Nov., & he said end of Nov. I stopped by the 2nd week in Dec. & he said, 2nd week in Jan. Well, this keeps going on & it's Feb., nothing... I don't know what to do, & he doesn't answer emails except to send me the original estimate. I'm not the type to get nasty w/peeps, & I don't want to name names. I've gone to a couple other shops to query their schedules. One said he's backed up for 3 years. It's hard to find shops doing restores here, but the last guy gave me a cpl. more to check out. One guy was ridiculously priced. I don't want him because he wants to remove my engine, that I put in myself in 2001, & he wants to do what HE wants done, not ME! Gads! Do what your customer wants. A big issue for me is that I've had this car since 1968 & want to keep it running. I drive it once/month to keep things going. Well, I've stripped it inside & out to make it ready for restore! Now, I'm at risk of tickets from the cops when driving it bc I have removed all of the chrome, all lights, etc. I'm still driving it just a few (~6 or so?) in the country but at risk of tickets! I digress. I will check with the other 2 shops the guy gave me, BUT... What do you folks think? Give me your ideas. I am in the Cedar Rapids\Iowa City area if that helps. Thx for your time & any comments. Really upset. pete