Rofl dead beat? Sounds kinda typical. At least he is replying ue emails; and u can literally drop by his work shop. I take it that the vendor in question does not do this for his/her professional job?
There is often something called the armorers curse. Taking on too much and then being hit by life's problems. Wait for the car engine that dies; or the ill relative or pet.....
End of the day; it depends on ur gut. If u arent happy abt it _ ask for a refund. If not; persist with the pestering. It aint an excuse; just stating how it is some times
Hope it pans out for yer mate.
If he's a good guy and you actually know him personally I would give him the benefit of the doubt, especially after reading some of the horror stories with vendors on this site. Some people have gotten royally F'd out of a couple thousand bucks by conmen or real deadbeats.