[ccjohnson]

Update: Newell held hostage day 82. We arrived at 2 pm for the test drive. Coach would not build air pressure past the red "low air" light on dash. After a brief inspection I discovered that the 110V Gast compressor was leaking on the back head. We plugged the air discharge and had good air pressure. Warranty on Gast is another matter pending with Grainger. Test drive went OK. When we got back to the shop, negotiations began in earnest. The were some core charge credits that had been left off the invoice. Also a couple of items had been double billed. Approximately 4:50pm local time we came to a settlement although I did express my continuing dissatisfaction the the Stewart & Stevenson organization as a whole. The manager in El Paso seems to be the only one somewhat understanding of my disappointment. He has made an effort to smooth out my ruffled feathers but seems to get shot down by others higher up or with more authority in the organization. I wrote them a check which the cashier promptly declined. He could give no explanation for why it was declined, just that it was declined by Stewart & Stevenson. Another wasted trip to El Paso! At this point I am undecided as to whether to take a chance on having a Cashier's Check from the same bank being declined for no explanation and making another wasted trip, or taking down a suitcase. Suitcase filled with loose change 1's, 5's, 10's and 20's. If you think I am now a bit "p***** off" you could be a spokesman for Hotels.com (Captain Obvious)