Don't take this the wrong way,
But if I had read this post, and PM'd Joe first, he would have had a payment as soon as I could get it to him. The whole first part of this post was about how rare the fording kit was, and how others have seen them for $400 in the past. One was presented to you, and you were the first to accept the deal.
in my mind, $275 for a kit missing a few little parts was a hell of a steal, and I would have gladly paid right away to prevent it slipping away.
I understand your wanting to know exactly what you are getting, but in the surplus business, sometimes you can't just wait around for people to make up their minds or be really happy before a purchase. I stay true to my word, but if someone comes around and looks at something I have 10 times kicking tires, then someone else hands me the cash for it, then it is sold. Unless I specifically promise the item to the first person, I still have to eat, and pay bills. I can't wait around forever for people to make up their minds or worry a bolt is missing. If something is missing, I adjust the price or throw in some extras. Joe obviously did that, by lowering the price quite a bit.
Yes, I know how you feel and I'm not saying anything bad about you or what you did. But, just think about this: in the rare surplus world, money speaks volumes and little delays can cost you that rare item. All of us that sell stuff are used to it just sitting around forever so when someone flashes the cash, it is sold.
Don't want to start any fires, not aiming to put any out. Wanted to give you a look on our side of the fence. Just my humble