WOW this entire thing sounds like something I went through with NTB a few years back. substitute buddy for uncle.
The whole fire him over this... is CRAZY. That is a weak ass scare tactic. In the end, I got a lousy 200 bucks for 2 wheel refinishes. I sold the wheels and vowed to never go back to them. I have herd the same deal with Merchants here in NOVA...another buddy.
I now go to MD every time I need tires mounted on nice wheels. Great prices too.
Radial Tire