Reminds me a bit of my father-in-law; he's passing around $1 tips indeed like it's the 50's. A regular handyman and myself moved a ~350 lb ungainly (and ugly) entertainment center when I visited them in FL. Lots of work, sweat, and about 1/2 hour of time. Father-in-law goes to give him a $1 bill, thankfully mother-in-law caught my look, interrupted him, and handed the handyman more. Same thing when we got free valet parking in Boca Raton, $1 bill given to me to give to the valet. No.....
In any case, good luck with the car CJ, sorry you have to go through the hassle.