I have a motorcycle shop and we liquidate bankrupt dealer inventory on ebay (as well as buying vintage motorcycle parts for restorations) and we usually have between 400 - 600 items listed. I may be able to give you a little (hard earned) advice.

In general, don't count on Paypal for ANY protection. We have found that they will only cover you for the amount that is currently in the seller's Paypal account. If he swept it out before you submitted a claim with Paypal there may be little recourse. We have out Paypal payments drafted from an Amex card and Amex will go to the mat for you (Paypal, in general, could care less despite the image that they promote).

Be sure that all of your communication goes through Ebay messages. Don't email him directly. This ensures that Ebay can readily access your interaction during the dispute process.

Do NOT cancel the transaction or leave feedback until you have resolved the issue.

Be patient, be professional and neutral in your communication. This will help you if Ebay examines your messages. Above all, be relentless. Don't give up, don't let this crook wear you down.

Ebay is a useful marketplace but I thoroughly despise it as a seller. Far too many corrupt buyers have figured out that they have huge leverage over business sellers and will make false claims for condition or fit or damage. We always offer to take the item back and refund but some buyers want to keep it and get a partial refund. They know that now we cannot leave negative feedback for buyers and that as a seller we can't afford to get negative feedback. We don't ship ANYTHING, either purchases or sales, without insurance, even if the buyer doesn't want to pay for it we will foot the bill to protect us. We are in the process of transitioning nos inventory to Amazon and will soon use Ebay just to unload used parts. Ebay really doesn't care much about the buyer or seller so this is why you have to be polite, firm and relentless in pursuing resolution in this matter.

I despise crooks such as your seller. Best of luck in pursuing justice.