Yes, photos please! As many have said, the mechanic is being bogus--whether he knows it or not. Through this forum and sheldonbrown.com I've learned everything I needed to know to work on the vintage bikes I've acquired. I certainly wouldn't trust that mechanic to do work on my bikes. Most common things vintage bikes need is fresh grease on the bearings (hubs and bottom bracket being most necessary), sometimes brake pads if they're crackly and hardened, and sometimes tires if they're crackly and hardened as well.

As for the pedals, I rode toe cage and strap pedals with sneakers for a while before I switched to clip-ins ("clipless", even though you clip in) and that worked just fine. Just the toe cage and straps without a cleated shoe keeps the foot more secure on the pedals than nothing.