Reply to "mangusta"

I think that it is true that a perfect Mangusta was worth $100,000 in 2006/2007. Might not be worth that now with the economy and all.

So paint and body prep would probably be $15,000 to $35,000 -- I am talking absolute low ball to perfect wet looking paint -- and this is just paint and straightening the car.

Interior would be another $5,000.

Engine $3,000 to $6,000 depending what needs are.

Transaxle & related final drive issues $6,000 to $10,000 depending again on hard part needs.

Brakes & lines $4,000.

Electrical (have to rebuild what you got -- skies the limit on this one) Budget $2,000

Glass -- we've now entered the realm of unobtainium. No one has these items -- must be found and pay whatever, or make your own stuff. Pray that the glass on the car is good; otherwise, blow at least $7,000 if it can even be found -- $15,000 to make the stuff.

Hassle of all other trim pieces $7,000

So right now, if you pay someone to do this work, we are talking about a car that will be on the low end, $42,000 and on the high end $84,000 to do; and I have not even started in on the most expensive thing yet, rust on the car, nor the original purchase price. I could be way off on some of my figures, I know. I guess you can see where I am going on this deal. If you are extremely handy with lots of time on your hands and are equally good with a welder and metal brake as you are with a paint gun, then dive right in, it will be difficult to be hurt financially if you can do the lion's share of the work yourself. But if you have to pay someone else to do your dirty work, so to speak, I would be very hesitant to purchase a parts car and turn it into a concours winner. It can be done, but speaking from experience, I would never do it again -- well, unless maybe it were a Mangusta with the matching numbers motor and transaxle .........

Ahhhh, the red mist is starting to set in again .........