A lot of the consulting work I do is performinfg pre-purchase inspections of astronomically-priced resto-mod vehicles for overseas buyers. Even when the asking price is two or three times the quote you've been given, I'm amazed at the generally poor quality of the work that's been done by a "professional" hot rod shop. Some of them look good, but the modifications that have been done are downright dangerous for anything other than a car show trailer queen. I looked at an early 1950's Chevy 3100 with the full custom treatment- - -crate engine, OD automatic transmission, independent front suspension, 4-link rear suspension, full custom interior and electronic gauge cluster, and a custom steering column. The asking price was $90K to a potential buyer in France. I found a bad engine oil leak caused by the fuel pump hitting the front crossmember and cracking the pump housing, and a steering system that tried to lock up every 1/2 turn of the steering wheel due to universal joints getting into a bind. I documented the problems in my report, and I don't know if the sale happened or not. I got paid very well to drive 200 miles to do the inspection and file a report, so what happened after that is none of my business.
I'd suggest you find a resto-mod truck that somebody else has taken the financial hit on, and offer him a little of his money back. There's plenty of them out there!
Jerry
