PJ,
My situation is much like V6jimmy's. I paid about $500 for mine and after putting a clutch in it, I'll start driving it, rust and all. As I get money and time I'll do this and that. I never want to make it so nice that I'm afraid to throw something in the backend and scratch it. I couldn't imagine driving around in something that nice. If you want it that nice, then search for one that's has most of the features you want and then finish it out. In my opinion, the guys that fix them up in pristine condition are just paying your equity, they can almost NEVER get out of them what they put in them. Then all YOU have to do is tweek it to your liking.
As for your current project, trade it, give it away, sell it, just PLEASE DON'T scrap it.
My 2c.
Rance
