Check with this guy, Bobert: The Restoration of My 1951-Spartanette He seems to share your affinity for the vehicle--he also says it took him between 600 and 700 hours to do the work, over about 5 months--By his accounts, his was in bad shape when he got it, as well--also, be prepared to lay out a bit of cash--he says it cost $400 for a replacement motor for the Frigidaire(a built-in, so you can't just go get a new one from Best Buys)--Take heart though, as it will be very cool when you are done!