Hey Matt,
I've seen cores actually sell for almost nothing to over $1,500... depending on the condition. Here's one up in Fort Collins that sold not too long ago:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/904806-manual-sport-seat-cores.html
btw, the guy who built your barn is smarter than me, I keep my Akita in the back seat
