$7,500 for all that? Quality window out respray cost at least that much these days from a reputable shop.

Yeah that number sounds low....but. I've already installed new rs door cards in leather, figure $500 in new carpert, $3000 for new seats. Respray is where I save money. Client of mine owns upscale paint shop is knocking ton off... $2500 for glassruit (sp?) paint as the is very little body work needed...he owes me about $6k. Basically all mechanical, suspension is done. I was going to just enjoy patina and not worry about added value. Truth be known I'm still leaning toward driving it and enjoying it as cosmetics aren't that bad.

So land Gas...excellent points. I've always looked at this car as nothing more than something to enjoy. And you're correct that stock is where it's at for the bulk of the market. The most logical thing is to modify it to suit my needs, enjoy the original paint patina, and worry about upgrading it for the next buyer or not if that time ever comes but I do want to sell it. By that time maybe the Safari craze will have come and gone and it really won't matter.

Thanks guys for your input to help me clarify my thoughts.

What's the deal with repainting a decent looking driver when you are planning on a Safari type usage ? It's gonna get mud and crap splattered all over your nice paint job and accumulate the dings and dents of a true and tested rugged vehicle. Or is this going to be a country club styled Safari build ?

https://s13252.pcdn.co/wp-content/up...5558930_04.jpg

Pmax, you are absolutely right. These cars mean different things to different people. Some want to preserve pristine originality and others find joy in using them for whatever purpose that serves their needs. Nothing wrong with either end of the spectrum. I've had the luxury of enjoying my car for over 20 years in my own way. It has become like a well-worn pair of jeans rather than a tuxedo that you wear three times a year. I guess coming face-to-face with the reality that the car has now become relatively valuable, that I was descending to the type of person that knows the price of everything but the value of nothing. And truth be known I don't think I would enjoy it more because it had a pristine paint job or perfect cosmetics. That being said, it's my car and I'll do what I want with it and enjoy it in whatever way I see fit.