Ryan is pretty close on his price...pumps are running around a grand to do all the body work, paint, materials, etc. Most pumps have some rust-out that needs to be welded in and ground down, they need sand blasting, etc. The big difference here, and it sounds like a lot of money to spend, is man oh man do they look great compared to a cheap job that looks like dog doo-doo. You will get your money back in the long run if you sell, and they look a lot more inviting at a sale. You are better off spending good money up front for a professional level job, believe me.
Definitely go with the base-clear coat.
PremoPetrol, you are right on. I saw a couple guys 'in heat' to own a visible a couple months ago at a farm sale. The pump had an excellent cylinder and that was the only good thing you could say about it. The rest of the pump was basically junk, what was there (It was missing the dome top and the pump handle, skins were pitted beyond a reasonable doubt)I believe the pump was an American. It went home with a new owner for $1200. I suppose ten years from now that will have been a good buy, but it is wiser to pay good money for good stuff not junk.....
