There`s always going to be additional expense. **** happens......especially when you mix gasoline, sparks, and metal parts spinning at outrageous rpm`s, all governed by controlled explosions! As a lot of people have said before though , when it`s all ON ,it`s hard to wipe the **** eating grin off your face! I`m soon to spend some more myself as I`m thinking of building a 500 ci 440 and putting a 5 spd. behind it. Restoring these cars is kinda` like playing the stock market, if you stay in it through thick and thin there`s a great payoff in the end. I hope this 2nd shop treats you right, and I look forward to seeing pictures of the B`cuda with new paint........ P.S. Thanks, I love my B`cuda.