Hey Jimbo,
The cost to do the theory is not alot. If I remember it was between $100 and $200. Not alot mate.
The test itself is pretty easy if you have some commercial experience but not unobtainable if you have none. Just sit and go through all the exam questions. If you do it through Glennair( i think its them that do it), you get given the book of questions so you can go through them a good few times. If you do it through ATP in the states, its all computer based but you get loads of time to go through them.
To put the FAA type rating onto the JAA licence, I had to go to Le bourget, Flight Safety, and pass the initial written exam again (on type) and then into the sim for an LST. Then off 2 Gatwick with the paperwork and a credit card. 2 hours later it was on my JAR licence
Hope this helps mate.
Good luck
