and I think for a bit less than some of the figures quoted
I think you might be shocked by the final number.
The bits you'd need to buy are the cheap part.
New engine/prop/engine control/flight control cables/pullies/ALL new wiring/new instruments/new radios/all new hoses/windows/tyres/wheels/brakes. $100-130k easy.
New interior $8k.
Sheet alluminium to reskin large areas, maybe all, of the fuselage and wings - not sure - maybe 15k?
Paint job - $15-20k.
We're over 170k and haven't spent a cent on labour nor actually bought the aeroplane - and believe me labour is the REALLY big part of restoring an aeroplane. $90-100/hr shop rate for a LAME near any decent size city and 1000-1500hrs of labour could slide into that airframe
very easily if there is significant lap joint corrosion. And there WILL be corrosion - MFX has been sitting in an open hangar several nm downwind from Bootless Bay for a decade with 20kt Tradewinds blowing salty air at it for 6 months in 12.
I am really surprised MFX is still in POM - I thought it had been moved south some years ago.
What is happening at Bensbach these days? Old Brian Bromley was a good mate and he was having dramas with the locals when I used to frequent the place in the early/mid 90s.