Thanks for the compliment, but as a craftsman, I'm really just barely competent enough to keep from severing digits. This is generally not the sort of project I'd attempt, but the seller happened to be local, and I have a Descent in nice shape that could use some very minor repairs that would necessitate similar work on the top panel. Better to experiment on a cabinet that's almost wrecked already.
As for the economics, it really only works out if I consider that I've enjoyed the project (leisure time), have learned from it (education), and got a new tool as a bonus. The beat up Depth cost me $200. The replacement driver will be $165. Three new grills are $30 each. And then aluminum trim inlay on the top is $45 assuming it's actually available. Jim Power is checking into that. If not, I'll have to get creative with some back-painted plexiglass, or completely fill that area with Bondo which would be kind of a shame.
So... that's $500 in all for the parts, assuming I can get the trim. The Black & Decker palm sander was $40, and I spent about $20 on Bondo, some spackling knives, sandpaper, etc. A Depth in nice shape is worth around $850, so I could probably sell the finished work and still make a couple hundred bucks. If I keep it, it would be more economical to skip the grills since they're not necessary... but with my luck, I'll end up having trouble selling it at some point when the grills are no longer available.
As I said, I'm really not that much of a craftsman. The idea of a fine automotive finish is appealing, but that would mean a lot more prep work to get the finish absolutely 100% smooth. I think I'd rather just spend an afternoon with a spray can and see how it turns out.
- Jason