I have to respectfully disagree that one can't make a profit. Guys are buying them for wall hangers in their shops or Man Caves. They don't run and will never run because only the cosmetics are done zero mechanics. If one goes to the length to get them in running order you are 100% correct.
The wallhangers that are pristeen examples actually look better than the originals. Most guys will clear coat them and add exact copies of the original decals. In the olden days none were clearcoated and thus not that shiny. The minimum price for paint and decals is about $150 is you want an exact match. Then add the labor, whatever that's worth to you.
If you look at EBay (as one example) the selling prices are more than the motor cost when new. A further look shows that hardly anybody is buying them at those prices.
If you can sell one at the asking price, then of course you made a goooood profit. But most guys hang them on the wall as a barn find, or they use 2 cans of Rustoleum and call it a day.
I just finished my 70th motor. (you should see MY man cave.) It is a 1956 Johnny 5 1/2. I make my own decals (if I can find an internet pic that I can duplicate). In this case Rustoleum had a 99% match and with some sandpaper on the points and gumout thru the carb, she runs fine.
My son gave it to me for my birthday, after finding it on the curb on garbage day. Total investment - $15.00, plus maybe 15 hours of labor. MOD EDITED AGAIN.
