sounds like a lot of work and TLC... The question is not what he wants for it, it's what it's worth to you..
Now where is your picture of hand to hand exchanging of wads of cash Kevin?If you have to throw gobs of money at any car, you simply have to "make" your money on the front-end. If he is tired of the car and knows it needs plenty of money thrown at it, $1,000 might just wet his whistle enough for him to take your cash and sign over the title.
Cash is king.