People watch too many shows about car customizing/restoration/repair on TV - HorsepowerTV, Overhaulin', etc, and those shows always shrug off the body work - show a few seconds of it. So people figure it "takes a few seconds."
I used to work for a restoration shop - I'd get people calling who'd want "frame off" restorations - new engines, new suspension, restored interior, paint, glass, etc, and then very calmly say "Yeah my budget is about 17 thousand." I of course was not allowed to say "What are you, stupid?"
I love it when people say "Well hell the car isn't even worth that!" Well then I guess you shouldn't have let it get so screwed up to begin with!
Jeff