I'm into my GTM about $48k so far, and about 80% into the gokart stage. I'm looking at spending probably $5-7k in other parts and upgrades. So with no bodywork, I'm going to be sitting at upward of $55k.
I plan on doing some of the bodywork myself, but expect to pay another $10k for the final finish work......I think. My budget was $60-65k.

Then of course, I have also imagined another $30k worth of stuff that I was just dreaming about........but yeah .... I'm going to attempt to stay within my budget.

I was surprised at the cost of paint materials on my last project. The pearl that I picked for it was $800 per pint!!! Like Crash inferred though ....you can spend as much as you want to spend when it comes to paint and body work. In the long run though, a good looking job will attract as much attention as a show quality job.....as long as your not showing it.