Hi Keith,
I bought two (2) 152 basket case in the past three years. The first one was complete, only missing very little parts (two limit switch for flaps motor and the landing gear fairings) and I pai 13k$ in 2009. I restored this 152 with the help of an A&P friend and the finish cost was 39.5k$. Plane sold for 43k$ in may 2012 (new paint-engine-prop-interior).
The second one was flipped over in high wind and served as an organ donor. I paid 5900$ for it (in december 2011). Engine was good and sold for 7400$ with carb and accessories, prop was 73 hours old (sensenich 72CKS) still in my garage undamaged, engine mount sold for 800$ and the 406 Artex ELT was transfered to my 150/150.
So it greatly vary depending on the overall condition. In your case, considering the airplane need to be put back together, plus an engine and hardware, I would not pay more than 6-8k$ (and I would pay that much, only because the aircraft is complete with new paint, ready to assemble - otherwise stay away).
Good luck
-Fred
(by the way, don't pay too much attention to forum bully or other that are making fun of people here. I consider this forum as a great source of info, but unfortunatly it is a private party and not everyone are welcome...)
