Adding Quick change gear box to model C?

[Jimbo]

I am slowly leaning toward the old iron path (as opposed to new import) and have a line on some South Bend 9's two of the three are model C's (both $600) and the other one is a model A ($900). I have not checked them out yet but will in the next few days.

My questions to the people in the know are-

Is it worth converting a C into an A considering time and parts?

If these lathes are in good shape (average) with minimal tooling would the the asking price be OK?
I know that without pictures and more information that this makes it harder to make a judgement, I just am asking in general what are South bend 9's going for.

I am trying to limit the size of the lathe at this time as I may be moving this year and know the hassles of moving large items up the truck ramp. I think (at this time) that a 9 inch lathe will serve the purpose.

I appreciate any comments from anyone who has traveled this path before.

Thanks
Jim