You say you bought it, so it wasn't a gift (trying to understand the sentimental value), but your conversion idea will completely destruct the guitar and turn it into something else??
If all you are keeping is the neck and top you really aren't converting a guitar, you're giving a luthier a neck and top wood to build a different guitar.
And yes it is going to cost more than a new guitar because the builder has to de-construct the old guitar (with associated costs) before they even start the new guitar. And it certainly won't be a Martin anymore.
But hey it's your guitar and your business...............good luck.
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