Steel Casement Windows. Restore or Replace?

[Alex Applebee]

Hi! I'm rehabbing my first house in Phoenix. The house is a 1948 bungalow. It has the original steel casement windows. I am 1 block out of the historic distract. If I was actually in the historic distract I would not be allowed to rip out the windows. I'm not in it, so I can do what I want. I originally planned just to rip them out and replace them. I did budget for this. However, since I am saving the historic doors and overall trying to maintain the original "charm", I am playing with the idea of restoring the windows.

The glass is in good condition, however in two rooms they have painted over the glass with paint (why?! get some curtains!). There are a lot of layers of paint on the trim that look like junk. I can't open the windows at the moment (painted shut maybe?). The handles that you turn to open them seem stuck. Anyways, anyone restored these type of windows before? Will it be more cost efficient to rip them out and put new ones in? This is purely from a a monetary standpoint, cheaper the better. I don't think they are particularly pretty or add much to the house, but people seem to get excited about them around here. I have a few calls out to restoration people, but don't expect to hear from them until monday, so asking you guys!