re: Classic Car Restorations

Before you start on any restoration, have a realistic expectation of what you want to accomplish and a budget and a reasonable time frame to reach it.
Have a good knowledge of the vehicle you are interested in or have someone with that experience evaluate it before you bring it home. Some cars have hidden problems that are not visible without some disassembly. The forums are full of sad stories where a buyers budget was blown up quickly after these hidden areas were discovered.
Be careful with claims of numbers matching. The scammers have gotten really good with fake docs and stampings.
Know your mechanical limitations and expect the unexpected.

Buy one already done. There are a ton out there for sale that will save you a ton of money.
FYI-25k will get you paint/body work and interior. You still have suspension, engine, transmission, wheels, tires, brakes, glass, moldings, etc. that will run you another 30-50k. This puts you at 75k or so on a car that if done perfectly might get 50k top dollar. Or you can buy one already done for 40k.

Started on a 70 Camaro. Bought it in Bristol for 1500. Hauled it to Birmingham basically in a box. $3500 later, new quarter panels, roof, floor pans and tail light panel. Built a 454 for 1800. Ran it on Craigslist to see where I stood. A man from Chattanooga offered me $9000 for the car. Sold the engine separate for $3800. I had no experience in welding. Bought a cheap welder and plasma cutter and went to work. Had about $6800 in it, sold for about $13000. Was fun and profitable.

Invest in yourself and take a welding class.

First time poster. I have been reading and lurking for years. I have a 1973 Mustang convertible. This is my third classic car. I have had this one going on four years. All I can say is that rust is the biggest thing to avoid. This car is perfect with the exception of the engine and a few minor things. I am putting a new one in it now and while I’m at it, a new AC, upgraded internal and external lights and all new rubber. Should have it on the road in three or four weeks and it will be my daily driver It’s still a lot of money. I cannot imagine having to do body work on top of that. All that to say, if you haven’t been to Cruisin the Coast in Mississippi, I highly recommend it. There are so many great cars there after the event that are completely redone that are for sale, many at very good prices. And it is a really fun event!

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All I can say is that rust is the biggest thing to avoid.

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Well this is my biggest fear during my brainstorming about this car. Like most of us, we live in S. Louisiana, and the rust is king. Especially with cars that sit in disrepair for god knows how long. I fully expect all the rockers, fenders and floor pans to be completely rusted out. Unless I get lucky and find a car out of state that is maybe from up north. All that cutting, fitting, and welding will be expensive. Then the body work that comes after that. The drive train is what it is, It's alot easier to take an engine out, and have it rebuilt than for me to have that metal work done.

This is the car I am going look at this week.

Expand your time frame to 2x, cars been sitting for 50 years, what's another 5?

Mig welding ain't hard. I got a barely used 210amp Hobart with the bottle, gun, and two reels for $1300. I can weld just about anything I need to. YouTube will teach you technique and settings. Body panels can be purchased if you don't want to roll or patch.

If the rest of these assholes in the comments would stop their projects it'd be cheaper for us

Be patient and find a car with solid bones. It will cost you more upfront for the car but save you money in the end. Stay patient and the right car will come along. With that being said wanna buy a 66 Cadillac already done? Lol