Narrow down what you can afford and what you want to build. That will help a LOT.
Example, Model A with a Ford flathead V8, there is a great book by Vern Tardel.
T bucket, there is the build plans from Speedway (Used to be Total Performance).
Mopar, it really depends on the era. The Tex Smith book has some good info but is very outdated and expensive to buy.
Often the budget will determine the starting point and the build style. A Pro-Touring 2 Door Airflow is out of reach for almost all of us. A 40s build with the stock flatty, a T-5 and rear axle swap, along with a disc conversion and shock relocation is probably the lowest cost.
Earlier stuff is more expensive and requires more work. Post 1948 is not considered Street Rod as much.
Narrowing the candidates also helps point to the catalogs and companies that you can use in the build.

I will say that Mopar rods are often priced cheaper than you can build them. Provided you have the funds and the car is built right, you can often get a great deal on a done car. Especially if you are willing to yank out a SBC and install a real motor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1936-Plym...=item25773b4a0e