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Don't let others stomp your idea into the ground. Keep a positive attitude and look at the car as individual goals, not one big one. This way you will not get overwhelmed. I would do this: keep the car as a driver so you can enjoy it while you work on it, don't go crazy. Like some of the others have said, start with one part of the car: usually the worst rusted part. Then keep going. If you cover your new metal with rust proofing paint (rust bullet for example), you can leave it for a while and not have to worry about 2 steps forward, one back. Your project will slowly get done while you can drive it and then you will have something in the end to be proud of while learning how to do it. Have your friend teach you the bodywork as he/she does it! Cleanup, paint, and fix as much of the original pieces you can, that will keep costs down. If you start getting discouraged, stop for a while then come back to it. It will be a great learning and fun experience if you don't have to have the car as your daily driver too. Good luck and post pics for everyone to see!
Mark




I don't think anyone is trying to kill his dream but rather point out the facts to him before he begins his project.
Restoring a car is a costly thing to do and if you are not already equipped with the tools and knowledge it is even more costly and time consuming.
Also many guys think they'll restore a car, drive it for a while and then sell it for big bucks like they do on Barrett-Jackson.
With today's market you will have trouble selling any restoration for what you have in it unless it is a VERY desirable model.
Once equipped with the facts if he decides to continue that's up to him and him alone.
I keep a log book of the hours I put into restoring a car, the cost of the materials, the cost of the supplies, the cost of the replacement parts, etc. and it is a real eye opener.