I need help restoring an old one

We will be glad to help, but we could use more specifics on the exact car you will be working on and what you are capable of doing, mechanically speaking.

First rule of advice: buy the best/most complete/most rust-free car you can afford UP FRONT. You will save big $$$ and headaches in the long run.

The cost will depend a lot on what you want to end up with and how patient you are.

I have a total rust bucket that my dad bought for me 16 years ago. I've put about 5 grand into it. Basically I'm just keeping it on the road until I have the time and resources to do more.

Some people buy a car and immediately pull the motor, tear the interior out, etc..

What are your plans?

LMan said:

First rule of advice: buy the best/most complete/most rust-free car you can afford UP FRONT. You will save big $$$ and headaches in the long run.

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What L said.
You can almost build a brand new car from the aftermarket suppliers like NPD, but that will run you $$$. A rotten frame is serious because it requires major cutting, welding, and you have to be sure its done right or the car won't track straight. A rotten body panel is no big deal because you can either do a spot patch or replace the whole panel for not too terribly much $. You can get a whole brand-new door shell for between $350 & 400, for example. Trim pieces are just cosmetic, and aren't that expensive or difficult to replace, and can be put off to the end of the project, or done anytime during the buildup to give you a "warm fuzzy."

Good luck. Great people and a wealth of knowledge on this site.