expert help needed (my first post)

The advise from Cosgig is from someone who has been buying, flipping and dismantling cars for longer than you have been alive. He has no skin in the game other than helping you to avoid a disaster. Little story. Back in the day I saw a Buick Special station wagon I thought was a really cool body style. I had a friend who was a professional mechanic who promised to help me do a small block chevy 350 swap. Had another friend who was a professional body man who promised to help me do a Harold and Maude tribute, so I bought the car. They both bailed and I took a bath. Real learning experience. I admire your enthusiasm and your ability to do the mechanical stuff you described. If you want to have fun go for it. You will learn a lot and if you finish it you will have a fun ride people will admire. Everyone is just trying to keep you from being dissappointed when you find out how hard and expensive it is, and the certainty you will not come out well financially.

You are near a major metropolis area. Go to a few car shows and talk to everyone! Ask about their build and maybe go for a ride in a car or 2 if you ask nicely! You might even make some good connections on people who can help you with advice or maybe even parts. Everyone here wants to see you succeed.