The Difference Between the Men and the Boys...
...is the price of the toys! This saying is so true. No one said you had to by a complete kit. Sometimes it's just better starting out with the frame and add things (like the body) as time allows. Some places are starting to sell more than just Ford stuff. I'd bet you can get a rod frame with the mountings for your choice of suspension for under $4000.
Build the suspension and add a bodywhen time allows. If the place that sells the frame has body kits, all the better. Another way to go, though A LOT HARDER, is to get a set of frame drawings and making your own. This will require welding, jig, and fabrication skills. What a great way to learn. :whacked:
As for fiberglass bodies, most are very good. I work as a insurance adjuster, and I don't usually so the cars until they're broken. But I looked at a '34 Ford Roadster last year with a Westcott body, fenders, hood, etc. The car had been professionally assembled at a cost (as I was told) of $130,000. Preperation is everything and the car was very well done. But the glass body was excellent in quality.
As for having missing pieces, that should not stop you. I have as must fun checking out swap meets as working on the car. The seach can be fun if you let it be.
Good luck.