New guy - where do I begin!?!

Greetings all, from Kodiak, Alaska!

I'm Andy...married 13 years...one two-year old son...active duty U.S. Coast Guard.

We are transferring from Kodiak to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan this May, and once we arrive back in our home State, we'll be looking for something - anything - as a project.

I had a '66 Belair as well as a '64 Polara 500. I want out of the "musclecar" scene and into the true hot-rod scene.

That's where my dilemma begins...what do I do? Should I start with something like a t-bucket kit? Do I look for an older car/truck to start playing around with?

The biggest problem we have is - of course - money. The military pays well, but I'll never be rich from it!

What (if any) is the most reasonable way to get into hot-rodding? My initial (up-front first purchase) budget is $4000.

One other thing (an issue with a t-bucket) is that I want a car I can drive in the rain if I want, without getting the interior (and us!) completely drenched!

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks! I'm looking forward to being involved around here!
Andy
aka Drogster