Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a terrific project to start with.

Before you pick up any tools, you have got to do some really deep soul searching and decide what you want, what you can afford, and what you are capable of doing yourself. This, believe it or not, is the toughest part of the process, because most people tend to be overly optimistic and enthusiastic in their evaluation of themselves. That can be good, but it can also lead to the person getting frustrated and giving up in the middle.

The "want" part is sort of easy to figure out. Simply get a basic idea in your mind of what the finished car will be like. You have already sort of done that with the 350/350, MMII comments. Good sensible start.

The "what can I afford" part is also not too hard to figure out. None of us can really afford to do this stuff, but we do it anyway. But as everyone will tell you, double or triple what you figure it will cost, and you will get close (maybe). It will also take a lot more time than you think. Lots more time.

Here comes the really hard part. What are you capable of doing yourself. This answer takes into account no only your personal skills, but what equipment you own or will buy. You will need cutting, welding, lifting, etc equipment as a very minimum. You simply don't clip and airbag a car without a lot of skill and equipment. Can't be done. You will also need a good amount of space to work, because the parts you spread out from the disassembled car will take up more room than you ever imagined.

None of what I have said above is meant to discourage you from this project, just the opposite. I think this is a very good way to go. But, sometimes for a persons first build it makes more sense to take baby steps. Maybe just cleaning the car up a little, fixing the mechanical parts and getting it drivable so you can start to get the feel of hot rodding and participating in cruises and shows. Then, as time goes on start making changes as finances and your skills improve. I don't know you, so you may be very capable of doing the jobs you need to do, but I am just throwing this out there in case you have not done these things before.

I think if you do it the simple way to start with you will stand a better chance of success. JMO..

Don