I am in total agreement with all of Bob's statements. When I read your post, two things jumped out at me: Major modifications and very limited budget. The two simply do not go together. This car is a survivor and also has a strong family history, if you get 1/2 way into it and are over your head, the car will be ruined.

For example, just to have the top chopped is a major expense, unless you are capable of doing it yourself. Bagged suspension is another major hit. Even if you have those done, you are then looking at a lot more money to bring the rest of the components up to snuff.

Here is my suggestion. Walk before you run. Take some pictures, let us see what you have, inside and out, and underneath. Then, clean the car up, see if the engine will run, and if it does, freshen up what is there and drive it a little for a period of time. That will let you enjoy the car, and when your finances improve you can start to do the frame off items you have detailed.

I know my suggestions are kind of "wet blanket" but I tend to be realistic. I personally have ruined some very good cars over the years because my enthusiasm was bigger than my bank account or talent. I would really hate to see this great survivor ruined. You have to be realistic and ask yourself if you are capable of laying $ 20-30,000 on the table and devote it to this car, because that is probably the minimum you are looking at to do the things you have mentioned.

Doesn't mean you can't still get this car running, and people would love to see one of these that is in the condition you outlined, still around. You have a gem there, but if you aren't a diamond cutter, you risk ruining it. JMO.

Don


OH, and I forgot............WELCOME TO THE FORUM.