This will be the last ground up car for me.

I hear what you are sayin'...
Beautiful car you got going.

I worked with my son and done a '67 Firebird. I had invested a lot of time (5 years) and towards the end, said never again also. Then I got to thinking, I gave the 'bird to my son and wanted a car for myself. I had invested all that time into learning how to do it, we had purchased tools like a welder and rotisserie and other body tools. I dove in and bought my Duster. I hope to finish it this year.

For someone just starting out, you might consider a later A body rather than the early models. More and better likelihood of finding parts, or complete parts cars. I have basically parted out three cars to get stuff for mine, selling excess items to get new parts as necessary. It has taken me 4 years so far, but in terms of money, I should get done for about 5 grand (at least that's what I've told the wifey...)
C