Biuld worth-stock/clone vs protouring $$

Pro touring in my book is big wheels,big tires,air conditioning,power steering,power disc brakes,better than stock suspension,more modern interior,and more.And none of that stuff is cheep.
$3000.00 for motor,tranny,body work,paint,interior,wheels,tires,etc.I just do not see it unless you have a stash of parts to use.How cheep can you do the paint and body even using cheep materials?I know where I can get a 66 Barracuda for $500.00 I thought of buying it and just building it with used and swap meet parts.But I did not plan on a show car or a car I could flip.More of just a beater car.