TELL ME WHY WE DO THIS?!!!!!

Not to pour salt in your wound, but your experience is why I would pay a premium on a car that needs of lots work and is basically original over a "restored" car.
That is despite what the "smart" money might do.
I.e. Buy one already "restored".
I'll never buy someone else's hot rod again that I can't tell what has been done to it.

buying any old car that a PO has worked is always a crab shoot unless you know their abilities!! ha....... love it when they use grade 3 Chinese bolts from home depot! ha