Every car is different, every shop is different, as are most owners. So the result and costs are always really unknown until the project is on your doorstep. I've tried to sell complete street car packages, freshly done in any color of your choice, any engine/driveline, for $20k and gotten no response. I think that's a mix of trust issues (an I understand that), and also because most guys don't have $20K sitting around. They might have $2K, and 5K, and $4K, and $1500, at various times of the year. Then you talk to others, they end up with $20K in bodywork over 2 years...lol I've also seen some way overpriced cars from flippers that make me cringe. As individuals, we all think differently about what a "finished car" or restored car represent. Now, for the OP, if you want to do body work, don't start on your car... Do little projects for free or materials cost to get the techniques and skills built up, and the tools. If you have a place to set u pas a spray booth, you can spray. All you need are hammers, dollies, air compressor and various tools, a mig, the guns, etc. You will spend close to $5K on tools to properly equip yourself. And there's always more. More cutters for the roto-broach and spot weld cutters, discs for the die grinder and 4" grinder, more sand paper than you ever thought you'd need, and abrasive for the blaster, masking supplies, mask and filters, you name it. And you havent gottent eh weatherstrips, paint seal kit, paint and prep stuff, stel panels as needed. It all adds up. Also, many body shops won't paint if they don't do the steel and blocking. Because the spraying is easy, the work underneath is what makes the quality look good.