Hey Brett,
I am currently trying to restore my 68. It needs a lot of work. When you look at restoring a car no matter what condition you start out, unless its cherry from the get go, in it's going to be a money pit. My fiance has a 79 TA and he has over $4 grand in the engine alone. The body, interior, and paint are going to get a final price of $6 grand and he is the second owner of the car. As you can see from my pics my 68 is in about or worse condition than your two you are looking at. Yes having people in your family and friends to help is great and you can save money, but don't count on it. If you can afford it I'd snag both. You will always need parts. I think $1,000 a piece is fair. I purchased mine for $2,200. But think about your overall outcome. When you are all said and done money, labor, and all the goodies in between what do you want? Money will come with time or on credit cards or a loan and do you have time to spend working on the car. As in several years or do you want it right now. Do you want something as a daily driver or a street machine? Do you want to restore it back to factory specs or have fun? All of this should be considered before you buy a muscle car. I know you've thought about all of this, but it doesn't hurt to hear it again. I've already sunk $500 into mine buying an engine and wheels. If you do the work yourself you will enjoy the car more, but enjoying driving it is fun too. Hope this helps.