Don't forget that your neighborhood auto parts places will let you "borrow" specialised tools like those needed for old school suspension systems.

The only drawback to this is how beat-up those tools are when you get them.

PS, my budget for my pretty much rust free coupe that spent its entire life (prior to my purchase) in California is...


...about $42K


But temper that figure with such upgrades as aftermarket front seats, about $6K for a professionally built almost 500 hp 455 engine, $700 for my rare HD nodular 4-pinion 10 bolt rear end, and the occasional "cool, gotta have it" part like $600 billet aluminum hood hinges and about the same $$$ for a Rodney Red aluminum radiator...