Fromt the PY boards. I find the costs and prices in this thread match my own experiences pretty well (I have been keeping an Excel spreadsheet)

PY Forum Discussion on Resto Costs

Yep, I have always used $30k as a ballpark number, not including the initial cost of the car. You might save a little doing it yourself, but then it takes four times longer (at least) so may not end up cheaper in the long run.

I have done many resto's. Always best to start with the most complete rust free car that is fully intact. Chasing down parts eats up the hours.
Still cheaper than buying a new car.

I've learned a lot restoring our 2nd 68. I'm sure I'm north of $30K in my Blackbird, stopped keeping track looooong ago. Just totaled up the build on wife's Redbird, $8140, that is rolling chassis, motor and all parts so far. I'm at the point where paint is pretty much last thing to do, which I will be doing myself. Brought this car home May 1st, had it running in 3 months, licensed, titled and legal in 4 1/2....but that was many long nights/weekends & Shiners ;-) It aint a show car, but will be a really nice, mostly original driver...and I can say I did it all myself....love to do another. Build link, click on ALL PHOTOS , top left to see entire build.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/109561775500923430569/albums/5874306116019076289?sort=1

To add a bit of perspective, to get a "collectable" muscle car these days like a Boss 302 Laguna Seca or a ZL1 will set you back at least 50 Large.

And, as I point out often to my wife, that kind of money would get you into a really nice Mercedes.

I have including the cost of the old beast, 40K in to it plus my labour. I tell my wife it's one of our "rolling" RRSP's (or 401k or whatever you guys call retirement plans)

I would think any classic car would be a negative retirement plan....lol

look at it this way...I just sold my bird...bought for $8000, had over 30k in it at the end...lost about $10,000...wife said "you lost 10k?" I said , "well , I owned it 13 yrs, thats only a cost of 770 / year , having fun, comes to less than 65 / mo....tell me what else fun you spend less than 65 a month on?"

then she said :" ahhh ,thats not that bad"

Hey, I've been using the same story with my wife!
Blondie will believe anything I tell her!