I know how you feel. Keep in mind though that the difference between the car you buy and what you want is pretty close to how much it will cost to make what you have into the car you want. I think we all would like a strong running, rust free car with decent paint job. That car will probably cost in the neighborhood of 30k give or take, as long as it isn't a special model (T/A, R/T, etc.) And if you want a show car, then you'd better take out the wallet. As I mentioned, I bought my car for about 11k. It needs some things; suspension rebuilt, engine and transmission rebuilt (runs ok now, want more performance and a 4 speed), a driver's rear framerail and floor patch (not replaced, just patched), and a paint job without rust bubbles (probably a few body patches). When all is said and done, I'll probably end up spending ~15k to get my car to be what I want, and thats only because I can do most of the work myself. So when I'm done I'll have my ~30k car, it'll just take me a year or two to get there (and I'll have spent almost 30k all said and done).
A rust bucket may be cheap to buy, but it will be hell to fix.I have the same problem, I see potential in things, especially cars, and my mechanical ability convinces me I can fix 'em all. But potential in the automotive world is expensive.
Hold out for a complete car and plan on spending a little money if you want to drive it without immediate work. You'll probably need between 10-15K to get something that you can enjoy without immediately sinking a fortune into it, and even then plan on a couple thousand to get it reliable. I'd be (and was!) looking for something '72-'74 with a slant six or 318 auto that runs and is complete, with a few problems. My car has the rust, a non-functional heater and wipers, scratched glass, a Maaco paint job (good from 10'!), and a thrashed carpet and back seat. It also has a rebuilt 318 and smooth shifting 904 though, and after a tune up runs fine. They're out there, just hang in there!
