Have a few questions regarding, starting a rebuild. Thinking of starting to rebuild a 69 or 70 Chevelle and was jsut curious a ballpark estimate of what I am looking at to get a decent looking ride with decent performance. I won't ever race it just want to be able to drive a well mannered street car that does have some oomph. I don't know a lot about cars but have a few friends that do and would be willing to help me along the way. I would like to get etiher 396 or 454 for the engine but beyond that will probably be taking some recommendations from this site and local friends.

I know this is a broad subject and can have huge ranges but just looking for a modest build that looks nice and runs well.

It would all depend on what you're starting with. The last Chevelle I restored was a basket case with tons of missing parts. It cost me around 25k plus to complete.
That's really not that bad. A clean complete car will cost you more money to begin with, but less money to make it presentable. A "project" will cost you less to begin with, but can add up quick, and actually cost you more money than a fully restored car. It would also depend on how much, and how long you can plug away at a project and actually see it to completion.As some one just getting into this hobby, I'd start with something that really doesn't need much, and build on that. You could probably get something pretty decent for between 8,000 to 12,000. Those numbers are just off the top of my head.

I too had these same questions only 10 months ago. My son and I wanted a project car to "work on together". Found a 69 SS advertized on Craig's List near our hometown. Price started out at $7,500.00 because it was # matching but with the help of the guys on this site we determined it not to be so. Price went down and down and down the more I learned from this site $3,500.00. Also determined it to be a true SS because of the paint code 72 72 and later found it to be a L78 396 375 HP car also from this site after the purchase.

Many on this site advised me to not purchase the car because of my lack of experience and also the time involved to do a car, "just go ahead and get something already done and enjoy the ride now before my son goes to college". (something to consider, TIME)

My son and I have a 2002 Vette to ride in but we wanted the BUILD experience. I just didn't know I would end up doing a frame off nuts and bolts show car quality restomod. Wesley is very good at getting his way, knows the right buttons to push... and about $35,000.00 later we still have not driven one mile yet (close).

It cost what it cost. TIME and MONEY but this was the right choice for us because we had the place to do it and the time and money to see it thru. A project that you think can be done in a short time will take you much longer than you think. JMO :thumbsup: