Steve,
Welcome to the forums. In the spring of 2014, I was just where you are. Finally got the kids through college, and looking to buy the Chevelle I always wanted, in my case a 64 SS. I was a novice and not up to date on Chevelles or classic cars in general. I was eager to purchase and posted several cars on this WIW forum for the more knowledgable to help me evaluate. The very helpful people here gave me great advice, slow down take your time, good cars are out there at reasonable prices. I ended up buy the car pictured below. It is a true SS, but not a numbers matching car. The 4sp was original to the car, but the original 283 had been swapped for a 327 from a later cheville as had the rear end. The engine had been totally rebuild to 327/ 300hp specs with the addition of an aluminum intake and later holley carb. I would call the car a mild resto mod. The paint and interior colors were original to the car, but it had been upgraded with power front disc brakes, a quicker ratio steering gear, rear sway bar. The interior had been modified by replacing the original bucket seats and console with a 64 Chevelle bench seat. I did get the original buckets and console with the car. The exterior mods included adding a vinyl top and Crager mags. I thought all the mods were tastefully done and the disc brakes and updated steering gear and rear sway bar made the car more responsive and safer to drive. The engine swap and mods would have been typical day 2 or day 3, mods back in the day. The car retains its classic look, but is not to valuable to drive, and has great road manners. I taken it to lots of cruise ins, a and three shows and it trophied at each one, including best chevy at a show that featured over 60 chevys.
In short the members here convinced me to take my time and I ended up with a better car for less money by being patient. 64 Chevelles are my personal favorite and the only model I was interested in. in the 64 to 71 model years they are probably the least popular overall and that played in my favor on price.
By slowing down and taking my time, I was able to get the car pictured below for $20,000. and it was a turn key car. At the first cruise in I attended I turned down a $25,000 cash offer.
By following the advice I got here, I ended up with a better car for less money. Being too eager to buy almost led me to purchase decisions I would have regretted later.
My car I is pictured below, I hope my experience is helpful to you.
good luck.