Jen, I know you would like to build your own car and all. I understand that there is a respect factor that goes along with that. I know that being a lady in a man's game is not always easy. I also know that buying a car like Brian Baker's is a great idea. It will get you to your goals MUCH quicker and cheaper. For the money you will save, you could also have a nice, enclosed air conditioned trailer for your car. Shoot, I've tried to get Brian to swap me his 79 for my 69 Bird more than once. His car is MUCH more complete than mine. Besides, if you install the engine and driveline, do the bodywork and prep it for your own paint scheme, isn't that enough?
Get out and race, life is short. Enjoy yourself. You don't have to prove nuthin' to nobody just because you're female. If you want to build your own car to please yourself, go for it. But don't buy into the whole "if I didn't do all the work myself it's not really my car" thing. Everyone has talents and limitations. I know some VERY skillful builders and mechanics and there's always something somewhere that gets contracted out (final paint, narrowing the rear end, chassis work, etc.)
I support my husband 100% in our racing program. I freely admit that any seat time I get I owe to him. I may not be the best mechanic, nor do I want to be, nor do I have to be (and we all thank God for that.
) I have no problem giving my Tom all the recognition he deserves. Nor does he get testy if my lights are consistently better than his. It's all teamwork, it's all about OUR racing program. Not his, not mine. Ours. Any troubles we have we share between us and any joy we have is doubled.
Good luck with your purchase and your decision.
Hey! Buy this car for a steal, part it out, then buy Mongo's! You could be racing this year!