Damn Russ...
Have you thought about "keeping" an eye out for cheap body shell?
I see them on parting cars occasionally. Thats a b*tch for sure... I'm not saying its easy to find a good body on one of these cars without spending 5k but owww....
I think id concentrate on the frame for now
cover the body with a blanket so I wouldnt see it
I see "shells" and stuff come up occasionally... and I think i've seen them go reasonable. Start a "shell" fund instead of paying for all the sheet metal you'll need?
If your going quarters now that stuff hurts. Your quarters look good up top so maybe it wont be too bad.
Maybe figure out everything you need and add it up(as much as that might hurt). If you could get a shell for 7-800? find someone parting a car out with a reasonable body.
Kinda like this, but obviously minus the frame and engine. 1800 is too much for this car but when he comes down a little.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/2827932336.html