Completely clueless in Utah

[RodStRace]

I think when trying to get the best deal on a project you need to just get as big a pile of parts as you can to get started.

That sounds like a good approach. The 289 isn’t that big, I could get it and stuff it in a corner without her noticing.

I think that LongJohn is trying to promote a complete car or a stalled project, not just an engine here. Bold is my addition.
This forum is about the cars and not toward relationship advice. I know it's a common joke to 'hide' stuff from your life partner, but that rarely ends well.

 

[RodStRace]

Here's an example that is much more finished, but higher priced by 3 thousand dollars.

1923 ford t-bucket for sale by owner - Serena, IL - craigslist

1923 Ford T-bucket pickup. Speedway motor kit Fiber glass body with Speedway interior Guages: Fuel, oil, temperature, gas, & volt 1970 model 302 Ford engine : bore .040 over Aluminum radiator,...

lasalle.craigslist.org

So the question is, can you DIY the paint job, interior, upgraded brakes, dash and gauges, and other touches for the price difference?
What do you want to change on this one, aside from adding the door?
I will mention that having a complete Speedway or other kit as a base means locating parts is much easier than identifying and trying to locate a home built part. It's more than your budget, and again you aren't building it, but that is another example of a complete car being cheaper than building bit by bit.

 

[RodStRace]

Here's one with a door, but your wife is not going along!
Appears to be fully finished, but not typical! It's value is lower (buying and selling) due to it's difference.

1927 ford t-bucket for sale - Vancouver, WA - craigslist

For Sale: Super Clean 1927 Ford Track-T Bucket – Opel Lime Green If you’re looking for a head-turning hot rod that’s fun, reliable, and easy to enjoy, this 1927 Ford Track-T Bucket is it! Finished...

portland.craigslist.org

 

[RodStRace]

SBC, but complete, running and pretty cheap.
Tie rod in front and other details point toward a Total Performance kit. Lots of very nice parts on this one.

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[RodStRace]

All of these are at the lower end of complete car asking prices. As you can see, there are deals out there.
But just like any project cars, the difference between something that needs some work and one that's ready to go is less than the amount of money needed to bring the project up to finished.
You would think the difference between a runner and something that needs work to get drivable would be greater, but it really isn't.


Comparing the Green Ford powered one and the Red Ford Powered one, doing the dash replacement would be $100 from CCR, plus fiberglass stuff ($50), plus a gauge set at ~ $700 plus complete disassembly, plus body and paint supplies at around 1k, plus a speedway interior at 1k with nothing else shows that while building is rewarding as a hobby, it is not a financial investment.