Where to start!

[Ervinr82]

Hey everyone, I need some advice on where to begin to restore/mod my 66 Coupe. Some particulars, 289 2bbl, no rust, straight frame, starts fine, has oil leak ( i think its just a gasket) decent paint, need a tiny bit of interior work.

First off, I really would like to keep the original engine with the body. I am all for updatign stuff, I just feel it would be a bad deal to part the two. But before I stick to that. I am considering getting it rebuilt, I called some shops and they are quoting me roughly 500 or so bucks. And a few shops said that it would just be better to buy a new engine, I'm not sure if they are just trying to make money. What should I do on this? Just rebuild and maybe bore it out? or should I just buy a new one?

Either way anyone have some good spots for both around San antonio, or somewhere that wont kill me on shipping?

I am also considering getting it painted, anyone have any good reputable places in the San antonio/Texas region? good price and quality work.

Misc. parts Interior/engine wise. Good online/local sellers anyone suggest. I have found roughly 5 million part sellers online :) and would like to narrow it down.

Wheels/tires? Local or online sellers? Suggestions?

Sorry to throw all these questiosn on everyone, but this is my first classic car, and I want to do it right the first time. I am really looking forward to hearing suggests on what course of action to take. So please help me out :)


THanks ahead of time
-Robert