Garage Tips:
Build as big a shop as you can possibly afford (mine is 48x64x16) as it will always wind up being too small. If possible, keep a designated area for your project so that you can walk away from it without having to pack everything up and store it every time you work on it. If it takes a half hour to get your project out and a half hour to put it back up every time you want to work on it, that makes it very hard to get motivated after work to do anything on it.
Project Tips:
I believe that projects of this magnitude require what I consider a support group or advisory council. Even though I did almost 99 percent of this project by myself in the garage, it would not have been possible without my support group. This group of people will help keep you focused and working towards your goal. They can offer suggestions and insight into their own specialties such as welding, interior, electrical, engine, perfectionism, optimism, etc. Your advisory council should keep you thinking and offer fresh ideas. These people will help you stay on track when you sometimes feel like it's good enough but you know it isn't. They will not experience the burnout that you may be feeling and therefore will keep you doing everything to the very best of your ability. These people may see something that you overlooked, and in doing so, help you avoid a costly mistake. At times, you will need some type of hands-on assistance for a few of those two-man jobs. Be sure that your council knows exactly what your intended goal and vision of the finished project is; you don't need tips on building a pro street car if a true restoration is what you want. At this time, I would like to mention and thank my advisory council: Roger Woodruff, Tim Criswell, Chris Ricker, Dennis Jones, and of course my understanding wife Gina and son Dane.