This caught my eye because I may be in the market for a 78 Calais in the near future. I think anyone restoring a G Body is a friend of mine, but feel I should mention this. There are very few parts for your body style. You're looking at a LOT of body work. So much so, that you may need a parts car or two to get what you need. It may be worth finding a solid driver (they're out there) for the project, and use the current for the parts car..
If the answer is "I can't afford a $5000 car note now", I would say that you will pour at least that in the current car and still not be done. If you can do your own body work then maybe, but there's a lot. I'm not trying to be a jerk by saying this, but I've seen quite a few friends that started with the same level of car and they never finished them or got them on the road again.
With all that said, I would love to eat my words and see that car totally restored. I wish you all the luck in the world. I also look forward to the build no matter what you choose to do.
Hutch
