I have been building/restoring cars and trucks since 1992 and can give a little advice. It will cost way more than you think in the end. If your going to do most everything yourself, that will save you a lot of money. Youtube videos for certain aspects of fixing/working on vehicles is abundant. Joining a specific forum to your vehicle is most important which you did here. To give you an idea on unforeseen costs=I just went to sand/buff my car and my cheap harbor freight buffer was not working correctly. It cost me $220 just for a new quality buffer. I bought sandpaper, 3 different buffing compounds, and several buffing pads and it was nearly $300. Not at all trying to discourage you because G-bodys need to be brought back to life. If you spread out your project over a few years, it does not seem like you've spent that much. A car that's been sitting for years will need a front suspension rebuild, new shocks, rubber brake hoses, radiator cleaned (I always replace for same amount), gas tank cleaned, axle seals and fresh fluid, tires, and engine/trans tune up crap (hoses, belts, plugs, wires, etc.). This will on average be around $1500-2000. If your lacking mechanical abilities I'd suggest buying a nicer running driving car to start with. Again, not trying to discourage. If the thought of diving into a major project head first does not intimidate you, I say go for it. You will never learn till you try. There is absolutely no reason you cannot learn how to work on these cars. They are not complicated. Lots of guys here that know these cars more than me but we're all here to help. One thing I learned about 78-87 El Camino's, they are trucks. I've had a 1980 and an 86. I had a long standing argument with my friend until I showed him my Oklahoma title. It says truck on the title. He always said it was a car. Lol