Pythias said:
If you plan to keep it original,
I don't agree Bill, I've only had one part fail. I suspect "original" in this context means "not customized" as opposed to "concours." With a few exceptions Moss and VB are all I used and I've been quite pleased.
In terms of your restoration,
1. Stay close to these boards and ask here first, there is lots of advice and even parts available.
2. Get a couple of restoration manuals. Haynes and Bentley are the best.
3. Join a local British Car Club if you can - you will find more people willing to help than you can possibly imagine.
4. Figure out what has to be done and only do that. So, for instance, if the engine is running and compression is good, don't rebuild the engine. Instead put your money and time into the things that matter. In these cars what matters is the front end - bushing etc which are almost certainly worn out and brakes. Then even if you don't always start, you can always stop.
5. If you do the above, you will be doing a rolling restoration which means you can enjoy it rather than walk to school while you are saving money for parts.
6. If you can, do it yourself. I did almost everything on my car and trust me, there is nothing more satisfying than answering the question with the words "yes, I did it myself." In your case especially, I can think of nothing more satisfying than the beginning of a life long hobby.
7. Only listen to half of what we say. We are a pretty nice bunch and eager to help but you will get 15 answers to every question and sometimes that can make it all seem overwhelming. In reality these are REALLY simple cars and a great first car to restore.
8. Have fun! If you go one step at a time, in no time you will be driving to school with a grin plastered all over your face and, be assured these are chick magnets (a nice bonus
)