ifurnotfirsturlast

how i got my first "hot rod/rat rod" i had been spending many hours at my buddy mikes shop AKA big o also a HAMB member. I had noticed a 65 rambler had been sitting there for a good bit of time no one paying it any attention often using it as a leaning post. I figured what the hell lets see what he wants for it buy it stick a 350/350 combo and let the thing ride as it was. i asked he said it was given to another guy who was there and i would have to ask him. asked and ended up pulling fourty buck out and handing each twenty (since they were spiting what they made on it) and i owned my first rat rod car. i later found out that there was a 1951 2 door ford in a junk yard that was going to be CRUSHED for no reason at all. talked to the man who runs the joint traded my 65 rambler straight up for it.
in the process of making it a running driving gasser. at the age of 20 with a ok job and few bills i need ideas help and advice on how to do it on a budget but still look period correct as possible.
help, opinions welcomed.