G'day everyone, I am new to the club and keen to purchase an FC. Just wanted to get some thoughts from those who have done it all before. 

Essentially I want to end up with a custom FC to drive about once a week. It needs to present well but I don't intend to show it.

From my research so far, it looks like I can spend $45-$50k to get one that is complete or buy something that needs work for $20k - $30k.

I have a pretty clear idea about colours, so either I need to buy it already painted in colours I like (red/blue and white), or have it resprayed. I am pretty sure I would like to have front disc brakes and a red or grey motor with mild cam, extractors and an upgraded carbi. I don't have the time to be tuning the car regularly, so a simple set up that will be reliable is needed. I am leaning towards a 5 speed gearbox.

With three teenagers at home I won't have time to do huge amounts of work on it, so I am pretty sure I need to buy something without too many rust problems. I would enjoy customising the interior with a console etc. 

I am going to struggle to come up with $45k now, so I can either wait a while or buy something cheaper and make the above changes over time, but I don't have any idea how much money or hassle is involved in the the changes I have laid out above. Any advice on the cost and dramas associated with engine upgrades, gearbox changes, new paint and interiors would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Jack