Technical How much is too much rust?

Dont get a tribute car, get a parts car and cut off what ya need. Theres only one grandpas car

 

It’s an heirloom and that makes it tough to ignore or part with. Cover it up, keep it out of the elements and back burner for now. You have a lifetime to get back to it at which point your skills and wallet may have evolved.

in the interim, find yourself a running, drivable project. Maybe something from the 60s with original miles. They are still popping up now and again for pretty decent prices. That way your outlook stays positive, you have the motivation of driving while working on it and can start learning more. More time to strategize the heirloom project and give it the restoration it deserves!