Goals/ Costs

Here's some of the goals I have to get this car looking cool and driving well.

1. Get a solid exhaust to replace the long flex pipe I'm using now.
2. Find 13 or 14 inch rims and tires to fit.
3. Replace all brake lines and wheel cylinders.
4. Fix air cleaner box and hook-up intake tube to front of grill.
5. Repair major rust issues on frame and under hood.
6. Fix dash electrical system.
7. Properly mount stereo in glove box (currently just sitting in the glove box...)

Heres what I've paid so far into my Fiesta:

1. Purchased vehicle: $500
2. Stereo: $70
3. Speakers: $80
4. Spray paint: $15
5. 1" spring spacers: $5
6. Rear shocks: $60

Total: $730

Heres what my plans will cost me:

1. Exhaust: $100
2. Rims: $200
3. Tires: $250
4. Brake Lines: $50
5. Wheel Cylinders: $20
6. Air box/ intake tubing: $30
7. Rust repair: $25
8. Electrical Repair: $???
9. Mount stereo: $15

Total: $690

Getting Started

Well, this is going to be a new thing for me. But, since I've noticed not nearly enough online fan-dom of such a great little car, I had to get something going.

About my Fiesta:
1979 Ford Fiesta S
1.6L Kent OHV
12"  with 4 lugs on 4.25" rims (Spray-canned metallic red)
Yellow Base (Spray-canned red for school spirit...)
I've replaced the rear shocks with shocks from a 90s Focus.
Also added .75" spacers to the rear springs to adjust the ride height.
CD player with 4x6 speakers in the front and 6x9s in the rear.

I have discovered that finding 12" tires is a pain, as only one company makes them any more, and they cost an arm and a leg considering the amount of rubber they are. So I'm looking for larger rims to keep future tire costs down.

My end goal for this car (keeping in mind it is not my only current project and I'm still in college) is to sport it up a little, along the lines of a rally car, and keep it a true Iowa State University fan/ tailgating vehicle.

I appreciate your interest, and welcome any constructive input from the automotive and Iowa State community.