I remember we had PMed before, you didn't have a car yet. I take it you are still looking?
My best advice, seeing as you are no mechanic, is buy the best finished car you can afford. There are usually some real nice cars in the for sale section, worth a plane ticket stateside for the right one. If it's a local car get it inspected by someone who knows these cars. If in the states you often you can get a local member to inspect the car.
Projects can take years and will always cost more than a sorted car. I know you may only have the budget for a project right now, but I'd figure out some way to increase your car fund.
Even if you needed a loan, it will still cost you less than any project and you will be driving this summer.
This is a lot of experience talking.