I'm going to buy one thing at a time

What Ron said. Just listen to Ron. When you're sure you've heard it, ask another question. What you get here from Ron would cost you some dollars anywhere else (and you would be right in paying those dollars). Then, there's everyone else here. Spend a couple weeks, along with all of your spare time, reading up.

Reading: It's a good thing, and at some point, you will be able to read Ron's gospel in print, so you don't have to suffer the heating properties of a laptop while learning...

Two words: Reduce travel.

Welcome to the site. Great looking Chevelle you've got. I like your goal of making it a canyon carver too. Just be sure to learn as much as you can and start at the beginning. You're not going to be able to simply buy the parts you need out of a catalog and bolt it all together in a weekend. Slow and steady and you'll get there. Good luck and enjoy the ride.