If it helps I'd recommend picking a theme for your car based on your intentions of it. Do you plan to only show it (magazine car), or do you plan to drive it? Race it? Build it to resell it? advertise a business, etc..

I would pick a theme and work on a plan of attack. Maybe make a list of goals you have for the car and make some drawings (or hire someone/ trade for services) so you can see what you will end up with. With computer technology it's really easy to photoshop a car, color, modification, graphic, etc.

I'd also consider doing something that nobody has done before. If you just buy everything from a catalog- it'll be just that- a catalog car. It'll only be as good as what they sell to everyone. Great for their advertising but not really original.

Many times, the difference is in the details. Attention to fine detail will make your car stand out from the crowd. It was previously mentioned about the ARP bolts. But, if you use them for example, make sure you use them everywhere. Be consistent throughout the car. If you use a phillips head screw and tighten it so the shape is level- make all the remaining phillips head screws in the same orientation. Though tedious, the little things like that go a long way when you are finished.

You mentioned you have t-tops and you want them to work. How about a custom rollcage that follows the shape of your t-tops but is grafted into the inner body structure. Then make a custom headliner to hide it. I've seen some RUF Porsches with a rollcage integrated in, and with the interior in place you'd never know it had one. I plan on doing something like this with my car. No, it won't be NHRA legal, but I'm not building a purpose built drag car.

I hope this helps.

-Brendon