Yeah, as Panel mentioned, I'm obviously crazy, so don't listen to me.
I don't mean to sound critical, not at all my intent. I've just been where you are right now, and I had NO IDEA how much it would cost or how long it would take. If you think you can stick it out mentally and financially until it's done WHATEVER the cost, your on the right track. Just don't get in over your head, or you may regret it for relationship and financial reasons. It's going to have the baddest brakes around, let's just make sure that it can drive too!
Ask 55superbeetle, airwerksvw, Zen, Yetibone, Vujade, and Plasticfantastic about how much time and money they've spent on their projects so far, they probably are a good reference.
Just keep us posted on your build. Could you start a thread just about your build so people can follow along for the whole thing instead of jumping from the different topics? Of course post separately as well, but it would be nice for future readers to be able to follow the build from the start. Lots of pics!
Jason