How much would it cost me to restore the interior on a classic car?

I might be buying a 1965 ford thunderbird from a friend and it's in fair shape but the interior is rough and looks like it might completely need to be redone. I've heard of

Depends on whether you want a nice "driver", or to restore it to as-new with 100% authentic materials… And if you're doing a restoration, it's got to be done right to have any resale value. If you do some online searching, you'll find that there are a number of Thunderbird parts specialists, t-bird interior specialists and those who specialize in specific year t-birds… '64-66s are referred to as "flarebirds". Besides online, you can pick-up copies of mags such as Old Cars and Parts, Hemmings… Join the T-Bird club for your year, etc. And connect with suppliers.

Just looking at a couple sites I see that a pair of door panels will run you $500, seat kits around $450 for front & rear. Besides the actual seat covers, you'll probably have to buy new foam padding specially molded for the bird. So it's easy to see $5000 in materials for the interior. And it isn't a do-it-yourself job unless you've got a lot of experience with auto interiors.

A couple general comments: I've had several Birds from '58-70 - they are great cars. The mechanicals are durable… Virtually all parts you'll need like suspension, engine, transmission, exhaust, body are available: not cheap, but not crazy expensive. They are great drivers, but they are heavy and in good shape you'll be hard pressed to get over 13 mpg downhill. They were unibody from '58-'66… If it's a convertible, it may be worth dealing with rust on a restoration - but there are enough around in good shape that it usually isn't cost-effective to save a "basket case".

You might want to go to eBay and see what prices they bring in various conditions - and check parts listed there.***:D