Vintage Cars: 54 Bel Air 2 door post, desirable body, basket cases

Question
This car was my dad's, which has great sentimental value to us.  The cost to retore will be around 30K to 35K for a highly recommeded person to restore and do all the work.  Does this sound like a fair quote?  This car has much rust, rodents have devoured the inside.  It has been parked for 15 years in a field.  The restoration is not for resale or for a profit, but we have never retored a vehicle and need advice.  Thanks

Answer
I usually don't answer "what's-it-worth" questions, because there's no way I can appraise a car I can't see.  I also don't know if the restoration you're contemplating is worth $30-$35000.  As for the car, I know it means a lot to you for sentimental reasons, but I'd think twice before putting that kind of money into a '54 Chevy sedan.  They don't bring anywhere near what a '55 would be worth, and you have one of the less-desirable body styles.  And from the condition you're describing, I can just about guarantee the final bill will be closer to $50,000.  Restorations of "basket cases" always run far more than what's originally estimated, because of all the problems you CAN'T see.  My advice: find a decent '54 Bel Air 2-door post sedan that's in need of painting, and have it re-painted to match your father's car.  You'll save a fortune.