Hi.
Have been lurking around on the forum since selling my 49 standard. Like you again looking for that illusive project.
I have a 58 golde sunroof for sale at the mo, I bought it as it was a good price and genuine golde. With the idea to turn it back to stock. But in the end have decided to sell it to some one more "suited".
My 49 split came as a bare shell, and I managed to locate the chassis for it. It was my first dive in to a vintage resto after years of 60/70's bugs and the like.
Believe me, that split could easily cost you the same again to restore it. And thats if you can find the parts. Problem with splits is they really deserve to be done right, the floor pans you mention are a good example. Do you try and replicate the originals or put in later halves which are cheaper and easier?
Everything you do to this car could and probalby will directly effect its final valve and the stick you and your pride and joy get for not being "kosher". (thats unless your a narrow beam man, and think your rust (sorry painta) finished split is worth £10k 😳 hehe)
The 58 is a complete car, so resto wise would be the safer choice. Sourcing of parts will be mainly mechanical wear and tear and repairing or swaping interior items etc for better ones.
Id hazard a guess that the 58 would cost you finished (depending on your ability and skills) the same price the same price the split is up for at the moment.
On the other hand if you love a challange go for the split. Id depends on your finances im affraid.
The beauty of the split is its a bare shell, you can see EVERYTHING. That 58 is most likley packing some filler and dodgy welds some where.
As has been mentioned, you also need to look at the end product and its useability.
A split really is the dogs dangalies, but can you see your self enjoying it and using it as much as you would the 58?
Past Restorations
1954 International Tractor-----1971 1200 Orange Beetle-----1985 Mk3 Escort S1 RS TURBO
1972 1600 VW Camper-----1969 MK1 Escort Mexico RS-----1949 Standard Beetle (incompleted)
1993 Escort Cosworth 4x4 350bhp---1970 1300 Orange Beetle---1971 Aston Martin DBS Vantage
1992 Mk Golf GTI 16v (2.8 VR6 conversion-----1982 MK3 Escort RS 1600i (restored twice!!)
1987 Sierra 3dr Cosworth to concourse--1968 1300 Red Beetle--1967 1500 Lotus White Beetle
1972 1200, Orange beetle (yes I like orange!)
Currently restoring
1958 old english white golge rag top--- 1992 mk3 Golf VR6