Loving the project mate! Go for it! I'm 18 too and been drivin for just over a year this October! I drive my dad's Silver S reg ford Escort 1.8 TD which I love to bits! The only problem is I'm now at uni and missing driving like hell (can't afford my own car).
Have just joined this forum yesterday as well cos I want to do up my old man's car! It has a lot of problems on it!
Anyways, good luck with the project man!