First try to figure out whee you want to end up. How stock, how far from it. All you do will build to that. Look at other peoples projects.

You can basically start anywhere. Since I'm now using an outside body guy, I start on the mechanics, and with how much time I have in a given moment. As I start building lists of parts missing, I move on to something else. Eventually I place orders and put more back together. It's expensive to keep buying parts one by one (more so since I'm in South America).

This link has some before and after shots: //www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/before-after.html

As for costs and wives, my wife says my car rebuilding hobby is cheaper than drinking and golf, and she likes the results.
This was my mini project

Good advice Jed. The front frame is brand new. Rhino lined from what I see. The suspension is in, albeit a rough. Brakes are done. 

Also...this is dry, right? (picture)

Rebuild?   Well for starters your engine and gearbox.

 Install it= and HOON!   that body is way too swell for a full blow resto= Leave it = make it a driver. sort out the real needs before a 3 year Restoration.

I've taken over a half completed restoration that my son started.  The order we did things was: body work first.  It's easier to do if there aren't a lot of parts on the car in the way.  Get the engine and trans rebuilt (if they need it) while the body is being done.  I'd run all the major wires before you start putting a lot of things back in.  The rear sub-frame and all the suspensions bits are easy to tackle next.  Engine bay and front suspension is what we did next.  It's easier to put in some stuff like wiper motor and the arms in, radiator, and those things before you drop the engine in.  At this point you've got a rollable car.  The interior is the last thing I'd tackle.  Be careful when putting in sound/heat mats in.  It's a pain to have to deal with holes you need once you cover them up.  Big thing I've found is do a lot of loose fits and then look at what you think you'll do next.  I've found that I've put stuff in and then had to take them out again to get something else to go in.  A good repair manual is essential as it will have nice steps to follow for taking things out and putting them back is usually just the reverse.  Good luck.  

I think this is the product of people not knowing what they are doing and just passing this car along with its bucket of parts. When I add up the boxed, sealed, parts that come with it, I'm shocked at how much someone spent!

what is the relation here if u are single...................!!!!!!!!!!!i didnt got the point :/

Sometimes it is just be to put together what you have to well, see what you have.  Might not be all that bad.  Sometimes people take apart decent cars.  A running car not in pieces is worth more than a basket case.  A running car can be piece meal restored.  We don't know what you have.  Could be a gem that a putz took apart or a candidate for a garage queen or somewhere in between.  Sit on it for awhile, take it in, see what is missing but don't further your problem by tearing apart yet more stuff that will eventually overwhelm you and then sell it to a dreamer for even less.   And, and if it appears that you have something decent get er' running but for heavens sake if you are new to this don't take more stuff apart until you know what you have.  Take it slow.  Garage space, tools, time, money, patience, skills you have to learn, a good stereo, CRAPPY ADVICE, a gazillion f ups that will cost you dearly in time, money and bar time...  

Kerm

Hahaha...good news. I'm single and everything seems to be there for the vehicle, just scattered across my garage.

Great!!

easteregg..  start with metal work.. panel replacement ,  order all new parts , after taking inventory  of brakes ,engine stuff. ect.. get engine/ tranny rebuild.. paint /interior trim work last..... also helps to get DIVORCE, as the current wife/ girlfriend will NOT be happy about the MONEY PIT..  try to get younger model ( wife) that skin fits and has less miles and less MOUTH.. later bc ps.. spend the  60 quid and get a BMHT cert.. from www.bmh-ltd.com  from archives..

So I just bought a 67' Cooper S. I have pictures on another thread. It's in a million pieces. 

Question: is there a recommended "order of operations"? 

I ordered the Cooper S rebuild book by Parnell. Still waiting for it to come in.