newbee: Need some sound advised on my 70 "H" code Duster!!!

First of all, Welcome to FABO!!! As for your dilemma, I'd say that you will get opinions on both sides here, but only you will know what path the car will take. I would vote for restoring it to original for a couple reasons...(1) Your Dad will flip when he sits in his car brand new again, and that's something you can't afford not to be there for, and ...(2), I'm a fan of the old school feel of these musclecars...the feel of those hard seats...the music from the motor, not the radio....those pesky squeaks and whistles...no A/C drivin' with the windows down on a warm summer evening...all of the things that make it fun for me!!! But, you do it your way and make your own memories, it's a win/win either way!!! Good luck with your car and welcom once again!!! Geof