Opinions on a restoration

I didn't mean to crush any dreams with my comment. Just trying to point out the potential pitfalls of major frame reconstruction, even (especially) journeyman body guys would probably tell you the same, and when considering shop labor rates these days (especially in CA) and whatever a fair body might run, I'm thinking the fair body would be cheaper. I'd probably have to get a minimum of $2500 to replace a front frame section, and request that weld in frame connectors were installed too, so with that said and of course probably want to OH the front end too while apart $3500 would be more like it. Now what does a decent body cost? I just picked up a 71 Demon for $1000, now it needs floor pans, and isn't pretty by any stretch of the imagination but I think you might see my point. If anything, cut the front off the 74, disassemble the 72, tow it to a frame shop, have them rack it and weld it in straight, tow it home, add the frame connectors and maybe a solid rollbar to unify the whole thing and re-assemble it yourself. Probably not what you wanted to hear but that is the best way to go. With a unibody car even parked in an off kilter driveway it can twist the frame a bit and if you weld it together like that it stays off. Not even going to get into the roof thing, but consider it a part of the frame too, because it is!