Thanks guys! This has been a long time coming, as stated earlier originally my plan was to get it drivable again. After a semi thorough inspection that was not an option with the upper control arm mounts about gone and what looks to be all of the trans fluid and engine oil coating the bottom of each, along with the gas tank and absolutely no brake pedal resistance.
The inspection did reveal that both of the rear quarter panels have been patched as well, the stickers are still on it but couldn't see who they were from. There is what appear to be about an 1 1/2" overlap on the inside though and the bottom of the weld is not painted to well, I will most likely spray rust encapsulator under the seam then fill it with seam sealer. The rockers also appear to have sort of work done, will not know to what extent until the paint comes off.
The wife and I spent some time last night discussing what direction the car is headed. I am very fortunate that she also loves cars and doesn't mind getting dirty either. The intention 10 years ago was always to replace the tired 273/904 combo with sometime else, 318/360 something or other. I dropped the thought of a 5.7 swap recently and she was all about it, the goal was never to make a factory restoration but something fun. My logic is by the time I dump unknown amounts of cash into fixing the unknown quantity of the stock lump and gearbox I could get a 5.7 trans combo and install it and get a a decent MPG cruiser. I am guessing the rear end will also need upgraded to handle the power. I know it will not be cheap or easy to do but what is life but a series of challenges?
I floated a few other ideas, shaved door handles and bumper changes, both of which were shot down she likes them both how they are. I also mentioned a coil over swap front and rear, her eyebrow raised until I told her the cost of the front setup alone, the eyebrow dropped and she visibly recoiled. So that's out!
We will see what new discoveries today brings, the house needs cleaned and the garage reorganized to make room for parts which are coming off.
