Recreating my old high school car

Another update. When I get a project that I do not know the motor in it, I like to replace certain parts. Went a little further than usual on this one. Oil pressure was a little low so I pulled the oil pan to have a look. Lots of sludge in the bottom of the pan. Oil pickup was buried in sludge and only had a small hole to suck oil from. I cleaned it out and replaced the oil pump and it has good oil pressure now.
I like to take the front end of the motor off and check and replace a few parts like the timing chain and gears and water pump. I also will replace the thermostat and all hoses and belts. Usually will replace the starter too.
This allows me to clean up and paint the front of the motor.
May be a little overkill but this way I know that most of the parts that usually give problems are new. Gives me a piece of mind for not a whole lot of money and a weekend worth of work.
Oh ya changed the 2 barrel intake to a 4 barrel while I was at it. I found a factory 4 barrel intake that still had the Thermaquad on it. Carb looks pretty good. Anyone had any luck rebuilding one. Tips?
What else do you replace on your projects just for piece of mind?
Next up after the motor is back together is some new white letter tires.