Small blocks are tight in early A bodies, Big block are even tighter! Very hard to do without putting in a tubular k member and rack and pinion steering. Then you come to the exhaust nightmare, but it is nothing that lots of money can't fix.
How far are you from Abilene? I might be interested in some of your extra parts when you get finished. I have a 72 Swinger that I am gathering up parts for. Thanks, Mike