Really really neat car…..I’ve always had a soft spot for the 60-64 Ford Full size cars.
I had a 62 Galaxie with a 352 back in the 70s and did several 60-64s for customers over the years. The last one I owned was a 64 Custom 2dr post car.
It had been a 6 Cyl 3 speed car but I set it up with a 352 bored and stroked out to 401ci and a C6 transmission. I added the same factory cast iron headers and a Thunderbird Tri-Power (modified for Rochester Carbs…….long story) and Mallory Dual point w/pertonix conversion.
I don’t know what you are doing for front brakes, but in case you are not aware, 1979 Thunderbird Disc brakes are a bolt on (you either need to change over to the 79 outer tie rod ends or thin the steering knuckles so the castle nut goes down far enough to get the cotter pin in.).
Anyway I got all the mechanical done and was ready to start on paint and body and upholstery ……then someone came along with a bucket full of money and it went away.
Again really neat car, and hope I didn’t hijack your thread.