update on the project: it is screwed
the rear frame is very much worse than i expected, also where alot of the car has already been disassembled by the previous owner i have run into problems. the door panels are both cracked, and every clip is broken off. the lower chrome trim that has been removed also has had all of the retainers broken or bent beyond use.
best of all, in the engine compartment, between the heater box and the pass side fender, there is a large wiring harnes that is just chopped off there.
all in all it was a pretty big bummer when i finally got to crawl around her. but i am not giving up, However the condition of the car, the cost of a proper rebuild, and the value of it do not add up. I am sad to say that this is just gonna be a throw it together on the super cheap and have fun kind of deal.
here is where i get unpopular:
door panels are going on with self tappers (they are already destroyed)
lower chrome trim is either being removed or getting the same treatment
frame is just being plated where it is rotted. nothing fancy, just rugged enough to be safe
no performance mods, just gonna dump in the motor and transmission i have as is.
hopefully it gets done.
always willing to sell the car as well...