what do you think i should do

I vote modern wheels and tires that are still meaty. Dont mod anything you cant put back to stock. Like you said no cutting, no hacking. Enhance and tighten the suspension with out going overboard with complex parts. Then put 323 posi in er, shift kit, stock stall converter, quality factory type electronic ig. 350 - 400 horse power small block 340 or 360, awesome exhaust, and start hauling ***, passing everyone except the gas station! Run good insurance. Save all your factory stuff in case some one wants to give you ten billion dollars for the car restored.
(My opinion)