Decisions, decisions... 72 swinger
First of all , Welcome Home ! :cheers:
My first car was a '72 Swinger , so my *advice* is going to be vicarious in nature ; however , I *will* try to remain objective :pl: ...
I prefer the "looks-relatively-stock-but-runs-and handles-better-than-factory-stock" builds .
Personally , I'd dress that 408 to appear as a '72 340 (Chrysler Engine Blue all-over , and an orange air cleaner , but with a twist : a reproduction '69 air cleaner , or an open-element 'cleaner , dechromed and painted orange .
Braking-wise : 4-wheel disc brakes ; use a conversion which allows use of 15" wheels .
Wheels : Steel 15" wheels with factory-issue Deluxe wheel covers as used on the '69-'71 Polara / Monaco 500 . Trust me , they look very nice !
Exhaust : Duals (which you already have) without tips ; just turned-down under the rear valance .
Tuff-Grip steering wheel .
XV Motorsports (or whomever) 3-point front seatbelts . These mount using the factory points ; no cutting / welding / modifying necessary !
If that's its original paint , I'd leave it alone for now . Something's original only once !
If that's not the original paint , I'd still let it alone for now . Put your coins towards "operating upgrades" .
8.25" diff is a decent choice for now . I wouldn't recommend flogging it , as its threshold for torque --and a 408 has lots of that ! -- is low in comparison to the coveted 8.75" .
3.91 gear seems like overkill with a light car and a torquey engine , unless you're planning to add an overdrive trans ; and , even then , 3.55 would be more-than-sufficient .
Please keep us posted :burnout: