Should I get my car running driving as is OR

Sounds to me that you have a lot more project than I pictured when you asked about getting it running drivinng. If you are going as far as you plan I would just go ahead with the tear it apart plan but be careful that you actually plan it out and not just an image in your head you are chasing. Make detailed lists. It helps. I am doing this right now on my next project but it is still months away.