Possibly trading for a '65 Barracuda

You are making a good decision as far as the updates you have mentioned, those are things that I will probably do as well. Your a young man with some really good plans and dreams. I think you are making a good decision on the Barracuda. Sounds like the have a plan laid out that sounds very reasonable. The nice thing is you can find a lot of parts for these cars even though they are 50 years old. If the floor pans happen to be bad, just order new ones, purchase a welder and learn how to do it
ask questions, there are some really great guys here that know so much about this type of car that is amazing to me. Good luck with your project. Is sure you will do it great job and have some fun.