Let's bring the pundits out! (your suggestions sought)

I put 80 miles a day on a 73. Daily driver for at least 15 years.
But it's got an 86 318 and trans and Diplomat rear.
I've driven them car across country and back about 10 years ago.
So here's my advice since it looks like you know what you are doing mechanics wise.
Since its going to be driven get something you can get spare sheet metal and accessories for. Not an odd model.
Forget a land barge. Small block A body with disk brakes. Probably something from them 70s. I'm tall. Darts don't have the head room. Dusters are better for big people.
Yes headlight mod first thing. I've gotten by rill this year. The original wiring had a melt down. There's a thread on it . Prompted me to put in Bosch relays. Bought them pieces on Amazon and did it like that.