Ahhh , that sucks.
I know you realize this but it bears repeating. Regarding cost, if you look at things from a pedigree value, prices are absolutely ridiculous for /6 cars. Nowadays though if they're clean my opinion is they're worth every penny because you'll save yourself way more not having to do body work, even if you can do it yourself, like you. Plus it's easier to keep them rolling so you can drive them while you upgrade.
This may sound like I have a money tree or what have you but when I look for a car, I pretty much resign to the fact that I'm going to add the cost of transport from the west coast. My rationalization for that is even spending an extra $1,200 or so on top of the what the car costs you're still money ahead since you're just not going to find anything close by us here in the Northeast and/or relatively cheap that isn't rusted up to the belt line.
Just saw this today too. 73 & 74 Duster, $6,500 each out in San Diego. Sorry!
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/d/san-diego-plymouth-duster/7275477060.html
