318 Duster Rebuild - pros and cons of keeping matching numbers

Scamp Rhonda said

Hi Ken, this is Steve. I don't know if you remember meeting my wife and I in Destin a couple years ago when you were looking for some information on the value of your car. Just want to say that I'm really glad you still have it. I really think that car is rarer than most people think.
If I were you, once they pull the engine, I would put it on an engine stand and put a new gasket kit in it and new freeze plugs. Some fresh engine paint and you should be good to go for another 80,000. Engine doesn't leave your sight and you'll have much less time and money in invested in the project, keeping it all original.
Mission accomplished! Just my 2 cents worth.
Again, really glad you still have it. I haven't seen one like it in all the car shows I've been to.

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Hi Steve - Good to hear from you. I’ve decided to stay with the car for the long run - my Son has expressed interest in having it eventually. I wimped out and took the car to a restoration shop that has a great reputation for beautiful cars and slow turnaround. I’m waiting to get contact info for a shop that just rebuilt a Barracuda engine for him. I’ve been advised to insist on an engine rebuild by someone that specializes in Mopar engines. I don’t expect to see my car for a long time - but I’m hoping that it will look and run a lot like it did when I drove it off the Chrysler lot in 1971. I’ve even purchased seat covers that are made from the original material. The car is currently being disassembled and stripped down to bare metal. After that - I’ll get the good or bad news about how much metal needs to be replaced. I already know that the firewall will be replaced. I’m also having AC and power steering added to the car. Engine and transmission will be rebuilt as deemed necessary.