Dont know which way to go
I would take on the project in steps. I plan to build my 71 Dart over the next few years with still being able to drive it during the good weather months of Indiana. My goal this winter is to rebuild the rearend, engine, and front brakes before next spring! once this is done I will begin saving my money and collecting the material needed for a body restore! My third winter project will be the interior!
The way I figure is to get the car in good running order first. I can also still enjoy driving it next summer and when time to restore the body it should only take a good day to remove the new parts to prepare for the next winter project!
I like your idea for the V8! My car was an orig /6 converted to a V8 using the 73-76 K-member & Disk brakes!