Nostalgic 360 Combo (Photos)
Hey there MR4V -
Great looking basis for your '70s-style build.
I've got to disagree with Rumblefish on some of the 'dress-up' tips. Maybe they were accurate for his area on the East Coast, but you'd get laughed off of the street if you showed up on Whittier Blvd. in SoCal with some of them.
Here's what was hot (and what was not) back in the '70s in SoCal:
Engine dress up:
* Either chrome or cast aluminum polished finned valve covers. The Edelbrock classic series covers are about the only 'correct' ones left since the fins extend down over both ends of the valve covers (here's a link http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/accessories/vcc_classic.shtml)
If you want to put in the extra effort, you can match your engine block color between the fins.
* Other underhood chrome accessories as Rumblefish said. You might also add a chrome dipstick.
Wheels
* Either Cragar S/S, polished aluminum slotted, or American Racing Torque-Thrust
* Air shocks to kick the tail up some for the right look - but DO NOT let the rear tires extend out past the body line. That's a definite SoCal NO-NO.
Interior
* Sun 'Super' Tach either on your steering column or on your dash, just recently re-released with modern electronics for the period correct look. The 'hot' ticket in SoCal was to put a fancy lacy ladies garter around your tach (that was from your girlfriend back then)
* Wood steering wheel with 3 chromed spokes - see Grant steering wheels
* Aftermarket guages in a 3-guage cluster under the dash - Stewart Warner was the hot setup back then as AutoMeter was just getting started
* Also, for a SoCal look, DO NOT even think about a CB antenna, fuzzy dice, or stuffed animal.
Good luck with your build and whatever 'Coast' style you choose.