I know what you mean I turn 67 this August, we have more years behind us than ahead of us. The only reason I don't put clear over decals is that I've seen/heard people say the clear attacked them. I look forward to your completion of this build and many more in the future.
Two Nice builds, I especially like the Gremlin. Also the MPC Firefighter Mustang II works well for a chassis and interior for those compact era Pro Stockers.
When Jenkins went thru tech at the 72 Winternationals they would not allow him to run those headers and he had to run a conventional set. You can see where they patched the inner fenders to cover the holes and a second Hooker Headers decal covers the patch on the lower fender.