Just a little update, since we're getting close, yet I still feel a long ways away. I also decided to write this in a style as if this was a real car (just for fun)...
So it turns out the car is an original SS 350 car, with the 7/8 cyl. (sometimes 6) barely running a rebuilt was inevitable. The car looks like it was played with down the track a lot and had sub-frame connectors welded in at one time, and old fuel cell in the trunk. Shocking all metal (or should I say plastic LOL) is solid. After some media blasting the car actually needed very little bodywork, plus once I figured out the suspension, rims and tires, I can determine what will happen with the wheel-wells.
So now the engine is built (reduced to 8:1 comp ratio) and now running a 2 barrel intake and 500 cfm Holley (4412) 2bl carb. Headers were added and connected to a shorted stock dual exhaust. The stock distributor is covered/sealed with plastic wrap, (and a junkyard picked Corvette distributor shield). A new clutch/pressure plate was installed along with the Saginaw 4 speed manual transmission and 3.23 (GT1) 12 bolt posi-traction rear both being checked/rebuilt. Factory options checked/rebuilt inc: power brakes, HD cooling, HD charging & HD suspension.
The ugly weathered grey/tan finish will be a bit more appealing (hopefully) in the final product.