Hi Jeff. Glad to hear you and the boys are building models!
As for your questions, you should try this link: http://www.randyayersmodeling.com/modelingforum/index.php
Nothing but Nascar talk over there at Randy's.
I think the '92 T-bird is a good kit that's representative of the 1:1 cars. The modern cars have a lot more bars, bracing, etc. underneath that the old ones didn't. Also, I think there were two big chassis fab shops back then, but their names escape me. Get those names and google them and I'll bet you'll find chassis/cage photos. Good luck!