Straight shooter. I like that.
Everything you said is exactly the reason I'm here. We have every intention of making this car an awesome street car. As the name of this thread implies it's about the journey. More on that below. I have no interest in throwing this car together just to get it on the road. In fact I have the summer of 2025 in my mind. Could be sooner, could be later. Knowledge, skill and budget will determine that.
The majority of the parts you mention came with the car. We plan on using what we have when it makes sense and improving/upgrading when appropriate. It'll get done and get done right.
I would like to keep the roll bar though. Big T thinks it's cool. Lol
I'll never get my money back on this project but that's by design. Tyler, my 26 yo son, has something called Williams Syndrome. Although he is the most enthusiastic car guy you'd ever meet, and pretty good with wrenches, he'll never be able to drive this car. That is why the journey is the most important thing. When the time comes that I am no longer able to take care of him and one of his brothers takes over the car will go with him.
He pulled and disassembled that motor mostly himself... With some direction of course.