Neat project...
I'd go through the brakes (if hydraulic) from front to back replacing the Master/Wheel Cylinders and all of the lines (rubber and steel) with new as they fail from the inside out.
I'd also install new tires (you'll need them regardless of which way you go).
Don't forget to clean the gas tank or replace it with a newer one.
Then find a cheap running 350 SBC to replace the old 327 and start driving it as you develope your game plan. Brakes can be done in one weekend and the engine swapped on another. You'd be on the road in no time. Swapping the body to a new chassis or swapping new driveline to old chassis will require lots of fabrication as neither swap is a bolt-on.
No need for a special driver, make it safe and jump in and go!
Mike B
