Thanks for the feedback.
O.K., I definitely don't need a 9" rear for my project. But I'm pretty sure I'll go for 5-lug wheels for more cosmetic appeal. Assuming I have the 6.75" rear, can you tell me which 8" 5-lug offers the best match?
Since I'm working on a budget I was planning to work on getting the 4-cylinder running right, switching over to 5-lug (tires/wheels $), and collecting parts for the V8 conversion slowly over time.
Then a little body work, paint and a new carpet. The interior looks great already except for the carpet. Doors are nice and the seals are solid. This is an "old lady" (estate sale) car that was kept in a garage for a few years before I got it and towed it home last year. The odometer reads 23,### miles and the old lady's son said it was accurate.