ok, over the course of the summer I was able to finish rubbing the entire engine compartment. I also cleaned off the rust on the drivers side fenderwell and wheelwell and prime/paint. Otherwise original paint. My first time doing any type of paintwork, but it was a good learning experience. I also found out what a great tool a needle scaler is for derusting tight nooks and crannies! Check out the drivers side wheelwell - no sanblasting.
Also painted the rockers...pinchwelds and floorpan (exposed towards outside of car) areas were sprayed black again as they should be.
I was also able to retain the original undercoating.
Grille and road lamps were also disassembled and detailed...and a lot of time also spent on removing/repainting to get rid of the overspray (car was repainted in the 70's) on the headlamp buckets, chin whiskers, plastic insert in valance, etc...
Now I can begin putting the car back together.