Well I've got the car home and started working on it this weekend.
Cleaned up the K-member and front suspension yesterday and today applied a coat of POR-15 to everything. This stuff is nuclear paint that should protect the metal for a long time (don't get it on your skin because the only way to get it off is to remove the skin!). Also hit under the new manual tranny hump. Pulled the steering column and began to disassemble for paint, a new ignition lock (all doors, trunk and ignition are keyed alike) and a new wood-handle tuff wheel. Unfortunately someone had busted a bolt in the plate to pull the accordian can and I don't have a bit long enough to drill the piece out
The first of many issues to come! Here is a couple pics including a before and after on the K-member.