Just read this thread for the first time and man, I'm all choked up about it
Story kind of reminded me of my '70 Challenger 'vert that I had. It got T-boned too, but in the passenger side. Mine didn't burn, but I did give up on it after it got 'boned. At the time ('89 or '90) I didn't think they could save it (it was bad - got 'boned by a F-150 4x4) so I sold it. With the advent of aftermarket replacement parts it's simply amazing what they can save these days. I give you props for sticking with it and not giving up.
Wish I would have done the same all those years ago with mine.
Anyway, I see that you are in the St Louis area - me too. If you ever need a hand or anything let me know. Wish I would have caught on to this thread sooner so that I could have offered to help you out earlier. Let me know.