Questions re XB Fairmont, warning, maybe considered blasphemy...

[adelaideadam]

Hi all,
just wondering if anyone could help me out...
i'm currently looking at rebuilding an XB Fairmont GS.
All i know is that it's running a 351 Cleveland (has NEVER been worked/rebuilt, but drastically in need of a rebuild)
a 3 (?) speed auto
a 9 inch LSD and discs all round, it also has factory air if that counts for anything AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE ORIGINAL NASA STYLE BONNET SCOOPS I have been told that this car was custom built for a general manager of Maughan Theim Ford at the time and it only came into my family because my grandparents owned a GTHO phase 3, and were offered any car on the lot (and yes before you ask, the fact they didn't keep the phase 3 brings tears to my eyes too).
Anyhow, as i'm about to start work on it i would like a little advice, or suggestions if you will. I will point out now that i am doing this to create an everyday car, i have no plans to sell it once i complete it, basically what i'm saying is that keeping it original isn't really my main concern, i realise some may consider it blasphemy, but if possible i'd like to maintain the beauty that was the XB with the comforts we're allowed today.
What i would like to:
1) Rebuild the enginge and maybe convert to gas? possilby running it on LPG only.
2) Install a decent (suggestions?) with a quickshifter
3) Install powersteering
4) Completely re-fit heating & aircon.
5) Remove hail damage from all panels (HOW CAN I DO THIS? i really don't wanna bog it!) and get an enamel baked pain job (as the original was supposedly enamel baked black, god it looked sexy!)

Folks any suggestions would be great... and i realise i'm probably gonna annoy everyone with what i want to do, but this car has served my grandparents, my parents, soon me, and i'd like it to eventually serve my kids. I know it'll cost but i have the time and paitence to make it happen eventually.