[L78toLT1]

Absolutely incredible build and exactly the way I would have done it, matching numbers be Damned! My first car, at 16 was a '66 L78, m21m, 4:10 geared triple black chevelle that I purchased for $2800 from the original owner in '75. I had a blast with that car. I got sidetracked in the late '70's and spent a decade or so in the car show, trailer queen, numbers matching game specializing in '69 - '70 mustangs.
I could not agree more with your statement that driving a car is much more rewarding than owning a car. I owned a '69 Boss 429 mustang for years until a local collector called my ex during Superbowl XXXIX in 2005 offering to buy my car. She drove a hard bargain even though she knew I had veto power. I had never considered selling but we were talking a good chunk of change. When I reflected on it I realized that owning that car was not a lot of fun, I was paranoid every time it left it's climate controlled home. I decided to sell and have never regretted it.
I'm retiring next year and doing a build almost identical to yours is on my bucket list. I can't believe someone has done a build almost identical to what I have long dreamed of. I have a soft spot for 66 - 67 chevelle due to my personal history and, despite the fact that my 66 was black, marina blue has always been my favorite color. Kudos to you sir for an outstanding job. If I do get around to doing a similar build, your build journal will be an invaluable resource.