I just got done cleaning the "belly of the beast", really not that bad for 36 years worth of dirt, grease and grime. Very minimal surface rust (rust scaling?) in some spots, actually was able to just apply some elbow grease to some areas of rust with a scotch brite pad and it came out to be very clean metal...

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Agent_X/P1010002.JPG

Wow, that car is nice! Cars in my area look worse than that after two winters. You California guys have no idea how lucky you are to have good iron to work with. I see California cars listed for parts on ebay that people in my area would die for! You're going to have one nice ride when she's done. Bob