backyard mechanican .... but all fixable. If you do not have a factory manual I would recommend you get one, it will help allot.
Is there a inside door info plate still present?
I was born in Pasadena lived in LaPorte. It snowed there once just a tiny bit one year. Talk about some happy little kids to see snow for the first time.
I have a pair of center dumps on my `71 383 W200 and they fit great. Nice think flanges was my main thing that wanted me to try them.
They were around $200 on ebay.