If I were 16-17, I'd drive the "hell out of it the way it is" and keep up on the all the maintenance, while learning more about motors and such ,(and you can spend money on "another" block and heads to "learn on" & start to build it ) "then just pray for the one your running to DIE so you can put your first rebuild "HIpo " motor in" "that's just my opinion", (then you'd still have a ride and be learning)
or you could go with what CD667 said .

"Is this your only ride?"



there is also some good help on paint and body on this forum..
to answer questions when you get stuck.( if you decide to try your hand at it ,so it won't be such a big slice ) plus then you can say, you did it your "own self!"



"and those old power glides ARE fun! "thats what I've got in my '64.