ClassicCar

I recently came across a 57 sedan thats been sitting in a barn since 1986 with a spun rod bearing. The owner has a "good" 327 out of a jeep pickup to go with it. Are the engines the same? my classic Hollander says they don't interchange but you can't always trust it in my experience. Will the later 327 work if you take it down to a long block and use the 57 manifolds, accessories and maybe oil pan and oickup? The car is originally from a dry climate and the floors, trunk and outer body are nice and the car looks really solid but the front strut towers look like they are starting to rust and the back of the rockers in front of the rear wheels are open and it looks scaly inside. I know rust is a problem in these models, and I don't know the line between repairable and terminal rust is on these cars. Its got 4 flat tires and has 23 years of stuff piled around it so its hard to get a really thorough look underneath. The doors do open and shut well for what thats worth. Cosmetically It would cleanup well enough for me to live with as a driver. The owner is getting up in years and wants to see someone put it back on the road so I think it could be bought reasonably although he wants me to make the first offer and I have no idea what its worth. It has AC and OD which appeal to me and also a continental kit which doesn't but may add some value. I would appreciate any advice, comments, warnings etc. Thanks