Hey Brad, sounds good.  I like to upgrade a bit as well, low back seats being the first thing I ditch.  Don't know how big of a project you want but check out this thread to see what can be done with a rough one  https://www.classic-ford.org/cfp/tm.aspx?m=78924
 
For collecting parts don't forget ebay UK.  Postage to Perth is usually not that bad and they often have much better prices than you can get here.  You have to go to the UK site and have to be willing to ask if they will send to Perth.  More often than not they say yes.  I recently got a bumper with overriders for much less than I could find in Aus.
 
If you end up with a holley I would suggest a jetted down 350, much nicer to your engine long term than a 500.
 
Prices for wrecks have got a but silly again so do your sums, it might be cheaper (and quicker) to buy a nice one that only needs a tidy up.  Nice bronze one on gumtree at the moment.   Good cond $20-$30k cars have been quite regular lately.
 
Best of luck with the hunt.