I have a 84' SWB i live in WI and bought it down in AZ that way there would be no rust. It had 80,000 miles on it I changed all the fluids in it before i left made it to kansas city and the tranny blew. i payed 1600 for the montero i had to rent a uhaul to get it home. then i put another 1200 into a new tranny I didnt have to put as much into it as you will but if there is no rust and your daughter likes it i would finish the project as is cause i love my monte but if the engine goes on it i will be going with a diesel swap. good luck

84' Montero 2.6L SWB