[byron w]

As far as the front tire backspacing goes, you can go to a narrower wheel, you probably have 15x8 and yu can use a 15x7. Also, you can get narrower control arms. genereally up to 1 inch upper and 5/8 lower. There is also some fiberglass work you can do that is not terribly difficult to do. I can send you a link when I get to the office on Monday.
DO NOT GIVE UP, IT WILL MAKE A CAR!.

Byron