Yeah, what the hell, I'd ditch it if you don't care bout it. I'm sure 39 years of technological advancement since then will have your back covered on this one.
I like both, and I'm sure it will be a good running/driving car either way. Just depends on how big of a hole that 500 bucks is burning in your pocket.
I'd blow it on the chassis, with a nice sway bar kit or new shocks/springs personally though.