The question was never "should I or shouldn't I ... ?", it was always "how would I ... ?" - all about the VIN !! It sounds to me like the OP is up to the task both mentally and probably physically so opinions on that point should be kept to yourselves. Address the issue at hand - how to legally get that car back on the road. And while there are some who think re-tagging it is a crime, keep in mind that it wasn't anything in particular until the dash was installed at the plant. It still isn't anything in particular until a dash is installed !

Personally I can't imagine why anyone would care how this thing gets re-tagged as long as nothing used in the process is stolen. If the original VIN is available on the door, check that it was legally scrapped. And when another dash and VIN is obtained, check that it can legally be put back on the road. Done deal !! A body is just a body - until the hemi is dropped in and the dash is installed. Then and only then is it a "hemi car".