Glad to have you above 6d8 c10!
I travel through St Peter's quite a bit for work, (actually be through there on Monday). As firedog mentioned we have several get togethers around the state and you will not find a better group of people than the ones on this site.
I have yet to be disappointed...
Best of luck with the project, and if I can recommend anything, I would recommend ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) for the static drop kit and disc brake upgrade. Check out my build thread in my signature (Project Blank Slate) to see the install of their 4.5/6" drop kit with 6-lug disc brake upgrade.