I used a ladder link on my 69 Camaro. Its an adjustable ladder bar set up from Competition Engineering.com. Worked real good. Fit some coil overs. Don't need a chute unless you're doing 150mph or more. I'd fit some 4 pot Wilwood brakes.
Depending on what rear gear you're running will determine tire size or vica versa. All depends what sort of revs you want it to scream to. Check out online racing calculators to figure that out. You'll find em on Google.
Aluminum tubs would be lighter. I just minitubbed the Camaro so the back seat would still fit. Fitted it with 15x10 inch Weld racing rims. Ran Hoosier 28 x 14.5 x 15 Quick Time Pro DOTs and a 3.73 rear gear set. (Was running a 4:11 but it wasn't street friendly).
Good luck with the build.