Brian,
Caution! Please get a couple professional opinions before removing the body from the frame. This was not a problem with my body off restorations, but it sounds like you have some major league rust problems that need to be addressed before the body separates from the frame. I strongly suspect the Ohio pros (Bill Brown and Marvin Hill) will recommend replacing at least the inner and outer rocker panels (if they're weakened from rust) before removing the body from the frame.
Your scheme for placing a support bar between the upper hinge mount and the striker plate mount is the accepted "standard". Yes, you may leave the front fender air ducts in place when removing the body. They actually add a little extra support to the front fenders.
Keep at it! Tom
Suggest you don't make the most common mistake in Thunderbirding, which is waiting till the car is finished before joining a local CTCI chapter. A local chapter is probably populated with a whole host of folks who have "been there,done that" and are eager to help.
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