69 OVERHAUL

I have a 69 Ski Nautique that my dad had on this forum for many years. It has sat for a while from a bad transmission that I am getting rebuilt at the moment,
While I am waiting on the transmission to get shipped back to me I was looking for other things to do, and the carbuerator has some heavy oxidation on it(318 chrysler). I looked around and have found that the replacement part will run about $245. I was wondering if it is a good idea to by a replacement part and just get it over with or take the original part off and just give it a good cleaning. Any thoughts?
another question would be about replacing the exhaust billows...one of them ripped when pulling the tranny out. I have seen some couplers that I know would work without pulling the whole thing out and replacing, Any thoughts on this?

Thanks, J

$245 for a replacement carb is a steal. DIY rebuilding can be frustrating, as sometimes the base parts are worn & you don't know what to look for.

Thanks All,

The engine was running well before the transmission failed. I did not try to start it before I pulled it. I did check the oil and it was still nice and fresh so I am keeping my fingers crossed everything inside the motor is still lubed will turn over when the time comes.
I will reach out to Recarbco, as the actual carb was 350, not 245. Which still doesnt seem bad, more concerned that the jetting on a replacement might not be right for this particular motor. I am definitely not getting rid of any parts pulled during this overhaul.
I will ultimately post pics when repairs are completed.