Make it feel like it should.
New ball joints, wishbones etc.
If the car is mechanically perfect, i'd fit some decent seats and a nice steering wheel.
I would refresh all the front end, ball joints track rod ends, steering rack bushes and arms, new bushes, suspension etc.
Makes all the difference and you'll enjoy the car loads more.
I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but hey ho.
As per these guys, get it back to how a 172 should be, the average 172 now is a good handling car, in proper condition (and using cup bits irrelevant of if its a cup or not for wishbones and dampers) it should be an excellent handling car.