I'm not sure what changing things around will really gain you, given the intended use or lack of use. Plus it seems functional as is and has meaning and significance as is.
Just drive it, save the time and money the changes would cost and buy some fuel and drive.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-