Thank you all for the thoughtful replies. My thinking is leaning toward not restoring the truck and keeping it in original condition. I bought it from a good friend who's father bought the truck new in Woodland California, ten miles from where the truck now rests, so no big rust issues. Even as cool as the older COE's are I think I'll look for a conventional to build. There is wisdom in finding a less than complete truck to work with. Thank you all again. John-
