In 1998, my dad and I bought our nice solid original patina 1953 1/2 ton, and spent a fortune on bed wood, paint and body work, full interior and reassembly. Beautiful truck...that we can’t really use for much now.
Pretty trucks are nice, but having a nice solid patina truck that I could actually use and not fret over small scuffs and dings sure would be fun....
Well, actually you can use a pretty truck for real work. Not abuse, but use. My '51 was a low mile farm, barn living truck that had been restored and them landed in a small museum in Indiana when I bought it. Since all my vehicles work for their keep (when needed) I have no qualms in hauling hay or fire wood with it or driving it down a muddy gravel road or crossing a creek or the Little Red River when needed. It has picked up a few scratches and scuffs. Paint is pretty much worn away on the deck of the flat bed. The floor mat no longer looks new. But I didn't buy it just to look at but to drive and enjoy. I recommend others do the same, just treat em with respect and use them for what they were intended.
Enjoy,
RonR
