I can find no action which is more rewarding, and gives me as much satisfaction than repairing the most challenging original parts on these old trucks.
I used to do a lot more of that before I found out that there were aftermarket sources for them (30 years ago), but heck, anyone can swap parts. Where's the fun in that?
I still do major surgery on AD door latches to restore worn away metal and rusted up parts since the aftermarket ones are junk. Same with door hinges.
It sounds like you are starting to enjoy your small incremental victories along the way.
