You asked for opinions, so hope you're ready to get what you asked for. Here's mine -- That *IS* a beautiful truck. Its a shame you feel like you have to molest it.
If you want to bolt sheet metal onto a more modern chassis (which results in a frankentruck, actually), why don't you start with a truck that isn't as beautifully restored as that one?
I have no driveability issues with my (mostly) original, unrestored truck. No, it's not as comfy as a modern vehicle. When I want comfort, I drive a modern vehicle. I like my old truck *because* it is an old truck and I have to have some skill to drive it safely and adequately in modern traffic. That's the appeal for me. To each his own, and its your truck to do with as you see fit. But personally -- I hate to see a nicely restored truck like that get butchered up into a franken truck that won't be worth what you paid for it as is and will never be worth what you are about to spend on the butcher job. And you will probably not get the comfort and driveability you are seeking.
There will be others who will support you more and tell you what you want to hear. And that's fine. I'm not one of them.
Just do yourself a favor and drive it around a little *before* you start hacking on it. See if you like it as is. Take a moment to enjoy the compliments you will get. You might change your mind ...
John
