My feelings are that if it's restorable, I would rather not carve it up. If the old frame has problems, then why not get something newer?
I like the old time characteristics of my truck too. Well, better brakes maybe. Better highway gears too. Oh, and the power to go with it. And better steering and handling, safety issues you know... So where do I stop?
If I upgrade to electric wipers, have I blown it? Probably, in somebody's book. It's your truck MSMITH. Make what you want out of it.
