If your truck really is a '44, I vote to restore it, if your skills, pocketbook, and patience is up to it. If not, I recommend a solid rebuild until such a time as it is ready for a restoration. Rebuilding a truck is a terrific way to learn about your truck, enjoy it, and yet preserve the truck as a rare piece of history.
Tom Brownell's book, "How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup" has a great section on the rod/rebuild/restore debate.
Personally, I don't see a darn thing wrong with rodding a vehicle and none of my own have been restored. However, the war-year trucks are special and I would treat them differently than the more common trucks.
Most importantly, do what is going to make you happy! It is your truck.
