Welcome aboard! Congrats on your new truck. I have the same problem with the driver door and just bought a replacement. The lower hinge wasn't even on the door when I bought my truck in California and drove it back to Canada.
The original 235 engine runs just fine for me and although I only go 50, at most 60, they are behind me so they're going to have to wait! "the Guys have convinced me to put a 350 in it" - so what do YOU want? I personally don't want a 350 because of gas consumption and it's not listed in my 58 truck manual. I'm learning and need to follow the manual when things go wrong. I have spent the past year and a bit updating things like kingpins, vaccuum system, radio, light painting, etc while driving the truck daily. I think everyone above has got the right idea. The truck is more useful and enjoyable if you drive it daily. You'll appreciate all your work because you see it and use it more.
Let's see a pic of your Calico Truck!
