Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate it. When I started down the road of doing the body work and paint myself, I thought it was way too hard and over my head. But like all things, you read, ask, make mistakes, spend more money then you thought possible and eventually you learn. It isn't perfect, but maybe the next one will be. What you can't see and what really makes me happy is how great the thing runs. For everyone that has driven one of these trucks for years in various states of repair, it is a real treat to drive one where everything works. You know, the little things ... like starting every time, doors that close, and stay closed, no two pump brake system and no winter air conditioning from the rust holes...etc.
Alan, that shifter knob is an old door handle and was a gift from a friend in high school. Believe it or not it screwed right on with the same threads as the shifter.
Steve O
