Welcome fire12,
It appears we have a few things in common.

Our oldest son and his family live in Sturgis,Mi and we live 1 1/2 hours east of there. I envy your father /son project. Although we have 3 sons, 2 live out of state and the other too far away and too busy with family to join me.

I also have a Chevy Panel, a '48. I am currently working on another project, and it will be awhile before I start on the panel. So, like you, I am open to ideas.
Post pics when you can. Dave