I say fix 'em up and drive 'em.
I started a frame off on my '54 GMC in 2004. I stripped it to the frame, had the springs re-arched, new king pins, new ring and pinion, new discs up front, drums on rear, installed a rebuilt 248, a rebuilt TH2004R, bought all kinds of other parts and haven't driven it yet. It still needs massive body work which I'm learning as I go.
On the other hand, I bought my '56 in 2005. It ran but barely. I've rebuilt the brakes, drum/drum, dual master cylinder, changed rear end, complete new harness, new Goodwrench engine. It was never down for more than a week between jobs.
It has a 50/50 paint job. Looks good from 50 feet away or going down the highway at 50. I drove it nearly 200 miles today with the old rust coated frame under it. I drove it over 150 last weekend.
I take it to local shows and have driven it to Kansas City twice, Arizona once, Hutchinson, KS, El Reno, OK and all around the local area. I don't have to worry about scratching the paint. We used the tailgate to serve birthday cake in El Reno. I can even smoke cigars in it when the warden isn't with me. I wouldn't be afraid to take off tomorrow to anywhere in the lower 48.
No telling when I'll get to drive the '54 and when I do it will be too pretty to use like I use the '56.
Like I said at the start, my opinion is fix 'em and drive 'em.
