Hi John...Welcome,sounds like your early introduction to these old trucks will serve you well.
It is possible to do a sympathetic resto and still upgrade the running gear etc. Kind of a half way house,rather than a full blown Hot Rod.
That should keep you
and 'junior' happy!
That way you retain the 'period' look but have the added comfort of knowing it will safely stop and turn,with perhaps a bit more grunt in the engine.
Either way,we look forward to following your progress.
Jock
