In looking back, and looking forward my next one....if there is a next one, I will take the chassis and pay to sand blast it.
Agreed. If had it to do over again there would be a LOT of things I'd do different. I'd find the most rust free specimen in original condition and completely disassemble it, have the frame and all body parts dipped and treated and start from there to rebuild it back to its original stock condition.
But I'd still paint the frame with enamel.
