I like where you mentioned the deposit sent sight unseen. Did the same kind of thing with mine. Flew 400+ miles to Bay Area, then drove it back (55 top speed down the 101!). The whole trip was based solely on talking to the PO over the phone a few times, and his word that he was sure the truck would make it. It was a heck of an experience, but we made it.
I think it boils down to the kind of people you deal with when buying from somebody else who had intentions of restoring, whatever their reasons for giving up (too many other projects, economy screwed them, new baby, etc). Everybody I've met so far since really diving into this have been great people.
Congrats on the new project! It's a real beauty.
