What a great story. Good to hear you have something to tinker on. Wild enthusiasm can pretty easily overcome lack of mechanical experience. And fortunately these old trucks don't have computers to worry about. Just try to keep your projects small in the beginning - things that can be accomplished over a weekend or so. And take lots of pictures, they will come in handy if you disassemble anything, and will be a great reminder when you look back on where it started.
Good luck with your project, look forward to updates as it progresses.
