Kurt,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

I bought my 1954 Chevrolet Suburban in 1971. It was in rougher shape then than yours is now.

As GMONIZ posted, Ray Stanley in MA makes Suburban/Panel patch panels. He makes a beautiful replacement assembly for the rear sill.
Ray Stanley Wheelwright Restorations 92 Pine Street Wheelwright, MA 01904 1-413-477-6467

Vacuum Wipers can be superbly rebuilt by the WiperMan
http://www.wiperman.com/

Have you adjusted the steering gear as described in the Shop Manual?
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0903.htm

Good luck - thanks for posting so many photos.

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.