Lugnutzz3000... I like your Plan of Action, very similar to what I am planning on doing with mine. Putting Tires of till the end, or close there abouts, so they do not dry rot sitting around on the truck or get damaged in the process. I am also going to ensure that it runs before i do a complete rough up of the body, fenders, bed, etc... so that i can easily access and fix/ correct any issues that may arise.
I have set my goal to be 18 months ( LMAO ) sure that is not practical but hey... I will give myself Till end of 2014 to get it in test drive mode before tear down to finla paint

and as Hambone stated, socialization and field trips !! those are covered as well... in fact goingto do one this weekend.
Been trying to find local bolters in the area to meet with, but no luck to date :/