Thanks for the compliments--they help to keep me motivated!

FWIW, here are my reactions to issues raised:

Wheels. I also prefer steel with dog dish hubcaps. Or flippers on a farm truck!! But I have not found any suitable. The problem is that most modern suspensions have high offset, with 5-6" backspace. This is needed for proper front suspension geometry and handling. Also, many of the old wheels won't clear big disc brakes. So, my options are very limited, especially with the Jag suspension.

Shiny frame, dirty engine: Guilty!! I plan to clean it up before installing all of the front sheet metal. Stay tuned!

Patina: I'm not a fan of rat rods, but I kinda like the patina on this old truck and, having grown up on a farm, love the "Twelve Oak Farms" on the doors. Eventually, I may make it shiny, but I plan to keep the patina for now.

Tranny: I'm keeping the "lazy man shifter" for now, mostly because I often drive in Atlanta stop and go traffic. Have thought a lot about adapting a Chevy 700R4 or 4R200 trans to get overdrive. We'll see.

Thanks again for compliments and for suggestions.