I drive mine...the 69 Fleet everyday. No heat. No braces left in the cab at all. I think the only thing holding the cab to the truck is the steering column and the doghouse. Your truck is in alot better shape then mine! I wouldnt worry about the rust you got...you can drive it. If I can drive mine...you can feel safe driving yours. I always make jokes about how I may turn a corner one day and I will be sitting in the cab in the middle of the street and the rest of the truck going on without me!