Don't take the comments too much to heart.....some people aren't 'there' yet.
One thing I try to keep in mind is what the demographic I am dealing with in situations like that is. ie: old? young? their appearance or apparent style and communication method?...you can often tell by someones dressing style where they are in the social food chain and as a result what their opinion might be of...well anything...out of the predictable ordinary.
I have some friends who are very 'buttoned down' and anal...and they don't get any of the rod/rat-rod thing in the least....let alone any vehicle more than 20 minutes old. However, they are good people in their own respects.
As for the guy who made the comments to you...he is probably still afraid of red pajamas....
Personally, anytime I can see anyone in one of these older trucks (even Fords or Dodges), its 'hats off to 'em'. The style behind their ride is never resolveable because everyone has their own take on what they like...completely fair. So rodded, original, jacked, painted, restored....whatever....live and let ride!!
All Good
Coley
