I just read through all the pages. I am so happy that after you got the truck back you decided to keep it instead of tossing it and getting a different one. After all of the changes, short bed, motor/trans, wheels/tires, etc...the soul of the truck will always be that of your dad.
Love the build so far, keep up the good work. I think the truck will be worth far more to you when its done....er, um, driveable, our trucks are never "Done"
Mike