[Gregsmx]

Here's an idea.... Grab a tub from a '73 - '75 and put it on the frame, swapping out the '82 tub.

Most all of the fenders, hood, tailgate, and interior will interchange.

The only '73-'75 only parts were the tub and the doors. Finding a decent tub is not impossible. The worst 'watch out' is for rust in the rear quarter fender wells. Even those can be cut and welded in from your '82.

Sounds like a lot of trouble, and it is, but this way you get late model chassis and interior with the true open top.

Of course, once the tub comes off, there's no limit to what you can and should do to clean up the rest of the truck. I ought to know, I never found a reasonable place to draw the line, and the next thing you know, the frame is powdercoated and every bolt has been replaced on the frame off!

But I wouldn't trade the experience, it has been a fun year doing this.

I still have the dolley the body rested on while off the chassis if you make the plunge, you can have the dolly!