[LT7A]

I get the Strat' reference and I think that's a good guide. That's a cool looking truck as it sits. I agree with the clean it up, get it running well, and drive it approach. At that point you can figure out how you want it to be for how you want to use it.

I wouldn't cut it up with any kind of body mods like the Strat'. But I wouldn't hesitate to swap out items to better suit how I use it: engine, transmission, lowering components, etc. Although I really like those wheels that are on it. Because of its history I would keep everything that I pulled out so I could put it back in later if I wanted to.

If you pull them out, that six and the trans will look cool in your shop/garage/barn? mounted to stands, degreased and sealed or painted.

A front disc brake conversion is bolt-on, reversible, and won't look out of place and may preserve the original front sheet metal.