Progress Pics.... and a few questions

[1980GMC]

So I've done a little teardown of my truck because I'm getting it painted, new interior, and a fleetside box. The box is proving to be pretty hard to find Unless I buy a brand new one

But anyway heres some before pics:




Interior is gonna be changed to Saddle/Tan color, and the paint I want to be Satin Black.

And now the progress until I find my fleetside box.






I go saturday to see about a couple boxes so I hope I find a good one. After the box, I'm going to work on lowering the truck with drop spindles/springs and a rear flip kit. Then a nice roll pan. Then Ill save up for the black satin paint, then the tan interior. Then comes the engine overhaul; Im going to make a 383 out of a 350 from my dads chevelle(he bought a 396 for it). Then comes exhaust, then tires.

Now for the questions.
1 Are fleetside beds bolted or welded together?
2 Why exactly do you need a flipkit? Cant you just flip the springs without it? (Im not planning on just flipping it without a kit, I was just wondering if this was possible)
3 For those with black satin paint jobs, how do you like it? and is it a lower cost paint job than glossy paints?
4 My gauge cluster has ugly faded-orange needles, as a cheap way can I just paint those white? or should i find new ones?
and finally (and a little off topic)

5 How has everyone here got into the business of restoring classic cars/trucks? Im looking at it as a career path but dont have many people in my area to ask. I think I want to apprentice at a restoration shop but I dont know if thats the way to go.

Sorry for the length,

Wes