I'm Back... And looking for advice on project direction (randomhero472)

[random hero]

Hey all, been years since I've been on the forums. Some of you might remember me, my old screen name which I can't log into was Randomhero472 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=22361

You might also remember the soap opera that was Carlos & him ripping a couple of us off back in 2007 (I think). Since I've been on last (sometime in 2008) I sold my project truck, moved to Colorado and own rental properties.. which brings me back on, I just bought a fairly clean 67 c10 to use a SHOP TRUCK

Thanks to all the guys who've posted pics in the "shop truck & patina thread" I got the itch and bought another truck, only this one is running and in pretty good shape. I'm torn on the direction to go w/the project. My issue is, the truck has a long bed that was cut down to short bed length, but when welded up it warped a bit.... So it's a bit of an eye sore (pics tomorrow). I'm not looking for a Goodguys show quality truck, this thing will be driven daily, haul trash, tools, whatever. My plan is to have a truck that looks clean and cool, but if it's scratched I won't lose sleep. It'll have my storage business logo on the door, 20's, 5/6 lowering kit, nothing else super fancy.

Part of me wants to sand it down, have the bed body-worked and paint it w/a nice single stage paint... The other, just leave it alone and drive it. It's just the bed, it looks BAD in it's current state.

A guy I work with on the fire department offered to do the bodywork on the bed for me at night, $15/hour which seems reasonable. The cab, doors & hood are in damn good shape, just needs sanding, I'll replace both front fenders. I think I could have the truck sanded, and painted for around $1000 which I'm OK with... If that's a realistic number. Bodyshop I rent space to said $2500-$3000 for them to prep it and paint w/urethane paint. I just want to keep it a "low-buck" style build. It runs great, was driven daily by previous owner... nothing fancy. Thoughts?