I have to admit that the fellow who rebuilt the truck in Stuarts pictures did a fabulous job of restoration, especially when you look at the photo of what he started with.
What I find hard to understand is why you would go to all that trouble and then completely undo the authenticity of the project with a high gloss finish and lacquered timber tray.
I once took my somewhat used looking 42 WLA Harley to the Hanging Rock Vehicle Show which usually attracts 2,500 plus vehicles and parked it among all the gleaming, polished and presented later models.
Guess which motorcycle attracted more attention than most of the rest put together.
There is a mystique about something that's obviously 'been around a bit' that is worth preserving. You definitely have the right approach Matt in trying to preserve the originality of the truck that has come into your care. More power to you.
My 2 cents worth.
David