Progress!!! Apparently the good Lord wants me to learn a few things during this project.
1) Have patience. Ok Lord, I'll take it as it comes and seek out what you're trying to teach me.
2) Be careful who I trust. I believe I've thus far treated everyone with respect in my endeavor to start and complete this project, but it has been the strangest to see people who blatantly don't do what they say they will do. Yes, I got a little testy with Mike B when he was bailing on the project and would not tell me what his deal was as he was leaving me hanging at a critical time, but up to that point I would have done anything he suggested (and pretty much did).
3) Always get at least a 2nd opinion. Maybe this is tied to #2 a little bit. For the last 10 years I have worked with business owners who 9.5 times out of 10 will do what they say they will do and genuinely try to steer those seeking advice in the right direction. I've always done the same as I believe this to be the right thing to do! Unfortunately I've experienced more goose chases, unwillingness in general to even offer advice, and a shortage of integrity (doing what one said they would do) than I would have ever anticipated. I joined a club here in my area and thought that would be my primary place to get some trustworthy help and advice since that's what was offered in the newsletter. So far it's been more of the -don't give a rats if you were dying- response... I've gotten more offers to help from clubs in other states than I have from the one that meets 10 minutes away. That's been a very discouraging reality to absorb about trust...
4) Seek out "old school" folks. The common thread among the people that have genuinely helped me since Mike bailed has been old school minded. It's like the "you're as good as your word" mentality. Respect begets respect folks. The handshake means something folks. People absolutely worth mentioning and remembering on this thread (Mike H. at ACC, Georg in CA, Mike at Mass Performance, Sonny at Harris upholstery, Joel at Premier Powder Coating, Dave G. At 4+). Without the integrity and class shown by these folks I would have thrown in the towel by now. Thank you for being genuine, honest, and willing to help! You've kept me from jumping off the cynical cliff and you have MY word that I'll return the favor whenever needed.
4) Forgiveness. Truthfully, I'm still working on this. The Lord has shown me that it is required but my flesh fights this almost continuously. For those that have burned me I would like vengeance, but The Lord says that's his work not mine. He demands that I forgive much because I've been forgiven much and whatever I give I will also receive be it kindness or spite. I've learned (and am probably not done learning) that I will reap what I sow.
I'm probably sowing some good and not so good seeds even with this post! Hopefully one of my children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren will sense the genuineness of my struggles and gravity of not just this multi-generational truck but of the essence of living a good life and ultimately a righteous life that gains a reward not of this world.
So, my recent progress had nothing to do with parts on a truck and everything to do with wisdom gaining and soul cleaning.
Until next time, God bless!
she is 95 though... I'm pretty sure I'll be long gone at least 10 yrs before that! 
