Restomod, restore, patina

Torn on what I would like to do. I bought my grandfathers truck for scrap price. I have put some cash in to get it back running and driving and am currently able to go anywhere I want and not have to worry about getting back home. I like the idea of a stock restore but I would loose alot of original metal. Restomod I have access to a 5.3 and would put a 4 speed trans in for better economy and also have powersteering and ac added but have the "old" truck style. The one I am leaning on is patina/ratrod, clean it and seal it with a matte clear and call it a day.

It is a 1 owner 1976 Chevy c10. Has the 350/350 no ac, no power steering, no power brakes. Still has the original motor and transmission neither of which have been into. The carb was rebuilt last year by me and reinstalled, replaced master cylinder both rear wheel cylinders and shoes, the front got 1 caliper and 1 rubber hose. The frame is solid and only has typical surface scale, body has minimal rust in cab corners, no rust in rear fenders, bed has 2ish inches rust gap at front of bed, tailgate has 1-2in rust hole at bottom, passenger inner fender has hole under battery (typical), bottom of doors have rust but close surprisingly good. I have driven it 60 miles one way several times and never felt it would not make it home.

I have access to a similar truck. Only a matter of time before I go pick it up. My plan is a restomod with a rat rod exterior. I'll basically leave the truck as is on the outside and all new under the hood.

So that's my vote.

Re:

I'm in the same boat also. Current plan is to get it to the state you have, then cleanup the outside and lower with wheels/tires/interior. Use it as a driver/work truck and Upgrade drivetrain eventually. Maybe after some time, fix bodywork and repaint.

Thinking some late model transporter wheels or Detroit Steel.

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Not inherited, but it's the only truck I own that's not a crawler that's street legal and I can cut up. I've always liked the barn find dirt car look, that's what I'm shooting for, and that's why I vote patina for yours.

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If you have Instagram go follow HotRoddirty. They sell older, mostly patina trucks with modern upgrades to make them fast and driveable. If I had loads of money I would buy half of what they sell. May give you some ideas which way to go