Dennis,
I am curious to know something about those new sheet metal parts for your truck. Years ago I did a 1956 F100 for my dad and remember putting together all of that sheet metal up front. The fenders he had were pretty bad as well. As I recall, we ended up having a professional work on those fenders to help us out. Back then, I "think" there were some companies making new pieces but most of the guys we heard complained about fitment. Where did you get these new sheet metal pieces from and how do you like their fit to the original parts?
Glad to see your healthy enough to be at it again - I will be out in Red Lion this summer!
Daniel JessupLancaster, California
aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com