Shoot me but I had to do it..

[1958 F.W.D.]

 You act as if I was the only one whispering what to do in your ear.....................

 

Now.....The trick is to find someone who not only WILL remount the new tires onto the old 3-piece rims; but is old-school enough to be able to do it properly (and safely.) And you'll thank me in the morning for kicking you in the keester to make sure you got tube-type radials.....you want NOTHING to do with bias-ply tires, "purist" or not. That's one thing I am willing to compromise on any restoration.

 

As far as the paint goes, you need to do what you feel is right. I for one, like an original paint job- that driver's door came out pretty good. But if the other side is as bad as you say it is, compounding/buffing may not cut it. And you can't just repaint one door or compartment and not mismatch the rest of the truck. If you blow paint, it's an "all-or-nothing" decision. And it's not a cheap one either- no matter what paint you use- Sherwin Williams, DuPont or my favorite- PPG "Durethane"; it's going to cost you. The more prep you do on your own, the cheaper obviously.