[Mike V. Florida]

"A bit of pro and con feed back from you guys would be welcome at this juncture? Go by the book, or create a conversation piece?"

I would forget the year of the chassis and build the body as one year.

The "mismatch" in the chassis and body are not nearly as noticeable as differences in the years on the same body. While the build would be easier for use of the parts you have on hand, I feel the time and effort in making the body all the same year would be worth it if you are going to go through all the time to paint the car. It would also increase the dollar worth at such time as it is sold.