Thanks so much for the encouragement, brother.
During my skulking around PW, I've noticed your first-class FJ40 rebuild (as well as some others on here), so in that way I'm advantaged by having a set of precedences for me to take note from. At the same time I'm considering all options carefully...factoring what it is I actually want from this beast, eventually...against what is doable, or even desirable. For me, it is this mental challenge; of finding the right balance needed to create something infinitely practical, aesthetically beautiful, and mechanically well-knit, that makes vehicle rebuilds and restorations such a draw.
I'll be looking forward to the suggestions, advice, and wisdom of friends (old, as well as new ones), in the intellectual buildup, to the eventual vehicle buildup.
Regards.
Fouad.