Dear Noman, first of all let me congratulate you on the progress you've made thus far.
With regards to the hood modification on your little truck, I have a couple of observations, if I may say so.
First off, from some of the side-on pictures, it appears that the hood MAY interfere with your line of vision, whilst you're seated in a driving position, thereby reducing your field of view, to the front of the vehicle. Whilst negotiating tricky terrain, this might be disadvantageous to you.
Secondly, it also appears that the hood "box" will remove your ability to put the windshield down. I don't know how important this is in your scheme of things, but it certainly will affect the overall look and shape and utility of your machine.
Cosmetically speaking, on such a beautiful, tiny machine, the hood looks a little unwieldy...and detracts from the overall impact of your vehicle from the front and side. Once again, I do not know how MUCH you have gained from the engine in terms of performance, but adding the engine to your vehicle (due to which the hood "box" has become a necessity), has, in my humble opinion, certainly LESSENED the looks factor, for me.
Please let me say that this post is not meant to discourage you, in any way. I have been following your thread very keenly, since your rebuild runs roughly parallel to a rebuild that I am currently undertaking. I've seen the love and passion and terrific attention to detail which has gone into your rebuild, and I would like to commend you for it, thoroughly. Therefore, please consider these words of mine as those which come from an ADMIRER, rather than a random critic.
I also have a couple of additional reasons for wanting you to excel in this rebuild. Almost 20 years ago (in 1994), I rebuilt a 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ60 in Abbottabad. "Little Monster" was the name I chose for that TLC. So I would LOVE to see a successor to that title!
Secondly, you mention 8FF next to your name. For a very brief period of time, I was posted as Commanding Officer of 8FF, although I didn't eventually end up commanding the Unit because of certain service compulsions. So that way, you and I are Paltan-waals, of sorts!
My best wishes and prayers are with you! Best of Luck!
