Hey! We're entertaining a notion of this sort here as well!
Have been waffling over what kind of classic frame to drop on 05 Aviator (and one entity in the planning process keeps making snarky remarks about when this is all gonna happen in my "non-existent free time," but hey, planning is the best part).
Totally appreciate that inclination to do a bit of driving in the stripped-mobile. That just seems like fun.
Love what you did here and love the year and color choices. And that you took action on a fun concept!
If you were going to do this again, same choice on vintage frame?
Part of me wants to go vintage Bronco frame on my chasis, but I end up hauling a lot of lawn care stuff in my DD Nav, which, ideally, needs to stay a little cleaner, so a pickup would make sense if we're trying to make a practicality argument, but "practicality" kinda isn't the point. If I did go Bronco route, def welding a proper dog seat into the 2nd row... 'cause that's practical.
Great job moving this through the stages, especially in what appears to be some cold a$$ed weather!