Blair you did an awesome job on that truck, I'm sure your friend would have been proud to have recieved it, and that is an extremely nice jesture on your part with the auction and proceeds, kudos man!!
Have you checked out www.chrometechusa.com they do rechroming of plastic model parts not sure if they do gold or not but I would venture to say they do, and from what little I have looked at their site the prices are pretty reasonable.
Magnificent job Clifford, nice clean build with flawless paint, I like the poseable steering, unusual place for the spare tire, but I guess whatever works!! looks great!
Still looks pretty dang good to have been built that long ago, and sounds like it's in good hands, you'll have to post the rebuild when you get it done!!