If it were me just starting a semi truck build for the first time Id start just box stock version and then expand my ideas into one....building them is basically the same as a car kit just much more parts.
One of the guy from the builders group built a 67,68 Camaro I gave him and helped him where needed....when it was done he showed it to me and said he wanted me to have it so its now in a case at home....he did great on it.
Id be happy with the LTD door HT....it looks much better than the Galaxie 4door sedan did to me. Two others I have a re the Johan 59 and 62 Cadillac 4doors.
I am very sorry to hear that Scott....we had to have our 20 year old cat put down last year...man that was rough she was a daddy's girl had to be with me all the time. Hang in there buddy.
I once made one with working head and taillights...I made a access panel in the gas tank where the battery was...I put a small switch in the gas tank that stuck out the bottom.