Dude...
This thread seems to have cooled off, but you deserve an award of some type for your patience and perseverance with that thing.
It's great seeing old vehicles loved on like this and I can totally relate to all the shenaningans it's put you through. It becomes personal after a point and only we can understand how these little pickups become so endearing and seemingly worth all the attention and frustration.
I just ordered new tires for my '87, so after I mount them I'll post a pic or two on this thread in hopes of enticing you out of your hiatus with some updates on the red zombie.

P.S. Thank you for your service.