I use the power ones Roger is talking about, mine are so low on my '37 they would be awkward to ever use manually (down by my ankles), Dakota digital makes a module to automatically lock and unlock them with the trans speed but I used a relay and a rocker switch, when unlocked I have a red LED that comes on.
You still have a nice car, sounds like just a few issues. To make yourself feel better I went to a Mecum auction where a early 50's Chevy was purchased, not drove like at most auctions. The new owner fired it up and all the 6 volt gauges went up in smoke since it had a new 12 volt alternator, I guess that tells you how many times it had run before the auction!