John, nice to see that you are receptive to comments that some might find offensive, or at least contrary to what their heart is telling them to do. You are being smart, and it sounds like you have a good rapport with his family.

Now, to answer the other questions about how to proceed, I agree with NTFDAY about going over everything. As to doing a frame off or not, depends on what it all looks like. Shoot us some good pictures (lots of every angle and underneath) and we will be in a better position to offer a suggestion or two.

The biggest part of the decision is how much are you willing and capable of doing on your own? '33-34 Fords are one of the more expensive cars to do, grille shells alone are mega bucks anymore. You need to take all of that into account. All that being said, you are one lucky son of a gun!!! I envy you.

Don