I probably would have not taken the car apart. I would have just cleaned it real well with a steam jeny and wipe the frame and everything else down with WD-40 or Armoral. I think that frame will be nice and original with a real good clean up. Seems like you are getting into a resto with doing the resto.
I would not change anything, then it becomes fixed up altered or .....
The car is what it is. I think it is a great example just like it appears.