I would say it's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other,get some estimates,which do you really want?, I would carry on with your plan to
rip off the top and rust proof it,you can decide along the way.I'm sure you will get lots of advice when your working on it.
I would love to get a hearse too,we live in a over 55 sub division and my wife is not to keen on it. Good luck.