That's some crazy idea, but it is unique, could be pretty cool.
I'm ok with the stock dash. My plan is to change the instrument panel and put in an insert with Classic Chrome Auto Meter gauges (all others just look too modern to me).
About the lifting - I asked about it on the A100 group in the past, because I have read the same thing in my manual, and got several replies that it's fine to lift the way I described.
I did that to two vans and all seemed OK, but I understand you want to be safe. Better be safe and not have a bent van.
Ran
"Hey mister, something's wrong with your car, it idles roughly" - number one comment I got in Israel when daily driving a 70 Barracuda with a lopey cam.
Currently working on - 1966 Dodge A100 van 318/auto
Finally - disc brakes on the front.
In the plans - rear disc brakes, B&M 250 blower
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