Who gives a damn what a couple old maids think. Its your car, do as you see fit. As for the rivets, there are some people who think they're rare and ask outrageous prices but I've seen them all over the place for $30 a pair which I think is reasonable.

The suede finish can still be mixed by any paint distributor who is still allowed to sell lacquer (the Ditzler code applies to lacquer). You can still buy it in Michigan - not sure which other states. The downside is you have to buy a quart at roughly $100.. I've considered doing this and then repackaging it in smaller quantities.