So One final update.
I have a badly trashed back. And while I love driving a 5 speed, it doesn't love me. Lifting my left foot over and over kills my back. I pretty much stopped driving BB about a year or so ago. I kept it around because I loved the old truck so much. However, a neighbor loved her more than I did, and paid handsomely for the privilege of taking her home. Every time he drives past the house he revs it up so I can hear her speak to me. One day I will buy another one with an automatic transmission.