I'm not going to criticize because I know you're having fun with it - and I'm not a fan of late model Chevy trucks or exposed IFS. If I was going to rat out something like that, one of the first things I'd do is narrow it by about 18", if not more.
Like that tailgate!
That steering wheel (stick) idea is a no-go. Totally unsafe for you and anybody near you unless you're going parade speed in a parade. You're creative, come up with something better.