I have seen dirt bikes turned into rat street bikes some looked good some did not! It can be done and done well too, depending on your fab skills and knowledge. is this bike for a little fun or a serious rider? If it is a serious rider I would start with a street bike and modify from there. Good...
I can't say that I like the wheels and tires, But your fab work is top shelf A+. I hope the customer knows just what you had to go thru so he could have a very cool rod.
Welcome to RRR! It works for me, I love it! My son has a 63 long bed sittin' in the weeds with lots of H. P. 540 CUBES! And big fat pro street tires on the back. He has a hard time fitting in because of the tires and wheels he has on it. It is beat up and ratty just like yours. should fit in...
I think your idea of plating the shell is great, but I vote for nickle it would look decades old after some weathering. I have not tried it myself but friends have and the look is much more like what would have been done back in the day