Got a bit done to the shell today. It's been at a friends to have a couple of patches welded in. Better welder than yours truly. The steel I provided was a little thicker than the original and the patches do show. Though that's not a problem. It's going to be a worker, not a show piece. Should last me out.
Attacked it with drill and wire wheel this morning and gave the underneath a coat of red oxide. Looks better already. It'll get a second coat tomorrow then a couple of coats of agricultural enamel. When that's done it'll be the turn of the top.