I would clean up and use as is. That is just too cool to cover up and re-paint. Maybe refinish the wood. Maybe a plexiglass top raised up abit so you can still see the blade and details. Cool piece either way!
Drove a 70 Impala for a while, my first car. Come out one evening to go cruise. Car won't start, no click..no anything. Wierd..So I pop the hood and check over wires and such. See the positive cable coming from the starter got up against the exhaust manifold and melted it. No big deal. Walk the...
Here at GM we are still doing recalls on 90-2000 model Grand Ams/Grand Prix's for a engine fire problem. So I believe Ford should honor your recall as well. Dosen't seem to be a problem as far as GM's BS recalls are concerned.
I have new(er) cabinets like this. Except mine do have handles. But they have the document holders inside as you described. Very nice cabinets indeed. Good on you for snagging that up!