Opinions,,opinions...
Since this is a purely personal opinion, centered thread, I will add my two cents.
I like vintage vehicles that are being taken care of. That includes museum quality restorations, street rods, survivor drivers, kids with grandma's '64 Impala 4-door, barn, or garage finds, like my cousin's '67 Camaro, all of it!
I think you should post pictures, Evan.
Your customer IS an automotive enthusiast. The truck is not sitting out in the rain, in some field with cattle scratching their necks on it.
Patina is fine with me, as long as the rust is not allowed to progress, damaging the vehicle. It, in my opinion is even better, if, some kind of old enamel lettering is present.
Let's take two very cool examples. Coach's truck, "Henry". One of the coolest home built project trucks we've had the pleasure of following along with. Also, Lakeroadster's truck, the "Orange Crate", also very cool, and I still miss the weekly postings about it.
My father-in-law, has built many cool street rods, and is currently driving a Ford, Model A, with a '32 hood and grill. He has the skills to build cars, but, never was a super body man. The car is in flat black primer, because it is not straight. Even still, it is VERY COOL!
My hat is off to anyone who, like a medical doctor, tries to "do the patient no harm".
Steve.