Kaydee, without knowing all the details of your situation, I would agree with Wasagachris. I'm on my third restoration and the first was a shell off '64
Sovereign, the second , I started as a shell on '59 Flying Cloud. Believe it or not, the
Sovereign was easier than the Flying Cloud with respect to doing the Frame resurrection. Ultimately I ended up doing a frame off for the Flying Cloud.I did the
Sovereign /Flying Cloud solo and while not exactly as Wasagachris, essentially it was the same method to the madness. My experience is limited to late 50's early 60's trailers, but I would think there would not be too much in it, with regards to your era trailer. My body thanked me for it, my back was straighter, there was less cursing and my being happier and I stayed cleaner. If at all possible, get the trailer to a comfortable working height and remember, safety first. Once I got over the fact that any trailer 40-50 years old needs a ground up thorough going over, it just became a matter of method. You have come so far with your trailer, I would be reluctant to shortchange yourself, and your trailer by not doing the whole shebang. The sandblasting was easier, all facets are more accessible to paint, and it is possible to do it yourself, if you can work with the laws of physics on your side. As I said, my experience is limited compared to some, but a big lesson I learnt was that these trailers are human-made, consequently, they are not perfect, especially symmetry-wise. The floor outline varies from corner to corner, outriggers (thingies!), are not necessarily level or uniform. You just have to go with the flow really. And, like a lot of design classics, some aspects are not always the most pragmatic. Also, like anything you really love, you have to be able to forgive its shortcomings and quirks. All part of the charm and experience. Personally for me, I found it a false economy by not taking the shell off, but that was just my experience. Best of luck and hang in there, which ever path you choose to take, you are doing a good thing.
Pete