I agree, you are this far into it so you might as well do it right. With as far as you already have it apart it would take but a few more minutes to pull off the booster and cap those brake lines. The biggest hassle will be bleeding when you go back together. I just had to patch up a matching rust hole in my ’78.
It is supposed to be back in the mid 60’s around here next week. Maybe you can paint it then.
Regarding the column, I would use the OEM tilt over the IDIDIT and if there isn’t anything wrong with the wiring leave it as is and save the harness for the other truck.
You know how these projects go….. take your planned budget and double it. Then whatever time you think a project will take, triple it!
I love your shop!