Hi James, I would recommend build logs and forum members better than any build manual, from my experience the body and frame is based on the original so not much aligned even then!! I did a Model A ford a while back and tried to sort shut lines, etc until a felloe Ford A chap pointed out they were pretty shit when they left the factory by todays standards
Build logs for sure (although mine is very out of date) and lots of questions plus Mick is a gold mine of info and has always really helped me when I get stuck or despondent.
Where are you based?
Re the panels I guess you could make them yourself, I got a kit it was good they still need work but I think since mine Mick may have got that sorted he just could not get any bugger to do them right even with the CAD files, I think one firm cut them back to front!!
Go for it though, its a great product and a really nice bunch on here, once you build a 40 anything is a piece of cake after!!