Luke-44,
I know where you are coming from on the wait.... are you getting a turn-key or are you doing some work yourself?
On the bent shifter... I'm 5-9 and like to sit close to the wheel and peddles, so the bent shifter makes it more comfortable to shift. I have a straight handle too, and can manage with it but the bent is just more comfortable. Also, I'm running a Richmond Gear 5 speed, which I think (not sure) puts ther shifter further back than with a 4 speed toploader.
I have the carpet but plan on leaving it out for a while at least. I like the look of the aluminum for now, especially since I have the car decked out as a FIA comp car. It does get a little buzzy, but it's livable.
The colors are 1998 Ford Denim Blue Pearl Metallic and 1996 GM Bright White Diamond Metallic (3 part.) I went to a paint supply store and picked the blue and stuck with it. Tony (ERA painter) hooked me up on the white for the stripes. You have to be careful with the pearl whites as they tend to look "brownish." This one looks great in the sunlight.
The belts are not ERA, they are from:
http://www.bellmotorsports.com/
Greg