Well the project is on hold for a little while I find a new builder, try to save up funds, and acquire parts that were lost.
Please don't get it soda blasted. Too many things can go wrong if you don't get all the residue off why take a chance of the paint coming off in a few years or less.
I hope this link works please read about soda blasting.
http://spi.forumup.org/viewtopic.php?t=1665&mforum=spi
After you get the Shelby panels you will notice the angle of the bottom of the bar is a little off. I cut off the metal tabs for the windows because I have power windows and then was able to slide the bars back to the bar lined up better with the panel. If you want to retain the brackets You could just adjust the legs of the bar so that they will go around the tab. It would be easy to do with a cut off wheel and a grinder. Have you ordered the interior panels yet or do you plan on making them?