I'd put it back together and run it as it is. Don't paint it or anything, just make it mechanically sound.

I'd keep it 435. When they're in rude health they're not as slow as you'd imagine!

Perhaps if you are worried about safety, fitting side, load bay windows for improved visibility, might be an idea?

As a few on here may testify, a 435 in hoon mode is not as painful as you'd think and is actually quite fun. I led a convoy of needlessly-large engined 2CVs to the Rochefort meeting a couple of years back in my AZU and many were surprised at how un-slow it was at times.

Back to the o/t, I'd say put it back together using as many (or few) original bits as you wish and see how you go. In whatever form, it'll be another van on the road rather than sitting in a barn I guess. 602 and Disc brakes if you want, but drums aren't the bogeyman that many make them out to be. Why RHD though? LHD isn't a major headache once you get used to it. As Neil says, fitting a pair of side windows would improve visibility, and is easier to do. Certainly not worth the hassle of converting it imo.
The continuing obsession in the 2cv world with converting everything to look, drive and ride like a late Special still baffles me though. There's so much more to the A-series experience than that.

Quote of the year?
ken

I'd certainly keep it LHD. I prefer it, to the point where I'll actively look out for an LHD car when I'm next in the market for an A series. Also drum brakes ... set them up properly and they're as good as discs. Better, if you count the handbrake. As for the 435 engine, I'd keep that too. Mainly because I've never driven one, but also because if I want the 602 thing, there are plenty of late 2cvs out there.

May I have [publication permission?

If you can find an original van gearbox they are amazing. I swear Hetty would climb anything that wasn't actually vertical.

Granted....

I agree with you two, I'd love a slightly tatty, original '50s 2CV recently dragged out of a barn in France and given the minimum work to get an MOT and just drive.

Thanks for your ideas and opinions, chaps. Think I'll try the 435/drummer combo 1st, with shabby "straight out of the barn" paint and see how it goes. Watch this space, but don't hold your breath! Any more comments and ideas welcome!

I like that !
I am curious how this will develop.