Straighten the fork, repack whatever needs attention, adjust the bars and saddle to your liking - or swap them to something you prefer - and enjoy it as a rat rod.
It might work its way into your heart, it might not. But it makes more sense to experience it before plunking down a huge wad of cash on it. After all, this isn't a Huffy! (nudge nudge, wink wink to
AdventureManCO and his crazy Campagnolo-build
LeBlander Not-So-Sportier).
-Kurt