ReoRider gave a couple of us a different perspective of gassers vs. multi-fuels at Sussex in April. His take was that the gassers of the period were well-tested over the road engines proven for high mileages, whereas the multi-fuels were put together because they'd burn near anything. That came with a price of lowering longevity. He said he still has his Reo in which he installed an overdrive 5 speed transmission and was real happy with the speed and mileage pickup and had taken it on several very successful extended trips. I had heard the reverse story, from the guy who sold me my Deuce. He drove Deuces for the onion farms in Pine Island, NY where they're preferred because they 'float' on the black dirt for harvest. A multi-fuel blew and transmission and he installed a gasser trans he had. Said it wouldn't get out of its own way but would haul unbelieveable loads. I guess those transplants are pretty straight forward.
Shortly after Sussex, a VERY NICE original condition gasser M54 came up on EBay. It went for under $3K on the 2nd or 3rd listing. I would have loved to be in a position to snag it.
All that to say that while the gassers aren't as popular, I've learned that they have their own merits. For the purposes I use my Deuce (display, parades, etc.), and knowing what I know now, I'd take one in a heartbeat. I hope you have good luck in saving this one.
Steve