66 B restoration help

I am just starting a complete restoration of a 1966 B. The car was purchased by my mother-in-law new in 1966 and has been parked for over 15 years. The B is black, red interior, and a removable hardtop. The hood is trashed (latch came open on the road), left fender is in rough shape, but the rest of the body, except for small dings and scrapes isn't bad. I know the second gear synchros are bad and the engine was running when parked. I plan to do most of the work myself except paint and upholstery. The one thing I have going for me is the car has always been in the desert (Las Vegas), so rust isn't a problem. I would be interested in hearing any advise I can get on:

Best source for parts? I have been looking at Moss & Vic. British catalogs.
Books? I have a Chilton repair manual but looking for something geared to restoration.
Aluminum vs. steel replacement hood? Is it worth the extra cost for aluminum? I'm not interested in racing, just doing a proper restoration.
Negative vs. Positive ground?
Source for wire wheel restoration?
Any "If I had it to do over" stories.

Thanks in advance, I have already learned alot reading the posts on this page.
Kevin