I acquired this thing for $3 thinking I would re-purpose the tuners, nut, and perhaps neck and bridge into future CBG builds... But I am now thinking I would like instead to make it resophonic. It is a 35" instrument with a 24" scale if I measured it right. 

I know nothing about resos and would like to ask you guys to point me in the right direction. Here is a list of questions so far:

1. Sound well: I've seen some builds with them and some without. Do I really need one? Can you educate me on the pros and cons?

2. Finish: I would like to either remove the existing finish or at least distress it. My objective is to give the thing a relic blues look. Don't know what the existing finish is.  How should I proceed?

3. Action: I think I want to raise the action to facilitate slide. Should I leave it as is, or should I unglue the nut and either shim it or replace it with something higher?

4. Resonator: I would like to find a metal plate or tray at a junk store due to my propensity to favor 'found object' instruments. Or should I bite the bullet and purchase a real resonator?

5. Or should I go back to my initial plan an cannibalize some parts?

Thanks in advance for your input!!