: A neighbour is restoring his father's old cedarstrip/canvas canoe. He has
: removed the damaged canvas leaving flat ribs covered by thin (1/8" or
: less) 2.5" wide cedar strips. ...

: He wants to eliminate the canvas and leave the outside as natural looking
: wood with the brass nail heads (attaching the cedar to the ribs) showing.

You're asking the classic "restore it or rod it" question with old cars. There is likely no one "right" answer, but I'd vote for restoration in this case.

jrs