I would SO love to have a vertical feed machine - lucky you!
I don't think I would even try to restore the wood. I would build a plain top, router out a lip for the machine to sit in and cut slots for the treadle belt.
Some people remove the cabinets and build tables on the irons (
) and they sell or give away the machines or cabinets. Maybe you can find a sound cabinet that can be modified to accept the VF? Or is it already a standard size?
I hope you have a wonderful time with your project - and that you keep posting on this thread as you make progress.
Congratulations!