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Had been running it intermittently just to make sure nothing froze up, and finally reached a point where I thought I was ready for prime time.
Within 24 hours, I had about a 8x18 patch of ice on one side....not a huge surprise, as it can't be airtight after 55 years.  Then it melted away and came back about every day or so.  The first couple of times, the liquid properly drained out into a waiting pan.  The last few, no moisture made it down the tube.
Finally today after about a week of continuous running something underneath began making a new noise (I suspect the fan), and the compressor was burning hot to the touch.  Also noticeably, the Cokes weren't as cold anymore.
So, I've shut it back off and opened the lid and door up to let things dry out (there were signs of ancient mold when I removed the rack).

So, my first questions is:
1.  What's the defrost schedule/trigger on these things?
2.  Is there an acceptable level of "heat" for the compressor?  It's indoors, with plenty of space for ventilation, and I haven't noticed it this hot before.

Any guidance/info is wanted and welcome.

Is the new noise the condenser fan motor if the blade loosens or motor dies  up you won't get adequate condensing . This will cause your compressor to run hot. There is no defrost it has no clock or timer . If it runs hot and doesn't pull down and your suction line isn't frosting up your probably short of gas

Is it full of product? Water bottles will work fine for testing.
Creighton

            In reality, this is the first sign of a low charge in a slider......ice only on the top front of the inner liner where the expansion first starts.

No, in fact it was almost empty.

From the charge perspective, I guess my immediate question is if I'll need R12 Freon since the system is original?

       You may also have moisture in the line, which turns into ice which blocks the line.

       Take it to a fully equipped a/c shop that can get R-12, and have the whole system re-charged.

As a small update, the fan motor has indeed gone bad, so that's on my repair list while I have time during the holidays. 
Judging by the spacing on the screws, this looks like it will work for a replacement:
http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/index.php?crn=338&rn=610&action=show_detail (http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/index.php?crn=338&rn=610&action=show_detail)

Before ordering, I wanted to see if anyone else happens to have installed one in a Glasco slider.  Any vets that can confirm/deny it fits?

Yep that is the replacement.

You just need the fan.  It will mount to the bracket of the old one.