[hgs_notes]

If I had an old truck, but thought I needed something more reliable as a driver right now, I'd just buy another old truck that has already been fixed up/restored, etc. I've seen very nice restored trucks, with all the special options added, for less than 10k. Unless you have a special attachment for the 70, you could sell it, or build it how you want as fast, or slow, as you want.

The newer truck will just lose value, but has the advantage of easier parts availability. On the other hand, they have more parts that can fail and take some special diagnostic tools to find out which switch or sensor is bad.

A restored old truck with normal daily use will still maintain it's value if it's cared for. Miles hardly matter, they are easier to repair, parts are usually available within a day or 2. Chances are you would be buying it for half what the builder put into it, which is good for you. And you wouldn't be tied to the choice of a pickup either. You could shop for a blazer or burb, or whatever deal comes your way.

So I didn't vote for either option, I'd pick a third option of buying someone elses restored truck.