Questions about old GM trucks

[daniels84]

Hello, I'm kinda a green thunmb to these old chevs/gms as I have been more of a 73-87 guy but now the incredible looks of these older ones are starting to make me consider buying one to restore. What are some good years for these trucks in your guys' opinion? What years were SWB offered and the emergency crank start offered (was it 1930s/40s/50s?)and what type of manual trannys were available? (three on the tree etc) and is there any real neat features/options that are specific to a model year? I thank you guys in advance and look forward to your responses. :p