1.5/2 ton build

[thebabybrahma]

I am wanting to build a late 40s early 50s 1.5 or 2 ton to pull a tandem wheel, tandem axle 22 foot trailer around. Need advice.

Thinking about a Cummins diesel or a 427/454 big block for a power plant with a manual transmission.

Would I be better off to buy a new model truck and put an old body on or buy the old truck and graft in the newer stuffto make her highway worthy.

Anybody out her tried this before????