Lookingto start a project '47-'53

[nikwho]

I am looking for a '47-'53 chevy pickup project to build for my wife. It will be a short bed. I want to put it on an S-10 frame. I did the Camaro IFS graft on my '59 and don't want to go down that road with this project. So, I want to get started on the frame while im looking for the body. What year and wheel base S-10 will make the best donor? Do I want a pickup or will an S-10 blazer frame work too? I figure that I can make a lot of progress on the frame and LS-something power plant/tranny/suspension etc. while im looking for the right body to start with. Since its just my wifes cruiser, I may just go with a 5.3L. I want it to be reliable and easily go from 7000 ft ASL down to sea level without any problems. Thanks for the help, guys!
Nik