Why are manual trans C10's so rare

[JimJones]

Seriously for every 100 trucks I look at online I might see 5 that have a manual trans and most of them are C/K 20's. To me it just seems like it should be the reverse since 50 years ago automatic transmissions were an option and kind of new technology you would think there would be less of them.

I'm not trying to start a debate on which is better because I know I am in the minority when it comes to wanting a manual transmission I just want to know why it's so damn hard to find one.

Originally I wanted to do a frame off built to my exact specs but upon further investigation that is probably gonna be out of my budget so I have been thinking about buying one that is already fixed up close to what I want and just live with whatever the differences are but one thing I must have is a floor mounted manual transmission.

One thing I'm wondering is how hard would it be to convert a truck that is in good condition like in the examples below

http://www.streetsideclassics.com/ve...-chevrolet-c10


http://www.southernmotors.com/ford_d...asp?CarId=3466


http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sal...p-Truck/135547


http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sal...p-Truck/135204


To a manual trans?

Do companies like Brothers, LMC, and Classic Parts ETC have all the little small parts like clutch pedals, linkages and all the nuts and bolts and stuff like that? Or would it be better to find a truck with a manual tranny to start with?