What to look for in a new purchase

[vacca rabite]

Hi all.

I am in the market for a pre-1974 3/4 or 1 ton pickup. I have not made up my mind on Chevy vs Dodge, but all the fords that i have seen have had some pretty serious issues that have made them a third choice.

The truck would be part toy, and part work. Probably driven under 5K miles a year. Its work duties would include hauling wood, topsoil and muclh, and trailor towing. For toy, well, I like old vehicles.

However, I am only allowed one project at a time, and right now its a '76 VW/Porsche 914. So anyhting I buy has to be running and not a rust pile.

My first question is, what should I be looking for? What is more desirable, and what is less desirable. 4X4 would be nice, but it not a deal breaker (and would be going well into the toy realm, rather then the work realm). Where are the rust areas that I should be sure to look for.

Thanks,

Zach