Helpfull advice requested!

[Slofarmtruck]

So I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. I just picked up my 86 2wd lwb 305/700R4 truck that I wanted for a long time due to my previous fun with an 84 of similar parts. I just went for a ride in a relatives 32 ford flat head V8 pick up with a manual trans and while that is way to old for a daily driver, I find myself wanting a truck with a manual transmission. My main question is, would it be more cost effective to convert my current truck or to sell/trade my truck for one that fits my wants more. I have also been growing very fond of the earlier body styles, particularly the 1970 style. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you fellow truck enthusiasts!