Advice on shopping for 55-57 needed.

[Brett K]

In a few months (hopefully), I hope to be in the market for a project 55-57 Chevy/GMC shortbed. I am hoping to find a good candidiate for a resto-mod (upgrades drivetrain and suspension). I am hoping to find something with a nice clean body and frame and as original as possible, as in not hacked up. I am from northeastern PA and everything here is either swiss cheese with huge rust issues or something that used to be a rust bucket (so you have to really know what to look for in finding one that was done right.

My question is regarding buying a truck from the southwest and having it shipped here. I see a bunch on craigslist from 2-5k that look like good candidates. What kinds of isses should I be looking for in trucks from this area? What kind of shipping costs might I be looking at? I am a little concerned given I may be buying a truck sight unseen. Is it worth the gamble? What can I do to minimize my chances of getting ripped off?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.