questions before I buy

[captain]

I am looking to buy a 1969-1971 (preferably a '71) C-10 but I have a few questions. There are certain things I would like that I will probably have to add after I get the truck. Problem is, I don't have the skills, equipment or space to do much on my own.

Here's what I want
V8 (not sure if I want big or small block)
Floor shift manual tranny (I just like 'em)
Fleetside (long or short)
Power steering
Factory A/C

I am looking to replace my daily driver with this, so I want one in good mechanical and cosmetic shape. The great majority of the trucks I am seeing on Ebay or Collector Car Trader Online are automatics. Are the floor shift manuals actually that rare? My dad had one, but he did the conversion from an automatic himself.

Should I just buy an automatic and pay to have it converted? If so, what's the ballpark cost for that?

I also saw a post about a 6-speed tranny that had several people talking. If I buy an auto and plan to convert it, should I just go ahead and buy a big block and have that tranny put in?

Thanks