new apache owner.....

[no1udknow]

Hey guys, new to the forum, but I have been lurking here a while reading posts. My names Mike and I just got a screamin deal on a 59 apache short bed step side for $1000. It is all stock, matching frame and cab numbers, had a straight six but it has been removed along with the 3spd trans. Other than that it is a complete truck. I'm looking to do a little modernization and wanted some advice.
I have searched through the forum quite a bit and ha e not found a definitive answer, but is there another newer truck that makes for a good full frame swap? The reason I ask is by the time I buy an IFS kit, engine, trans, rear end, steering box, and god knows what else, I will probably have 10k in to it. Whereas if I could find a donor that is maybe wrecked or won't pass smog, I could get the whole shabang for a grand or two at the most. I'm a great welder/fabricator so mounting the body probably won't be an issue, it would be finding a frame with the same dimensions. I would like to do a nice street rod/cruiser.
Thanks in advance.
Mike