where do I start?

[VinceY]

Originally Posted by redneckdds

probably have others do a majority of the work... you think I am lookin at a mint?

Do you want to drive it now or in 2 years?
If you can wait for a couple years then fix it up exactly as you want, although paying others to do most of the work will most likely run you more than buying something that is close to what you want.
If you want to drive it now, there is always someone out there who has done all the work and spent a bunch that has to sell for less than they have into the truck.
You live in a great area for good solid trucks whether they are finished or need finishing.

[ChevLoRay]

Like the others said, get the best body you can for the money you have. The mechanicals are easily interchangeable and usually upgraded while in your ownership.

Where you live, makes a difference in what you have available. In Gilbert, AZ, you should be able to find a decent body. Back in '70, I bought a '38 GMC, in Tucson. The body was solid.....no rust whatsoever. The engine was history (a Pontiac flathead six). The tires were weathered, to say the least, but all were up, or so I thought. Turns out the tires were almost petrified. Only one of them had any air in it. The rear had 8-ply tires and they were absolutely solid.....with no air in them. All of this info is just fluff, though.

So, how much money do you want to spend, or how much do you have available? If you think you know how much you will have to spend to buy, fix and upgrade your new toy, may I suggest that you consider quadruppling the amount you have in mind? It seems that doing that, will let you know how much to tell, or not tell, your bride....if you have one. If not, you'll know that it ain't gonna be a cheap as you first thought.

I have heard that old cars (and trucks) are like "holes in the air, into which we continually pour money". Boy, I didn't know how true that was. But, it's addictive and we welcome all those who are afflicted!!

[Bill72BB]

A lot of what your asking is personnal preference ,based on your skills.
I suck at body work and paint , so I would go with the best body I could aford ( as most have mentioned )
I would also try to get as many options as possible ( PS,PB Tilt,Ac,Disk brakes) . You will find that it is time consuming and expensive to add them later .
I would also look for a Small Block as parts are plentiful and inexpensive .
on a final note BEWARE hanging around here will give you the bug to make a daily driver rust bucket a truck you have to park 1/4 mile from everyone else so not to get any door dings .
Before and After 4 years here .