New to the board - Looking for input on my first 67-72

[MattPSU]

I've always admired 1967-72 Chevy/GMC trucks, and I'm finally in a place to buy my first one. I've been looking for 6-8 weeks now, and have looked at 7 trucks after narrowing my search. I decided early in my search that I was looking for a 67 or 68 Chevy, short bed, fleet side with a V-8. As long as it has a clear title runs and is within my budget, I planned to restore it while I drive it.

I fully expected to find a truck that needed rockers and cab corners, and interior, etc, with my budget being less than $5000 - Ideally 3-4 so that I have some budget left for initial needs. That's fine because I also liked the idea of being able to personalize the truck throughout that process.

However, I've found, what in my opinion, is a great deal on a 69/70 step side that's nearly complete/finished that's also within my budget. It's not perfect, but I could easily enter it as is in a small local car show if I wanted.

My question is for those of you who have been in my position, should I keep looking for exactly what I want, or should I take this great deal on a truck that's pretty close to what I'm looking for? I'm concerned that the truck that's exactly what I want doesn't exist or will be hard to find (within my budget).

My other question is this: Is the front sheet metal on the GMC's the same as the 67-68 Chevy's? Could I swap grills and make a GMC look like a 67/68 Chevy?

Thanks,
Matt
Lyman, SC