I also bought Tom Brownell's book as I ventured into this hobbie. Also with a 62 C10. I know exactly where you are having been there a few years ago. Take small bites. Carefully balance your $, time, capability, garage space and long term interest. The slope is slippery and steep and once you go down, you will wind up with a 10k bill 3 years down the timeline and may have grown beyond the short term dreams.
I recommend - Repair and replace as you go. Take pride in the small improvements as you drive your truck. Some day, to preserve it, you may have all needed to restore. Many have show trucks that have so much $$ sunk in that it is uncomfortable to drive and enjoy to the fullest. Someday. Until then I can drive the truck.
With engine out - get at those brake lines. Remove and replace. Open up the drums and rebuild/replace brake components. You have to be able to stop once the go go parts are working. Hyd clutch line is also right there and is easy to replace.
Suspension - check and repair if needed. It may be OK. With engine out you should be able to get a good look at front suspension. Check steering linkages - also easy with engine out of the way. Also might be OK. Replace as needed. NAPA has most of the parts.
Fuel tank and system - Got to make sure good gas is getting to a clean carb. Tank may be gummed up if it has not been cleaned. Take care of that. New tank or cleaned/treated tank. There should be a few hard fuel lines (tank to pump, pump to carb). Clean or replace. Check fuel filters. Maybe add a $3.00 inline filter somewhere to help the mess filter in the carb.
Put engine and trans back in and drive until you have time and money for next project. Do you have the shop manual and the Assembly manual yet? You will use them if you buy them. Good info for what you are doing.
Wish I had california trucks to play with.
Call on me/us if you get to a point where you need to be talked off the ledge.
Cheers
