The "project" will not go in my '59. The ole one ton with the 9' bed, and wooden bedside extenders and headache rack will keep purring along with the ole 235 (heck, it only has 41,000 miles on it).
I was thinkin along the lines of a '69-'72 or maybe a '47-'55first. I will use a manual tranny (4 speed or 5 speed) and will get a new one of those also. Thinkin of running mid range axle ratio - maybe 3:73 or some such; however, if I go with the V6, I may look at 4:10s. A small light half ton, short box with a 4.3l and a late model 5 speed should pull one of these trucks along at a reasonable clip and have a little power in reserve if necessary.
I'm not building a hot rod, just a unique commuter that is reliable and able to keep up with traffic. My '59 goes about 55 mph (screamin') down hill with a tail wind.
