Hi Newhope,
I'm over in Raleigh, so welcome Carolinian.
I bet Stovebolt member Spanky can give you the 411 on salvage yards that might have old 'bolt parts. I don't think you'd have much luck finding a complete truck at any NC yards.
So, are you interested in building one from the ground up, finishing someone else's restoration/rodding attempt, or are you looking for a turnkey driver? That kind of info might better help point you in the right direction.
One thing I will say up front is that you definitely picked the right make/model to pursue. Mostly because they are such cool trucks, but also because GM built a BUNCH of them, which means:
1) There's more of them to go around... so supply and demand helps keep the cost of buying one reasonable (unlike a '67 Shelby Mustang for example).
2) You're more likely to find a nice truck near you, which makes getting it home easier/cheaper. Note that this won't help much if you live in parts of the country that get a lot of rain. Most of these trucks were used for WORK and were not kept in garages.
3) You're more likely to find parts at salvage yards.
4) There's a significant cottage industry built around selling original/hotrod/streetrod parts and assemblies. You can buy everything from a complete rolling chassis to headliner retainer screws FOR YOUR SPECIFIC TRUCK (try doing that on a Studebaker or International).
5) There is a HUGE knowledge-base that makes working on these trucks easier. There are books, websites (like the Stovebolt Page), and message boards with knowledgeable folks... most eager to help put/keep another 'bolt on the road.
6) Much of the sheetmetal for these trucks is available as repops. If you're truck is involved in a fender bender, NEW panels/doors/fenders/etc. are readily available, without having to keep several donor vehicles handy.
Okay, so depending on your answer to my first question about starting from scratch, picking up an in-process project, or buying one turnkey, I would recommend buying as much truck as you can afford, that is as close to the finished product you are looking for. Most car folks will agree that projects take TIME, TALENT, and MONEY. Sometimes you can get by without one or two of these, but you will surely have to make up for it with the other. Most times it just takes a boatload of ALL THREE.
But you didn't ask for a lecture on project planning, so I'll shut up. Hehe. Anything I have written here is just to serve as food for thought.
In terms of "what specific year to look for", I'd say you can't go wrong with any of them. And any feature you like (or don't like) about one year, can simply be added (or deleted) from the truck you end up with. Best of luck and keep us posted.
-murph
