Welcome Savage!
You'll get a lot of different answers to your questions, all of them pretty well-informed. I drive a stock '53 3100, and I think it's a great truck like it is. There are a lot of guys here who will swear by the stock model, and a lot who wouldn't dream of driving a stock truck in modern traffic.
Basically, a stock truck with its low-geared babbit-pounding 216 and simple brakes doesn't want to go over 50 mph and takes a while to stop. If that is all right with you, then keep it stock. Working on the truck is simple, a well-maintained 6 volt system will serve you well.
Search this site you'll find a lot of good advice for dealing with the brakes and what you might want to do with the motor.
Is it worth $2500? Maybe, especially if it isn't rusty. I paid a little less for mine, same mileage as yours, a little rust, not running and without brakes.
It's in running order now, and it's a great truck. I would never dream of changing the motor. Whatever you do, choose something you can drive and have fun with.
Karl
