Hi GeeVee,
It sounds like this may be one of your first projects, if so I would keep it simple. If you jump in too deep you may end up with an unfinished project, I speak from a lot personal experience here. My wife has finally figured out I have a truck to work on, not a truck to drive. First see if you can get it running and determine the mechanical condition of the engine. A running engine is a big motivator. If your son is planning on driving this truck on a regular basis do not skimp on the brakes. Rebuild the stock front end (king pins, spring shackles) and upgrade with a disc brake conversion kit. There are lot's of kits out there, Speedway Motors in Lincoln NE have some of the best prices. Add a dual resevoir master cylinder and rebuild the rear brakes. Now it should run and stop. If highway driving is a possibility you will find lot's of info here on a T-5 transmission upgrade and changing the rear axle to accomodate an open drive shaft. These changes will give you a truck that is capable of modern highway speeds, will stop a lot better, and is simple and reliable. Also as someone else mentioned, don't forget some 3 point seatbelts. Just my thoughts.
John
