Don't buy an apple if you want an orange. Like wise, don't buy an old truck if what you really want is a new one. If you decide you want the old, but don't want to spend the bulk of your life repairing it, then buy the best one you can afford. I recommend looking West and finding an original, unmolested survivor with lower miles and no rust. You'll pay a little more up front, but it'll cost you less in the long run. It will also be much easier to sell should you decide not to keep it.
Parts are everywhere, from used, to repros galore, to NOS if you want to go that way.
lastly, yes, power steering and brakes were/are available along with A/C and other niceties, but options cost money... back then, and now as well.
Good luck and have fun.
