Good to have you here, fellow Texan.
I had a 55 2nd that ran fine in its stock form. All original and would run all day at 60-65 mph. Last summer, I drove it to OKC to hang out with our OK friends and enjoy an onion burger. Tasty.
I bought the 50s saginaw with overdrive transmission but could not get it to work properly. But that is something you may want to consider and have someone set it up for you.
You can also change out the rear gears for highway driving.
This weekend is the big Decatur Swap Meet. It is the grand daddy of swap meets in Texas. You should check it out.
Best of luck
