I’ll put a sharper point on what I believe OEM and LarryW are stating. If you’re new to the hobby with limited experience in vintage vehicle ownership or restoration, the absolute most important factor in buying any 40 or 50 year old car or truck is rust, or more specifically the lack of rust. The 60-66 series of trucks have common rust areas, which can be minor, or deal busting. Extensive rust can consume money well beyond the value of the completed repairs, and wipe out any planned budget before mechanical repairs or cosmetic improvements begin. This is especially true if you can’t do the repairs yourself. And beyond money, finding and repairing more and more rust can completely drain the spirit out of a project before you ever get to the fun part.
In short, buy a truck with the best bodywork you can find. Mechanical repairs are easy and inexpensive by comparison. If you can’t afford the best you can find, save up more money. It will provide greater satisfaction in the end, when you only have to deal with simple problems you can learn to accomplish yourself.
