Projects 58 chevy truck build

Hi. Im new here, just bought my first truck and looking to do a budget build rat rod. I have a 58 chevy short bed , all original except the box. It was originally a fleet side, but now has a step side. My plan it to swap the motor and trans for a small block and a 350, lower the truck a little bit and just make it a weekend driver. My budget it about 2k and i already have a motor and trans.I can weld, fab, body work and paint. Any tips or advice is greatly appreceated. Thanks

 

Welcome to this great forum...
Just a heads up....this forum does not like "RR's" at all, sorry bout that.
Just trying to save you some major burn..
By the way, nice Chevy to start a project with ..
Cheers Man...

 

sounds like a fun project.

 

Except for the advice above, no RR on the HAMB., I would say you are Golden.

I would however scuff it up and lay down (brush) a thick layer of tractor enamel, and scuff it again, and a quit respray.
I don't like to se more then two colors and I don't like to see rust.
Might be because I'm from a contry where I little bit of outside rust means two floor pans and a fender. Lol

What is in it now motor and Trans-wise?

Does it run and drive?

 

I had a 58 at one time; it was a Ex-Navy truck, and was still grey in color. Somewhere along the line, a 4 barrel, 1955, 265 had been installed in it. Still had the three on the tree transmission. One of those cars/trucks I now regret selling. Guy I sold it to converted it to 4 wheel drive. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.