Hello, I read the rules, so I'll keep it about column shift 3 speeds and general bodywork

hello, I'm out of N Ga, and I have wanted to start a project (probably truck) for years. I know EFI and suspension mods, so I'll keep out of that unless asked. I currently have 4x4s, trucks, and late models. What I have really wanted for years is a column shift 3 speed. I have been looking for YEARS to find information about column shift repairs and what 3 speeds to look for, but other than "cut a hole in the floor" and "why not 5?", you guys are the ONLY place that I have found info.

That being said, my project will probably be a 53-79 Ford F100-F250, 47-87 Chevy truck, or most any car from the 30s-60s (Coupes, Sedans, Roadsters), not much style left after that. I have to learn to weld / fabricate anyway (for my 4x4s) and originality will not be my PRIMARY concern. I will probably power with Ford 300 I-6 (I have 4 now), but project will be Cruiser style. Nice bodywork and paint, hopefully with fenders / running boards. It is extremely difficult to find a good starting point vehicle, so I MAY be interested in a kit car, IF it comes recommended with PERSONAL experience.

Things you do NOT have to worry about me bothering you about are hood scoops / cowl induction mods, fuel / exhaust systems, air bags, or electronics.

You guys seem realistic, so I DO have a couple of questions right off the bat ....
Is it feasable to build a nice, budget friendly cruiser for around 25k-45k?
And does this seam like I'm looking in the right place (here) for the advice I am seeking?

I appreciate all the help so far and all the help to come. I drive OTR, so my response times vary from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on how hectic my schedule gets. Thanks, and sorry for the long intro

 

Welcome F Ford Custom, good to see another big truckin' Ford lover here! I'm also a trucker, but I run TN, AL, MS, and GA, so I'm home regularly. I'm currently working on a 1947 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe, 302 AOD.
The HAMB cut off date is 1965, so you'll need to look for a truck older than that, lots of them out there. I'd suggest Craigslist and eBay as a good place to start. Any Ford pickup right up to the 65 cut off would be a good fit for your 300 I6 since it came in a lot of them. A 66 would probably slide too since it is the same body as the 65. Most of them will be a standard 3 speed column shift, too, so I'd try to get as complete a vehicle as I could, running and driving would be the best. 25K to 45k will build a nice cruiser, just depends on how far you want to go. A friend of mine built a 66 from the frame up, new everything, put in a 351W automatic, paint, interior, the whole nine yards, I doubt he has over $30k in it but he did all his own work except the upholstery.

Read the rules, ask questions, read threads that interest you, and get out in the shop and go to work! I don't know your skill level, but not everybody can do it all, so do what you feel comfortable with, farm out the rest.