Projects Hello old friend

After a very long hiatus, I've decided to get back into my 48 chevy coupe. Some major life changes took place and I find myself at the perfect time to finally put some serious time (and money) in.
What once was a huge project has been reevaluated. I'm looking to do this on a much smaller budget. I'm not concerned with the need to have perfect paint or chrome. I just really want to get it road worthy.
It's an all original business coupe with the 216 six. Some patch panels will need to be done on the floors, and the rear wheel wells need to be redone. The rockers are ok, a little rough but not rusted through. I have a donor vehicle (91 GMC Sierra) it has a 5.0 v8 5 spd with 82k on it. It's a 2wd, and was going to be destined for the bone yard if using the motor and trans will not work.
So I'm looking for some advice. Most important will be brakes and suspension. I'm not looking for race quality, but I do want quality, safe parts. What do you guys think? Worth it? Where can I save/spend to keep this dream alive?
Thanks!

 

Well if you decide to go with the 305 you will want to upgrade the rear end so that will get you more modern rear brakes. You no doubt can adapt later front brakes to your original spindles or if you just make sure that your original front brakes are up to par you should be OK. If you were going to be running 90 to nuthin up to the off ramp and then trying to get shut down before you hit the bottom then a major suspension and brake upgrade would be in order. But just for normal puttzing around 4 wheel drums should be fine. Anyway I would not be afraid of them. like I said up to par not clapped out.

I am not sure but I think you should have a king pin suspension under then old heap. They worked really well, well enough to stay on the corvette until about 64. So only real upgrade I can see that important would be basic rebuild if it needs it.

You are going to get opposing opinions on about everything that needs or wants to be done with the car but that is my take on it.

 

You probably don't want to use the trans from the truck, the low gear is all but useless and made for getting a heavy load moving. Check your local CR and see if anyone is getting rid of a '70s Camaro or similar and use that driveline.
If your major life change meant changing your name to "Caitlyn" then good luck.