I like the way you guys think, but to old for such shenanigans...
(Not really old, but old enough to know THAT would not get me far.)

There is one of the Lesson Learned "You might have to go to the South or SouthWest to get something drivable for that kind of money." I had $1500 into this truck, the cab was kinda rotten, well floor and cab corners were pretty much gone, patched, welded, bondoed, spray foamed or tared but she ran great, motor, tran.s/clutch hell even the heat worked. and I sold it for minimal profit...but now have nothing cool to drive ! which brings me to the other "Lesson Learned"

Next time I'll ask the "Wife" what color to paint the living room...and the "Dog" if I should get rid of the ol' truck !

Still looking/hoping fer an old truck

PS. I know with enough money you can get anything you want ! There is a '59 just like the one I had only in pristine condition on another web site for $10,000 but hell i wouldn't want to drive that one everyday to & from work on the roads here in Michigan