I have a 53 GMC truck.  My dad has a 52, my brother has a 54.  The 52 and 53 were the last projects me and my old man worked on before he passed.  

I can't help you with any 70's stuff and lowering, but if you're going to do a truck take a serious look at the 50's chevy's and GMC's. As far as restoring a vehicle goes it's about as cost effective as you can get. 

You can get all your stuff all the way up to 72 right here.  Solid place.  I purchased everything from door handles, bumpers, and wiring harnesses from Jim Carters.

http://www.oldchevytrucks.com