I love those old Pilot House trucks too. Quite a challenge in all ways though. e.g. finding one, fixing and repairing, maintaining, but I'm sure you know all this. Probably going to have to go west to find one not completely rotted out to stay within $10k.

I love the 72-80 trucks too. I had a 79 Adventurer 150 and missed it since the day I sold it. Recently FINALLY fulfilled my desire again and bought a 1979 Power Wagon 150 short bed, standard cab, 360-4, 727. In my opinion these are the perfect years. Vintage yet don't have the straight axle front suspension (in the 2wd) and can find with front disc brakes and dual master cylinder, 12 volt system, V8, and many other things that you may not have in the old Pilot House trucks. But again, I do love them, so if you can do it (and you did say you're a glutton for punishment) go for it!