Looks good! Very complete! The million dollar question is............what's your budget?
I'll hazard a guess and say you're probably in your early twenties with not a lot of disposable income and this very well could be your first rod (rat or otherwise). If that's the case I'd say keep it simple! Start by cleaning it up. Rust and grease removal, get rid of the seat, bed floor, superfluous crap, etc. That shouldn't cost much but will keep you motivated as you see your progress. Upgraded suspensions would be great but if you're keeping costs down (and we're not sure of your welding skills either) the stock front and rear suspensions will be fine, for now. Tear the front end apart, clean it up, new kingpin bushings, tie rod ends and shocks, call it good. Same with the rear. Clean, change gear oil, new shocks, axle seals and maybe a pinion seal, good to go. Find yourself an SBC and accompaning trans and drop it in. I would check over all the wiring also. That's the cheapest and easiest way to get it up and running.
Or, maybe you're experienced and have a few bucks. Then, there's a myriad of front clips that can be adapted. An 8" or 8.8 Explorer rear could be hung too. Your choice of motors. A friend's '48 ran a 322 Buick backed by a 4-spd. Another friend had a '49 with a 302/C4 combo and a flatbed on the back w/moon tank. We drove 'em both from Northern California to Death Valley and back many moons ago. What a trip that was!
Anyhow, good luck with your project and keep us informed with lots of pics!
