Welcome aboard!!

In your part of NY there have to be lots of cancerous Ford, GM and Dodge diesels just begging for a new home. I think what I would do is choose which one I want, then go look for it - cheap. Dodges with the Cummins engine - great power plant - but IMO, a plug ugly inline 6. The Ford 7.3 is a great engine as is the GM. Both are reliable as any available. Be aware that the later diesels suffer from EPA mandates and are expensive to maintain.

A '30s -'50s body style, a purpose built chassis to match the torque - and you can be assured that it will make driving in Central NY will be interesting. Might even want to take in the Right Coast Nationals at the NYS Fairgrounds any July.

One recollection - about 15 years ago at NSRA York, PA, a guy had a GM diesel powered T-bucket. I'm sure I have a picture somewhere, but no clue where