from Alabama as well. My grandad passed on about 8 years ago and just before he did, he had and sold an old 73 GMC blue long fleet, 350, auto. I'm not much into longbeds, but like you said, it's the memories I had in that truck, from my much earlier years, makes me wish I had bought it from him before he passed
Well, hopefully, you will get some help as you restore it?!