In our rust belt, sometimes when we hold onto sentimental ****, we will take as many vehicles to make one as we need to.. a frame here, cab there, bed from another (luckily the ST doesn't have that issue, just the hardware rusts out), and maybe front clip from a fourth, and doors out the collection of donors..
And most often, it is still cheaper to collect the donors than picking up a clean, running (insert late model rust belt vehicle model here) and investing in rust prevention.. while building from the multiple donors most take advantage of that time to undercoat and address weak areas..
It is nice to travel to pristine valley to grab an older vehicle with no rust, but if you don't take the next step in rust prevention (which COULD lead to a complete dismantle depending on level of protection you are going for), you'll have murdered another good vehicle in less than 3 years..
My worthless opinion, to each their own, but just be informed before you make a choice on what is the best route for you & the environment the vehicle is going to spend the majority of it's time..
You wouldn't take a Pug to pull a dog sled in Alaska, or detail a car with the cover on..
Having a "buy it new" instead of "maintain it before it breaks" lifestyle is why everything is made as cheap as possible and disposable..
