How can I restore a truck for my first time?

I don't have much experience outside of routine maintenance of late model vehicles. I can be handy and can usually improvise. I don't have welding skills or extensive knowledge of the wide variety of systems in cars or trucks. I know what older cars are much simpler than models today. What I want to do is Take a early 50's chevy body and put it on a four wheel drive and lifted chasis and drive train. Also put a V-8 in it. I just am scared to dig in without these skills. Since I don't have these skills where can I pick them up or how can actuate a project like this? Thanks ahead of time.