Advice on becoming a trucker/ owner operator

by Jeff
(North Carolina)

Okay I am very naive about much of the trucking world, but right now am looking at changing careers. Truck driving job opportunities seem plentiful and it interest me.

From what I hear owner operators make more money and generally have more flexibility concerning routes, schedules, freight, etc. Is this true?

I understand that maintenance is on the owner and this can undoubtedly get expensive. I have most of the basics such as how to drive the truck, etc. (I still have a lot to learn) My next question is about the truck.

I found a 1975 International with a Cummins 350 and 13 speed trans. It's in fairly good shape, has a small sleeper and fairly cheap. Is it possible to use a truck like this truck as an owner operator or am I more naive than I think?

Would an old truck like this pull modern day loads? What about fuel consumption- are newer trucks worth the cost for better mpg? Any advise would be helpful.

It's a cool old truck and if nothing else maybe I will take it to truck shows.
thanks
Jeff