For the really high prices that some ask for a bobbed deuce or 5-ton they must be really uninformed of what these trucks actually cost. $2500 for the truck, $600 in parts for the bob, $500 for a decent trailer with tarp and bows, $400 or so in hemtt wheels (triple that for deuce wheel adapter plates) and another $500 for tires, and about $3000 for your labor = $7,500 or make it $8500 in case wheels and tires are more. So the list price might start at $8900, add another $1500 for a deuce with air assist power steering.
But, if you just want to use a cut down stock bed I'd subtract some money and if you do not want massive tires and hemtt wheels it would be cheaper still.
My dad and I would be doing this on the side if we had a large, heated polebarn. I wouldn't pay over $9,000 for a bobbed 5-ton and not over $10,000 for a bobbed deuce with power steering, even if they had been repainted. I'll build you trucks for those prices. Some might want more for their labor, but I'm happy with $20 an hour and $3000 is 150 hours or 2 guys at 75 hours. To me it should be doable for sure, I actually figure 3 guys with propper tools could do an awesome bob job in 3 12 hour days....but maybe I'm nuts.