[rawpotatoeater37]

I love old cars. I really do. I would love to own one. It's not going to happen ANYtime soon.

But. Would it be possible to put a vintage (good condition) body and frame over a modern engine and all of that stuff? Or I guess more accurately, could you put a modern engine into an old car?

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, I see new engines in model Ts and model A at car shows,

[kitch428]

I'm into them too. I own one. A vintage gto. Pontiac rolled off the last big 6.5L V8 in 1978. A few made it into the 1979 Trans Am. Then, when they finally ran out of the big V8's, they borrowed some from the Olds line in the form of a 403. After that, it was all down hill.
Sure, I could get a Chevy big block out of a create, stuff it between those fenders, and make it completely smog legal fuel injected clean machine. All the parts are out there. And very doable. Got cash?
My fellow Pontiacers would heavily frown on me for doing that, though. Nothing like keep it original in my book!
Regards,
kitch428ci

[rawpotatoeater37]

Very neat! Thanks.

[CaptainRich]

There are shops that specialize in this for the very wealthy. But just about every guy out there has dreamed of building his own streetrod. I know this guy, personally, here in NE Florida who does that for a living. Jim, at The Street Rod Shop. You bring him a car or he'll help you find one. Then does a complete frame-off restoration. He's got place down south (Miami area, I think ) that dips the body and frame. In goes a new Jasper powertrain. The vehicle gets fully rewired, as necc. All custom stuff. It's neat to watch. Sometimes a resto can take years to do right. And you'll have to leave your checkbook with him, too. Haha

[rawpotatoeater37]

Heh I wish I could do that!

Maybe one day...

Personally, I love 1940's and 30's styles cars, but I know that often the engines and other parts aren't in good condition and that's why they're often abandoned. But why let a gorgeous, vintage body collect dust?

Oh well. At least I can dream.

[CaptainRich]

Personally, I appreciate your appreciation! Damn! From my experience, that's very rare. I'd like to have gotten into resto earlier, but instead went for the flat-rate thing that makes us hungry. Fight for the dollar today instead of looking to the future. I was closed to the idea when I started working on cars for a living. You go. I, personally, think you'll be happier in the long run. Read my profile.

[kitch428]

I agree with CaptainRich. Amen, brother! And rawpotatoeater37, you're a very interesting person! :)

[rawpotatoeater37]

Heh Thanks! I appreciate that!

[Curlyben]

If you want to have a go, before spending out serious time and money, have a go on a MINI.
They are small, easy(ish) to work on, loads of cheap parts and great fun.
This would give you something to get you feet wet with then move on to the main event.