Welcome to CHR!

Like others, I would also caution you to very carefully evaluate this as “first project”. There’s an old saying, “time, cost, quality – pick any two.” If you want to build this car without breaking the bank you need to be able to invest a ton (and I mean a TON) of time. If you want it done quick – be prepared to take a second mortgage on your house. I agree it’s a unique and (strangely?) appealing car, but it could easily consume $25 grand in a heartbeat and still be a long way from something that you’d enjoy driving. Dave is spot on with his advice on “burn out” and there are a whole lot of half finished projects available for a fraction of what’s been invested in them.

As to engine(s) – you can make just about anything fit into anything. Ask Barb about stuffing a Caddie motor in a Monte Carlo! – She our resident expert here and could tell you a lot of what she learned and about the little things that need not only fabrication skills but a real good understanding of physics and engineering, i.e., leverage, inclines, direction changes, alignment and a host of other opportunities when transplanting engines and drive trains. I’ve stuffed big blocks into Novas, but have stayed within the Chevy family where there’s a plethora of aftermarket parts and I still end up machining a bracket or linkage here and there. I’ve carved a lot of big aluminum bar stock into little clevises and bell cranks over the years because try as I might, the factory parts just don’t meet my expectations – be prepared to do a lot of this in a restoration of this magnitude.

In all likelihood – you’ll be miles ahead to get a full size “donor” car (big Gm, i.e., Caddie, Buick, Olds or Chevy) and plan on grafting engine and drive train. Don’t discard the possibility of using a late model Suburban - 454 with 4 speed automatic and 12 bolt rear end – ¾ ton disc brakes all around, tilt column, nice buckets, etc. would be a good base to build on realizing that there will be a lot of fabrication for fitment, but a complete vehicle will make compatibility with controls a lot less work.

You’d need a lot of commitment (and as already mentioned, a big garage!) to tackle this project. My advice is to walk away from this one look for a project that’s nearly complete and finish with your touch or even better, buy one that close to what you’re itchin’ for and drive it for a while to see if you’ve truly been bit by the hot rod bug!

If you do decide to “go for it” – make written plans to address everything you’d like to do. Buy or borrow the correct tools – don’t be afraid to ask for help and get a second set of eyes on a component if you have questions. Hot rodders are truly a bunch of guys and gals who love to help – if approached with a contrite and open attitude that shows you’re willing to listen (you’ve shown a great start by coming to this site!) Go slow and be willing to wait for a part that you really want. You’ll rue the day you settle for less on a component rather than save a bit and buy what you really know you’d like!

Let us know what you decide – there’s a lot of help here and several “long term projects”..

Regards,
Glenn