How much space do you have to work? I ask because having the donor car nearby instead of running and grabbing what you think you need would probably be the best idea. OR, and I know you're not going to like this idea as much, find a straight body as was mentioned earlier, and build that with the same plans you have for this one. Use as much as you can from this car to try to retain as much as you can for sentimental reasons, but also realize that there is a LOT of work compared to using a different canvas to create the same thing. Again, speaking from experience since I hemmed and hawed about that for a few years.
If you do choose to keep this particular car vs using it for parts, you're going to have to be careful with the front frame rails especially since everything beyond that will be based on the proper location of said pieces.
And again, if it were me, I'd seriously consider a car that's not been cut and welded on like this. There are so many factors to consider when making that choice - your ability, the space you have to work, what kind of timeframe you're looking at, your financial situation, etc etc. It's not an easy decision, especially when you have a sentimental connection to it, but you also have to think practically. Is it more than you're capable of? Can you afford to rescue it like that? Would a different car offer the same potential while still honoring your feelings? It's a lot to think about. But from an outsider's practical standpoint, this one is more work than it's worth, a different car would net you the same results for both cheaper and a lot less work.
If you do choose to keep this particular car vs using it for parts, you're going to have to be careful with the front frame rails especially since everything beyond that will be based on the proper location of said pieces.
And again, if it were me, I'd seriously consider a car that's not been cut and welded on like this. There are so many factors to consider when making that choice - your ability, the space you have to work, what kind of timeframe you're looking at, your financial situation, etc etc. It's not an easy decision, especially when you have a sentimental connection to it, but you also have to think practically. Is it more than you're capable of? Can you afford to rescue it like that? Would a different car offer the same potential while still honoring your feelings? It's a lot to think about. But from an outsider's practical standpoint, this one is more work than it's worth, a different car would net you the same results for both cheaper and a lot less work.