Sometimes I ponder building an A body for long trips (and daily use).
It would be a 2 door, 318 (gotta be a V8). I wouldn't mind a 273, if parts are still available. It would only be modified to increase mpg. It would be either a 4 spd w/ OD, or an auto w/OD. I'd prefer a stick shift, I guess it would get better mileage than an auto O/D. (Stick shifts are theft deterrents these days!)
Other mandatory items: A/C (I guess aftermarket would be better as far a when repair is needed?), Cruise control. (Are there aftermarket versions?) A factory radio or low end aftermarket radio, is all we would need. My wife and I get music from our phones and bluetooth it to a portable speaker. Good enough for us, and a cheap radio is less likely to be stolen.
Power steering not wanted. It would take from the mpg, and also be something else to maintain. Power brakes, not wanted. More repairs needed. Also, without PS and PB, the under hood would be less cluttered and easier to get to items that need repair. My wife drives a stick, and would be okay with no P/S on the highway.
I like the safety of newer cars, but I hate the idea of repairing one. We have had an '07 Accord since '09, and it's been great. Part of our retirement is traveling. I'd like to be that gray haired guy in the old car.
Anyone else done this or thought about it? What would you do, or have you done?
