Classic/Antique Car Repair: 38 Caddy drivetrain swap?, volt electrical system, cadillac limo

Question
I own a wedding chapel and recently bought a 38 Cadillac limo.  Good survivor but it will need extensive cosmetic work to ferry bride/groom around.  I'm torn as to whether I should keep original drivetrain (would need to add air cond.) or swap out entire drivetrain for a late model GM light truck Vortec engine and drivetrain.  The original engine is pretty strong although starting is a big problem and the car has to be absolutely reliable.  Any advice?

Answer
You're asking the wrong person, as I am very biased - I only work on and own original cars, and feel it would be a shame to convert this car to modern running gear.  However, many people have done this, and it is apparently successful.

Since your car's electrical system is 6 volts, the condition of the various components is much more important than modern 12 volt vehicles. Your starting problems can be cured by someone who knows what he is doing, and I'd be happy to give a tutorial on the subject.  As I'm sure you realize, when these cars were new, no one would have tolerated an unreliable car, especially one in limousine service.  I happen to have a Packard limousine from the same era, and I assure you, I have no worries about it's reliability.

However, since you feel air conditioning is required, you are probably best advised to have the car professionally converted to 12 volt operation anyway - which does require substantial modification of the electrical system - that will also cure your starting problems if it is well done.

The steps involved in doing this are a bit more  complicated than I can detail in this forum - my advice is to take it to a professional car restorer and ask him to install air conditioning and convert it to a modern 12 volt electrical system.  This will take time and money, but you'll have a unique vehicle.  The cost will probably be about the same as moving the body to a suitably sized modern truck chassis,  but there will be much more of the antique experience preserved for your guests, and a future owner/collector can always convert it back.

Dick