I have a 1947 Sedanette Model 46S two door and I want to put the body on a newer drive train.

I have see seen on the internet some people have "clipped" the front end from a Camaro or Nova and attached it to the 47 frame. Similar work done on the rear end.

I have an idea of using the complete drive train - frame, engine transmission, rear end, springs, etc. from a 1993 -1996 Buick Roadmaster or Chevrolet Caprice Classic. Conceptually, this seems to be the best and easiest approach. The wheel track on the newer vehicles is almost the same as the 47. The WB on a Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon is 115" compared to the 121 for the 47.

Obviously the body mount will have to be adapted but I do not know how compatible the overall frame of newer vehicle will work with the 47 body.

Has anyone ever done this? I really need some advice.

this is a big undertaking, you need to find a frame with the same wheel base and track width (or make it work). then there's the floor issues, firewall, gas tank, steering, brake pedal, bumpers......just search the internet, it doesn't have to be a buick, try a 50 merc. i think if you want a more modern drivetrain, put one in, make the mounts and put it where you want. the camaro clips have the motor mounts already and your stuck with where the motor goes and the firewall usally suffers. make your own motor mounts, trans mounts, rear leaf spring or 4 bar set-up. if you need you can got to a mustang II front end, to me it doesn't look good if it has a 5" spacer on the fan because the motor is set back too far....................my .02

Hi,
I have a similar thing; 48 Pontiac 'Torpedo' 2 door; body decent but frame rotted and hardware not up to what I want as a 'driver'..
My doner car was to be a '64 LeSabre with the 300.. then in getting rid of the body etc. a fellow had a bare frame from a '63 Wildcat. We swapped drivetrains as I like the 300, and he traded for the LeSabre.
I got frame drawings for each and it looks like it should work. Big job, yes, but the coil spring rear helps and the body mounting points look good. (or will)
The wheelbase is a bit different but i have even thought of playing with the rear arm lengths.. How much adjustment would be reasonable on those? 1in, 2in?

I didn't want to start trying to add to the old frame; the 'new' technology seemed the best bet, and allows all the options for brakes etc.

Also; the original drivetrain will be available; ran when parked... no big bucks but you would have to be able to come and get it / dismantle etc. in Ontario.
Let me know.
Cheers,
Rick