Al.  You’re right in that there are some trade offs in using electrics instead of internal combustion but in theory, electric energy has more potential for recyling as far as the batteries go.  But there are also the alternative systems where you simply exchange the discharged liquid electrolyte with recharged electrolyte and go on instead of having to recharge on-board batteries.  Sort of like filling up your car with gasoline except you have to drain the tank first.  The discharged electrolyte simply gets recharged again so it can be used again.  I did see an electric road race car that used the roll cage as part of the liquid electrolyte storage system but wearing a battery acid proof suit in one of these would likely be recommended.

When you get ready to convert your ‘Bird over, the weight saved from removing exhaust system, cooling system, gas tank and related lines can help to compensate for the weight generated from the batteries or liquid electrolyte storage system.  And some other upgrades will have to include better braking and a beefed up suspension to help with the extra battery weight.  For that hot rod sound, use computer generated pre-recorded engine sounds through speakers.  But too many amps on that sound system will end up discharging the batteries quicker.