That's what I have been trying to do with the B3ta site[0]. It is a UK humour site forum that was founded in the very early 2000s.
I have been looking after it's backend for about five or so years, trying to modernise what I can and keep it stable and maintainable.
I have learnt a lot of respect for people who create a site like Spacehey, it quickly spirals in to a job in itself.
[0]: https://b3ta.com/