Ambitious_TAS – The rules are a bit confusing when it comes to a ‘rebody’.
I think your question covers two separate, but related, issues:
- Keeping the original registration number.
- Maintaining the structural integrity of the MX5 bodyshell.
So first things first…
If you want to keep the donor car’s registration number you can’t cut the MX5 windscreen off.
( And yes other people may have, but that doesn’t mean that their car is legal. )
The DVLA rules are here:
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registrat...tered-vehicles
The requirement is for an “unmodified” monocoque bodyshell.
The MX5 monocoque includes the windscreen.
As others have said, the A352 example is different because the DVLA identity lies with the chassis.
In my case, my registration number was linked to this.
Which allowed me to cut the windscreen off a secondhand body tub to use as a bulkhead.
So if you have to cut the MX5 windscreen off then you lose the original registration number and need to pass IVA.
Unfortunately, I can’t help much with the structural questions if you do go down this route.
Hope that helps, Paul.
