Recplacement TD5 chassis, the DVLA and insurance ?

I'm partway through a TD5 renovation.

I had planned to keep the original chassis and repair the bad bits.

I now can't be bothered, and I don't see much value in that, so I'm changing the plan to a new chassis. (in for a penny)

I want to check my understanding of the DVLA and the insurance side of it.

DVLA
As far as I can tell the vehicle would become classed as a "Rebuilt Vehicle" and as such the DVLA website states:

"A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:

• the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)
• a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)"

and

"You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.
For cars or light vans:

• suspension (front and back)
• steering assembly
• axles (both)
• transmission
• engine"

DVLA guidance also goes on to suggest that I'd need to complete a V55/5 to register a used rebuilt vehicle. It also states a V627/1 "Built-up Vehicle Inspection report" should be part of the bundle for the V55/5.

Insurance
Assuming everything above for the DVLA is necessary for a new chassis, and I've done all that, and kept the new reg, and maybe had a new V5 from the DVLA, what if anything does the insurance company need to know?

Or are people changing Land Rover chassis and never informing anyone?


Are all replacement chassis equal?
Do the replacement chassis manufacturers need some sort of authorisation to be able to offer their product as "a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original"
Or does this "same specification as the original" just mean it's a professionally built chassis as opposed to something I've attempted to build from scratch?
I've emailed the main chassis supplies and had a unanimous response of "We can't provide any help or information", "it's a DVLA thing". (limiting their liability)

You'd think if they had any confidence in their products then they would be seeking some sort of approval from the DVLA and then boasting about it. It also makes me think, the cheapest is best as there's no value added to the more expensive ones.

As is, it makes me think the whole thing is a bit shady and I'm not meant to ask too many questions.

My wife will ask plenty of questions if I spend thousands on a collection of new and old scrap metal, which is unable to be registered, uninsurable or is on the road without full disclosure having been made to the authority etc etc.

Any help is much appreciated.

Ta, James

(p.s. The vehicle is straight in every other way. Matching numbering, un tinkered ex agriculture use, battered but no other DVLA issues)

I wouldn't make things difficult for yourself tbh. You are simply repairing a vehicle with a replacement part, same as if it was a door, an engine, a dashboard.

Don't tell anyone, as mentioned its a bolt on part, like an axle, although it's a large part.

Cut out and keep the piece of chassis with the original chassis number on it, with the receipt for the new chassis, and then there should be no recourse or challenge.