Fabrication isn’t a problem, it’s just that looking at the rear of the chassis, , the curvature of the rear would restrict the fitting of the rear tub? Reduction of width of overall length of the chassis is fine but, I’m not to keen on cutting sections out of a chassis to alter the profile...

As it says, is anyone aware of a body conversion done on a P38 chassis? It’s come up on another thread and was wondering if it has previously been done, if someone could point me in the right direction?

Unfortunately I don’t do Facebook. So, apart from the link above to the Facebook one, can anyone remember this being done before S1 onto a P38 and if so, point me in the right direction, please? I’m quite keen on this idea as I can have what I want and still keep the original S1 chassis and...

I’m not really interested in selling it, it’s being built for me, for my needs, not with the intention of selling it on. I spoke to VOSA a couple of years ago about a kit car which was a body conversion and it made no difference. The log book was changed to a Mazda 250 body conversion and that...

Hi, sorry, I’m not sure what you’re trying to tell me? If I put the body on the P38, it would be registered as the P38 with a body conversion?

I’ve had a good look at the P38 chassis with regards to fitting the S1 body onto buy, although the reduction of width and ‘loosing’ the extra inch is all achievable, the chassis itself looks very different, especially where the rear tub would fit? Has anyone actually done this body change?

I never even considered something like that. I take it that the engine is from one of the late 90’s vehicles?

The P38 body conversion is an interesting thought, especially as I could leave the original chassis and engine sat at the back of the unit for the future if required? Has anyone done this? I’m trying to a avoid cutting the bodywork and would it be simple enough to keep the S1dash?

I suppose the Cherokee option is worth considering, especially due to the cost of a cheap donor but, my intention was although I know the new engine and gearbox would need mounting onto the chassis, the plan was after that, everything else would be a straightforward swap, axles if required...

The Cherokee is the 90’s boxy one that looks like a tank?! Why does that lend itself to the conversation in particular? The fabrication won’t be a problem as long as it physically fits in the engine bay/bulkhead.

Google let me down!!

As I’m not massively knowledgeable on these things, I’ve just Googled it and that’s the Jeep engine - correct? If so, which gearbox would you use with it? Aren’t most of the Jeeps autos? Although, I’m not adverse to an auto if it’s smooth.

Cheers for the info, this is more like the info I’m after. This is where my S1 is. The chassis is perfect and the suspension is all brand new. This looks like it would be the ideal time to modify the chassis if required? The engine was running a couple of use years ago and my line of thought...

You’re a constructive lot. Brakes can be uprated - discs fitted? Steering can be uprated - anything can be done with time and effort, and done well and safely. I came for a little advice, it is my car and I believe that means I can do what I want to it? If I’d wanted to be moaned at, I’d...

My expectation would be to have the correct gearbox for the engine fitted. I would obviously uprate the brakes and the suspension but, these points are why I actually started the thread - for advice. If someone could give me some advice, buy this vehicle as a donor, you’ll need these axles, if...

I would be doing all the fabrication myself so the actual fitting of it won't be a problem. My train of thought for the 200/300 tdi is the fact that it is quite simple with regards to electrics and, I hate electrics so, the more modern engine would scare me. Regards to axles, I'm open to...

I have a lwb pickup. The bodywork is exceptionally straight and although the chassis suffered horribly after being sat in a field since 1984, the top half looks very good!

Gents. I’d like to convert to a modernish diesel, and any help with that would be gratefully received. I accept all the other opinions and thoughts but, I’ve considered most of them and hence, my potential course of action.

You’ve hit the nail on the head - I don’t want a stock original car that I won’t use. I want something that looks stock but, is slightly easier to live with on a day to day basis. My suggestion for a 200/300tdi was mainly due to them being plentiful and, in comparison to the original 2.0 lump...

I’m just guessing that the dimensions are all wrong and you’d have to significantly modify the chassis which may cause consternation with the MOT tester?