Hi everyone.

My Rossa MK2 project is well under way (i WILL do a project thread i promise) and i am mid-way through the re-wire.

I am using a loom from a mk2 metro, so it has all the light and wiper controls on the stalks, and a proper fuse box. It will also have central locking and electric windows by the time im done.

I am holding off finalising the cable runs for front and rear lights for a few reasons.

If i was to completely re-design the workings of the front end, would that land me in hot water come MOT time? Its already registered correctly as a GTM, but i want to make the bonnet possibly front hinged, and remake the front tub to give better air flow for cooling and a place to mount an ali tank. I would also like to be able to remove all the front panels, leaving the subframe in place, but also the radiator and tank etc. (think of it as being everything i would need in order to still have a drivable car if i took off the front and rear body work.......

Being that the main tub has all the strength, would i be alright to remake the front end to my own spec and design? or is it simply not legal to do.

Any ideas welcomed. I will be sharing pictures and ideas when i can get the project in a garage rather than on my drive.

Nathan.

Hi Nathan
I have also looked into a few body mods on a Rossa, I plan in the next year to do a fastback moulding for the rear of one of mine
The front option I would like to try would be along the same lines as you describe

The front bumper moulding would be removed from the lower front section, this would then be joined to the bonnet
to create a one piece front

The new front section would then be fwd hinged in the same way as a coupe

As for beinging legal, my take on things would be don't go silly on headlight/indicator heights and it should not be an issue.

Paul

So long as you are not modifying the main tub structurally or the way that the subframes are fixed to it then you are ok, it is only when you modify the "chassis" that things get sticky legally wise. The front and rear clams can be altered to suit whatever you want they have no strength in respect of the vehicles rigidity or road worthyness.

I would also suspect that the MOT man will not see many Rossa's in his day to day workings so wouldn't know if it was a factory item or home made.
Keep the lights at the correct height and pointing where they should and ensure that the chassis number is easily seen and you will be fine.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I will get on and start this mammoth task as soon as i can. Excited to get the engine side of the wiring done first and see if it actually runs!!