figlass rebody

[sharkduck]

Looking to do a re body on a 1991 Mazda NA mx5. Similar in method to “Tribute MX250”, (but different shape)

Fibreglass over body only… No change to engine, suspension, drivetrain, brakes, interior.

All vehicle structure will remain in place, At the front I will swap out or significantly modify the nose, front guards and bonnet. At the rear I will replace the rear fascia and bumper, the rear quarter panels will overlay the existing panels as I believe they are structural.

I have the constructor’s manual and I’m picking areas to watch out for are…

1. Frontal impact/projections…front under bumper will remain in place but with new nose, front guards and modified bonnet.

2. Lights front and rear…
3. Secure attachment of panels, (Doors remain OEM with locks etc. )
4. Front visibility angles.

Car will need to be certified anyway, (expired Rego) but are there any other areas to investigate?

[Todd]

Wow, those MX250s look great (not that it's what you're doing, but I'd not seen them previously).

This is an interesting one, as cosmetic body kits do not require certification, and lighting falls under the 'never requires Certification' category.

However, not knowing what exact kit you're going for, and what the installation process requires, it's a bit hard to give any concrete advice on what will require certification.

Having just looked at a MX250 step-by-step online, the kit is more than just cosmetic, with cutting of bonnet and guards etc, so these would require certification of the body work.

The expired rego should have no impact on the vehicle's need for certification. For simplicity, you may be better to get the vehicle re-registered prior to adding the modifications, as the re-registration check is essentially an in-depth WoF inspection, something the compliance officer will likely be more comfortable with on a stock MX5.

If you wish to keep the type of kit you're looking at quiet, feel free to email [e-mail], and we can have a look.

Good luck with the project.

Todd